DeRaad, Vernon 1923-2003

DERAAD, RAAK

Posted By: Lin Ziemann (email)
Date: 4/19/2005 at 16:18:47

Vernon DeRaad, 79, of Le Mars, died Monday, Sept. 22, 2003, at Floyd Valley Hospital in Le Mars.
Vernon DeRaad was born Dec. 1, 1923, near Carnes, the son of John and Wilhelmina "Minnie" (Raak) DeRaad. As a young boy, Vernon moved with his family to a farm northwest of Le Mars. He began school at Clark Elementary School in Le Mars and completed his education at a country school near Kingsley, when the family moved to a farm northwest of Kingsley.

Vernon was united in marriage to Agnes M. Ruba on Sept. 2, 1947, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Remsen. The couple farmed southeast of Le Mars for 45 years. Vernon drove school bus for St. Joseph Catholic Church, Neptune, for 12 years. He also enjoyed driving the sports bus for St. Mary's Catholic School in Remsen for several years.

Vernon enjoyed tinkering in his shop, fishing, camping and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His greatest love in life was his wife of 56 years, Agnes. Wherever Vernon went, he always had time to sit and visit with friends and acquaintances.

Survivors include his wife, Agnes of Le Mars; five children, Diane and Curt Rasmussen of Aplington, Duane and Jan DeRaad of Le Mars, Betty and Rich Benson of Remsen, Mark and Nancy DeRaad of Brunsville, and Faye Jean and Bryon Jelken of Le Mars; 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Marion, Alfred, Elmer and Arthur DeRaad; and two sisters, Myrtle Madden and Viola Fulton.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. James Catholic Church in Le Mars with the Rev. James Tigges officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitations will be after 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars. There will be a parish rosary at 4 p.m. and a Scriptural wake service at 8:15 p.m. The family will be present to greet friends after 3 p.m. and again after 6 p.m. Wednesday evening. Visitations will resume after 9:30 a.m. Thursday morning at the church.

Pallbearers will be Tim Galvin, Jim Lamp, Tim Macal, Brian Hettwer, Dale Lehner, Norman DeRaad, Dennis Ernst, and Bob Kewley. Honorary pallbearers will be Timothy Dempster, Jeremy Dempster, Shannon Stone-DeRaad, Stephanie DeRaad, Chad DeRaad, Travis Jelken, Donnie DeRaad, Corey DeRaad, Terra DeRaad, Tyler Jelken, Mary Benson, Matthew Benson, Michael Benson, Tiffany Jelken and Lacrisha Good.