Roetman, David Lee "Dave" 1934-2022

ROETMAN, DEHAAN, DEJAGER

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/15/2022 at 06:23:10

David (Dave) Lee Roetman, 88, of Vermillion, SD died Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at Dougherty Hospice House with his family by his side.

Dave was born May 3, 1934 to George C. Roetman and Anna DeHaan Roetman at home in Lynn Township, Sioux County, Iowa. He married Elaine Mae De Jager on June 17, 1955 at First Reformed Church, Maurice, IA.

After graduating eighth grade from a country school near Sheldon, IA, Dave started high school at Hospers, IA, but left to take charge of the family farm after his father became ill. He farmed with his father and on his own for several years.

He was an over-the-road trucker for 25 years. He worked for Load King Manufacturing at Elk Point, and he also drove regionally for Dan Dugan Transport, Sioux City, IA. For the 11 years before his retirement, he was a custodian for Vermillion Public Schools.

Dave was a Master Gardner, and for the last 40 years, he and Elaine raised a truck garden and operated a farmer’s market out of their garage. They called it the Town Farm. Many people, from in and around Vermillion enjoyed the fresh vegetables that they harvested from their garden. Dave tilled many gardens, he enjoyed sharing his skills and knowledge with many others and was always up for conversation.

Dave was an active member of the First Baptist Church, Vermillion, also a member of the Vermillion Eagles Club.
He was an avid square dancer and member of the Dudes and Dolls Square Dance Club of Elk Point. He and Elaine travelled to local dances, attended 40 annual Iowa State Square & Round Dance Conventions and five national conventions. He held various offices, locally and statewide within the Iowa Square & Round Dance Federation. A trip to Europe included participation in a square dance in Germany.

His hobbies included woodworking. He enjoyed making turned objects and furniture for his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed attending NASCAR races. On Sunday afternoons he could be found watching the races on television.

Survivors include his wife Elaine, four daughters, Debra (Dan) Rawlings, Rantoul, IL, Susan (Andy) McDonald, Meckling, Betsy (Rick) Petersen, Hartford, Laurie (Doug) Lowther, Cheyenne, WY, one son, George (Teri) Roetman, Vermillion. 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, two sisters Charlene (Roger) Van Ommeren, Thousand Oaks, CA, Judith (Burdell) Klaassen, Sheldon, IA, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson.
Dave took pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be Sunday, May 15, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with Prayer Service to follow at First Baptist Church, 101 E. Main St, Vermillion, SD. Funeral service will be at the church on Monday, May 16, at 10 a.m.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Kober Funeral Home of Vermillion.

Memorials may be sent to Camp Judson, 12965 Old Hill City Road, Keystone, SD, 57751-6623 www.campjudson.org.

Source: Kober Funeral Home online obituary.