HUISMAN, Warren Keith “Warney” 1947-2003

HUISMAN, DEBUHR, GRUIS

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 10/9/2008 at 14:23:58

Warren Keith “Warney” Huisman was born November 28, 1947 in Rock Rapids, Lyon county, Iowa, the son of Weert K. and Margaret (DeBuhr) Huisman. He grew up in Rock Rapids and graduated from Central Lyon High School in 1966. In August of 1966 Warney enlisted in the United States Navy and received training as a radioman. During his military service, Warren served two tours of duty in Vietnam.

After receiving his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1970 Warney returned to Rock Rapids where he worked for Steenblock Steel Construction for several years before taking a position as supervisor at Barrow’s Enterprises in Rock Rapids.

Pm November 24, 1973, he was united in marriage to Patricia Gruis at Hope Reformed Church in rural George, Lyon county, Iowa. Following their marriage, Warney and Pat lived in Rock Rapids. For several years, Warren owned and operated his own feed store until selling the business and for the past seventeen years has been employed at John Morrell and Company in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Warney was an active member of the Rock Rapids community and served on the volunteer fire department for twenty-eight years. During these years, Warney became known as a “super salesman” for Fireman’s Dance tickets and whatever raffle tickets they had to sell. Warren was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion and for a time a member of the Rock Rapids Gun Club along with playing softball for the Sportsman’s Lounge. He also enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Rock Rapids golf course but one of his true joys was following NASCAR, especially his favorite driver, Bill Elliot. For the past six years Warney attended the race at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. When at home, Warney truly loved taking his grandsons for rides on his motorcycle. During his leisure time he could often be found with his buddies up town and every Saturday he had his own schedule of who to see and where to go.

His family fondly remembers Warney for being readily available to help others, no matter what their needs would be. On June 2 of this year Warren became sick at work and was taken to the hospital. After examination and testing, he was diagnosed with terminal melanoma cancer. During the next months, he waged a valiant fight against his disease. Once, during a treatment, the doctor commented that Warney was a “tough fighter” and that not many could have survived this long with these insurmountable odds against them.

Through the care and love of his family, Warney was able to spend as much time at home as possible. Last Saturday, November 1, his condition worsened and he was taken to the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Fall, South Dakota. Won Wednesday, November 5, 2003, Warren died, surrounded by his loving family. At the time of his death he was fifty-five.

Surviving is his wife of twenty-nine years, Pat, of Rock Rapids, two sons, Bret (Julie) Huisman and Heath (Wendy) Huisman of Rock Rapids and a daughter living in Sioux Falls, as well as four grandchildren.

Funeral services for Warren Huisman were held November 8, 2003 at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Rock Rapids with interment at Riverview Cemetery there. Graveside military honors were provided by the Van Anne-Fields Post No. 6960 Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Rex Strait Post No. 102 of the American Legion, both of Rock Rapids.

(From funeral program)