Roorda, Richard 1916-2001

ROORDA, LAREW, DOVE

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 8/8/2005 at 22:10:31

MESA, Ariz. - Richard Roorda, 85, of Mesa, Ariz., died Aug. 22 at his home.

His funeral service was held Aug. 25 at Melchers Mortuary in Mesa, Ariz., with burial at Mountain View Memorial Gardens.

Richard Roorda was born Jan. 13, 1916, to Gerrit and Blanche Larew Roorda of Harvey. He married Dawn Dove on Aug. 7, 1940. He graduated from Harvey High School in 1933, and farmed with his father until 1942, when they moved to Davenport to work at the government industrial plant.

In 1947 they purchased a farm near Tracy where they raised their family. Richard worked at Wilcox Coal Mine to help supplement the farm income. For health reasons, the family moved to Mesa, Ariz., in 1964, where Richard worked at Williams Air Force Base until he retired.

He is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law: Wayne and Lilly Roorda of Voorhees, N.J., Gary and Lois Roorda of Mesa, Ariz., and Ralph Roorda of Apache Junction, Ariz.; a daughter and son-in-law: Susan and Robert Clouse of Phoenix, Ariz.; six grandchildren; a great-grandson; a sister, Della Ruth Parker of Albia; two sisters-in-law: Wilma Roorda of Des Moines and Marie Morlan of Centerville; seven nieces; a nephew; and many other friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dawn on June 26, 2001; his parents; and a brother, Howard.

The Oskaloosa Herald, September 14, 2001