Rook, Wilbur, 1924-2008

ROOK, FRANSEN, DEJONG

Posted By: Mary Lou Verburg Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/4/2015 at 14:59:15

Born: March 20, 1924 Rural Sanborn, Iowa
Died: May 2, 2008 Rock Valley, Iowa

Wilbur Rook, 84, of Rock Valley, died Friday, May 2, 2008 at Valley Manor, Rock Valley. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Wed. at First Reformed Church, Rock Valley, Burial at Valley View Cemetery in Rock Valley. Rev. Mike Van Hamersveld will be officiating.

Wilbur Dick Rook was born March 20, 1924 on the family farm NW of Sanborn, IA, son of Herman and Nancy (Fransen) Rook. He attended country school in Osceola County and graduated with high honors at Melvin High School in 1941. Wilbur attended Central College in Pella, IA nine weeks before returning home to help farm. Wilbur married Tillie De Jong on Feb. 21, 1950 at Melvin. In 1951 Wilbur, Tillie and daughter Marlys moved to the farm north of Rock Valley and he retired to Rock Valley in 1989. Wilbur remained active in farming until his stoke in 2002, but continued to farm in his actions and thoughts for the rest of his life, admiring corn plants more than flowers. He was greatly loved by his wife, children, grand and great-grandchildren and will be missed by all.

He is survived by his wife, Tillie; children, Marlys Rook and fiance Fred Hamann of Rock Valley, Helen Merritt of San Ramon, CA, Paula (Gerald) Brandimarte of Inwood, IA, Vickie (James) Riphagen of Orange City, Rick (Kathy) Rook of Doon, IA, Joyce (Jeff) Murphy of Granville, IA; 12 grandchildren; 3 step-grandsons; 4 great-granddaughters; sister Rose (Arthur) Alons of Sheldon, IA; brother, Robert (Phyllis) Rook of Sheldon, IA; brother-in-law, Bud Harmelink of Melvin, IA.

Wilbur is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Henry Rook; sister, Nancy Harmelink; granddaughters, Jennifer Chatham and Elizabeth Riphagen.

Memorials may be directed to Sioux County CHEARS or Hospice.

Source: Obit after 5/2/2008