Poortinga, Harold 1919-2001

POORTINGA, AALBERS, VAN ZEE

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 8/8/2005 at 22:09:36

PELLA - Harold Poortinga, 82, of Pella, died Wednesday, Dec. 26, in the Long Term Care Unit of Pella Regional Health Center.

His funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at First Reformed Church in Pella, the Rev. Michael Kuhn officiating. Burial: Oakwood Cemetery in Pella. Memorials: Pella Parks Commission. Visiting hours are open at Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home in Pella, with family present 6:30-8 p.m. today.

Harold Poortinga was born near Otley on Dec. 18, 1919, to Dow and Minnie Aalbers Poortinga. He was educated at Otley Grade School.

On Dec. 18, 1941, he married Mildred Erma Van Zee; they had two children, Stanley Eugene and Donna Jean. They farmed in the Otley area for five years until moving to Leighton. They farmed there 1947 to 1971, when they moved into Pella.

Harold then became parks director for Pella until 1984. Mildred died Feb. 18, 1987. Harold continued working part-time for the Park Commission until he retired. He enjoyed gardening and raising tulips. He moved to Hilltop Manor North in Pella for a year and a half, then in April 2001 he moved to the Long Term Care Unit at Pella Regional Health Center. He had been a member of First Reformed Church in Pella since 1951. He attended his children's and grandchildren's activities, and participated in Tulip Time parades pushing the bakery cart. He also enjoyed coffee with friends and was known for his friendliness to everyone.

He is survived by his two children and spouses: Stan and Gayle Vander Waal Poortinga and Donna and Doyle Bogaards, all of Pella; four grandchildren: Michelle and Marc Poortinga of Pella, and Shane and Ashley Bogaards; three sisters-in-law: Elizabeth (Mrs. Marion) Poortinga and Lena (Mrs. Gerald) Van Zee, both of Pella, and Alma (Mrs. Marvin) Van Zee of Denver, Colo.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; and two brothers: Francis D. and Marion Poortinga.

The Oskaloosa Herald, December 28, 2001