Oldenkamp, Robert Edward 1935-2023

OLDENKAMP, VAIL, REHDER

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/10/2023 at 11:14:23

On Saturday, March 25, 2023, Robert Edward Oldenkamp was called home to heaven. Bob lived a life of farming, faith and family and is now in heaven again with his beloved wife, Diana. The memorial service will be held Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Peace Lutheran Church of rural Sioux Center, IA with Rev. William Loefke officiating. Visitation, with the family present, will be held at Porter Funeral Home, Hawarden, IA on Friday, April 14 from 5:00-7:00 PM. Porter Funeral Home of Hawarden is assisting the family with arrangements.

In loving memory of

Robert Edward Oldenkamp

Robert Edward Oldenkamp was born on April 21, 1935, in rural Rock Valley, IA to Joe and Pansy (Vail) Oldenkamp. He attended school in Rock Valley from elementary through high school and played baseball as a first baseman on Rock Valley’s state-winning baseball team. He graduated in 1953 and began farming with his dad in rural Rock Valley.

Bob met his wife, Diana Rehder of Hawarden, IA, during high school at Peace Lutheran Church, rural Sioux Center, IA, where they were married June 14, 1957. They lived on their farm northeast of Hawarden, IA where they farmed for 45 years and raised their three children, Joel, Rose Marie, and Melinda. He served in the National Guard from 1956 to 1959 and briefly worked at Iowa Beef Processors in Sioux City while farming full-time with his wife. Later, Bob worked for several years as a handyman and assembler at Bomgaars in Hawarden.

Bob was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church and enjoyed participating in the Men’s Group and hosting coffee hour before services. He had a passion for farming, tending to the livestock, and fixing up tractors. He loved reading as well as playing – and watching - baseball.

Bob enjoyed spending time with people and always had a pot of coffee and cookies ready for when someone would stop by to visit on the farm. But his true love was his wife, Diana, for whom he cared for on the farm until she passed away in 2021.

He is survived by his three children, Joel (Georgenea) Oldenkamp of Spencer, Rose Marie (Roger) Sager of Munith, MI, and Melinda (Joe) Voelcker of Gurnee, IL; 6 grandchildren, Jay and Jeremie Oldenkamp, Montana (Fadora Gatt) and Lily Sager, and Mackenzie and Sophia Voelcker; 2 great-grandchildren, Harmony & Liam Sager; brother-in-law, Orville Rehder of Hawarden; three sisters-in-law, Rima (Ron) Hartman of Sioux City, Phyllis Rehder and Shirley Rehder both of Hawarden; and nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Diana; his parents; father and mother-in-law, Albert and Frieda Rehder; two brothers-in-law, Merlyn and George Rehder; two sisters-in-law, Mary Rehder and Carol Rehder; and son-in-law, Stephen Ames.

Memorial donations will be directed to the Peace Lutheran Church Building Fund.

Source: Porter Funeral Home online obituary.