DeBOER, Kenneth W. 1930-2016

DEBOER, HUISMAN, REEMTSMA

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 4/1/2016 at 20:59:01

Kenneth W. DeBoer

February 28, 1930 - March 30, 2016

Little Rock, Iowa - Kenneth W. DeBoer, age 86 of Little Rock, died Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at the Lyon Specialty Care in Rock Rapids, Iowa.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 4, 2016 at the Bethel Reformed Church rural Little Rock, IA, with Reverend Matt Miller and Pastor Mike Kurrle officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Kenneth W. DeBoer was born on February 28, 1930 in Lyon County, Iowa, the son of Jacob and Bena (Huisman) DeBoer. He was raised on the family farm south of Ellsworth, Minnesota, and attended country school there.

On April 2, 1954, Kenneth was united in marriage to Eleanor Reemtsma, who was the love of his life, at the Tabernacle Baptist Church in George, Iowa. The couple made their home in Little Rock, Iowa, from April, 1954 to November, 1956; moved onto the family farm northwest of Little Rock until April, 1986 when their farm was destroyed by a tornado.

They then moved southwest of Little Rock until October, 1987 and presently live northwest of Little Rock. Kenneth farmed all his life and was a seed corn dealer for many years. Kenneth was a member of the Bethel Reformed Church rural Little Rock, Iowa. He enjoyed feeding cattle and farming with his wife, Eleanor. He loved selling seed and visiting with his customers. He and his wife enjoyed traveling with their fifth wheel, attending different churches along the way and meeting new people.

He also enjoyed his coffee guests. But he especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and his great grandchildren! His faith carried him through some difficult moments. His greatest desire is to see all his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in Heaven with him.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Eleanor DeBoer of Little Rock, Iowa; eight children: Jeffrey (Judy) DeBoer of Rock Rapids, Iowa, Renae (David) Vander Schaaf of Alton, Iowa, Kevin (Alleen) DeBoer of Ellsworth, MN, Rhonda Schuck of Little Rock, Iowa, Cynthia (Jeff) Van Der Weide of Maurice, Iowa, David (Heather) DeBoer of Little Rock, Iowa, Melanie (Jerry) Van Grouw of Orange City, Iowa and Don (Dawn) DeBoer of Little Rock, Iowa; twenty-seven grandchildren, Ginger (Andy) Ebel; Nathan (Sherri)Vander Schaaf, Nancy (Luke) Wielenga, Curtiss, Krystle, Ben, Rachel Vander Schaaf; Kenneth A., Kaleb, Kalene, Kurtis, Kordell DeBoer; Ashlee (Jose) Ayala, Andrea, Thomas and Terra Schuck; Jessica (Lorn) Wielenga, Cassandra, Samantha, Dustin VanDer Weide; Thea and Max DeBoer; Andrew, Julianna and Kate Van Grouw; Emily (fiance’ Justin Kruse) and Angela DeBoer; and thirteen great-grandchildren with two more coming in May, Grace, Avery, Landon, Abbie, Logan and Bethany Ebel; Kyra and Katie Vander Schaaf; Lydia and Abigail Wielenga; Juan, Max, and Leo Ayala; three sisters, Pearl (Ed) Korthals of George, Iowa, Betty (Virgil) Block of Adrian, Minnesota, and Joyce (Everon) Kanengieter of Little Rock, Iowa; sister-in-law, Vera DeBoer of Luverne, Minnesota; brother-in-law, Donald Drenth of Adrian, Minnesota; two brothers-in-law: Vernon (Lavonne) Reemtsma of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Lynn (Jane) Reemtsma of Maple Grove, Minnesota; three sisters-in-law: Carolyn (George) Stratman of George, Iowa, Leora Reemtsma of Rock Rapids, Iowa and Linda (Lynn) Molendorp of Spirit Lake, Iowa; and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Bena DeBoer; two sons, Larry in infancy and Terry; three grandchildren: Joni DeBoer, Matthew DeBoer and Sophia DeBoer; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Theodore and Louise Reemtsma; brother, Elmer DeBoer; sister, Alma Drenth; and an infant brother.

Source: Jurrens Funeral Home website