VandeWeerd, Richard H. 1924-1949

VANDEWEERD, HENNINK

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 3/14/2013 at 16:49:27

Sioux County Capital Nov 3, 1949

Rock Valley Veteran Dies In Car Smash-up
Funeral Services were held Monday afternoon in the First Reformed Church for Richard H. Vande Weerd, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jake Vande Weerd. He was killed late Wednesday when his car hit a bridge about a mile west of Plainview, la. According to the Scott county coroner skid marks showed he went off the road on the left side and returned to the highway just at the end of the brige. He suffered a broken neck, fractured skull, broken right arm and jaw besides internal injuries.

His parents were notified of his death early Thursday and left for Davenport shortly afterward. Richard (Bud) Vande Weerd was born Oct. 30 1924 at Rock Valley and grew to manhood here. He graduated from Rock Valley High School in 1941, and entered Iowa State College at Ames. He enlisted in the Air Force on Dec. 5 1942 and served as a fighter pilot in engagements at Rome-Arno, Rhineland, Balkans. He flew twenty combat missions in the European Theater. He earned the European African Middle Eastern Theater ribbon with 3 battle stars, and the Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster. He attained the rank of 1st lieutenant and was discharged on July 14, 1945.
He re-entered Iowa State college in the autumn and graduated as an engineer in 1948. He was employed in East Moline, IL. As a salesman for structural steel. He worked at Architectural engineering.

Besides his parents he is survived by one sister, Gertrude, Mrs. Wm O'Brien of Ft. Dodge, la., one nephew, his paternal grandfather, Henry Vande Weerd Sr. and maternal grandmother, Mrs. Gertrude Hennink and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He played the trumpet in the high school and town band here and also in the band at Iowa State College. Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien were able to be here with their parents during this time of sorrow.