Alfred B. De Jong

     Alfred B. De Jong, age 76 of Sioux Center, IA, died Wednesday, November 14, 2018 surrounded by family at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

     Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Monday, November 19, 2018 at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center with Rev. John Lee officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Ireton, IA.

     Visitation will be Sunday, November 18th from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM with family present from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home in Sioux Center, IA.

     The De Jong family asks memorials be directed to the Ireton Christian School.    

     Alfred Bernard De Jong was born on April 12, 1942, the son of Theodore and Geraldine (Hofmeyer) De Jong in Ireton, IA. He grew up in the Ireton area on a farm, graduated from Western Christian High School and attended Sioux Empire College in Hawarden, IA. Alfred enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was a member of the 185th Air Guard. He served his country in Vietnam. On February 12, 1965, he was united in marriage to Wilma De Haan in Artesia, CA. The couple made their home on a farm northeast of Ireton, IA. Together they had five children: Rhonda, David, Steve, Brenda and Cheryl. Their son David passed away in infancy.

    
     Alfred was a member of the Ireton Christian Reformed Church where he served as an elder, Sunday School teacher, youth group leader and on the building committee for the new church. Alfred retired from farming in 2008 and he and his wife, Wilma, moved to Sioux Center, IA where they became members of Bethel Christian Reformed Church. Alfred had a strong faith in the Lord which was evident to all who met him.

    
     Alfred was also very active in the community as a former school board member of the Ireton Christian School and Unity Christian High School. Additionally, he was a former board member of the Farmer’s Coop Society in Sioux Center.

    
     His hobbies included traveling with his wife, woodworking, and watching baseball, especially the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs. Alfred loved spending time with his family and always enjoyed a family game of softball. He was known for making time for his family whenever they needed him. Alfred will be greatly missed.

    
     Alfred is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Wilma De Jong of Sioux Center, IA; four children: Rhonda (Mark) Franken of Sioux Center, IA, Steve (Nancy) De Jong of Hingham, WI, Brenda (Aaron) Prins of Mabton, WA, and Cheryl De Jong of Oak Forest, IL; nine grandchildren: Megan (Mick) Argo, Courtney (James) Hellinga, Katelyn (Alex) Blankespoor, Anneke, Case and Willem De Jong, and Alex, Austin and Zoe Prins; three great-grandchildren: Bryson and Cohen Argo, and Baby Blankespoor; sister: Jeanette (Marion) Groenendyk; brothers and sisters-in-law: Anthony Dekkers, Howard Bomgaars, Loren and Thressa Struiksma, Henry and Pattie De Haan and Larry and Margaret De Haan; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.

    
     He was preceded in death by his son, David Lee De Jong; parents, Theodore and Geraldine(Hofmeyer) De Jong; parents-in-law, Henry and Bernadena (De Bie) De Haan; and two sisters: Arlene Dekkers and Thelma Bomgaars.