Heemstra, Rodney, 1933-2017

HEEMSTRA, VAN NYHUIS, ANDERSON

Posted By: Mary Lou Verburg,volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:34

Rodney Heemstra, of Sheldon, Ia, and formerly of Arnolds Park and Boyden, Ia, died 1-11-2017 at Sanford Medical Center in Sheldon. Services were held Sat. Jan. 14, 2017 at the First Reformed Church in Sheldon at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Paul Van Maaren officiating. Burial was at East Lawn Cemetery prior to the services with the family present under the direction of Turner Jenness Funeral Home. Visitation began one hour prior to the service at the church.
Rodney L. Heemstra the son of Harry and Gertie (Van Nyhuis) Heemstra was born 2-20-1933 near Hospers Ia. He attended country school and later graduated from the Sheldon High School. He worked for the DOT before enlisting in the Army for two years. Before and upon returning he served in the National Guard for eleven years. He also attended NCC for two years.

On June 18, 1955 he and Beverly Anderson were united in marriage at Augustana Lutheran Church in Clarkfield, MN and they lived in Olympia, Wa. for a year. He was later employed by the United States Postal Service for thirty-four years, the last fifteen as Postmaster at Boyden, IA. He served in many positions as Elder, Deacon, noyden City Council , Kiwanis Pres., Legion abd various city committees. Upon retiring, he and Bev moved to Arnolds Park Iowa and was a big part in starting Good News Community Church. He enjoyed meeting and visiting with people and his family was the love of his life. He and Bev, enjoyed many winters in AZ. and loved going to sporting events.

Survivors include his wife; Bev, two sons, David and Cheryl Heemstra of Severna Park, Maryland and Kevin and Twila Heemstra of Ocheyedan, Iowa; two daughters, Julie and Bill Langfitt of Sheldon, and Amy and Jay Grooters of Costa Rica; grandchildren, Ben and Austin Heemstra, Drew Heemstra, Sarah (John) Michels, Bryan and Kelli Langfitt, Jaci and Kylie Grooters; two great grandchildren Bella and Margot Michels; one sister, Janice (Jim) Moore of Colorado Springs, CO. several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Joyce (Jerry) Warner.

Source: Local Paper 2017