Henry W Rikkers

     Henry Rikkers, age 96, of Sioux Center, IA, died Sunday, February 5, 2017, at Royale Meadows Care Center in Sioux Center, IA.

     Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Thursday February 9, 2017 at First Reformed Church Chapel in Sioux Center, IA with Rev. Jamie Dykstra officiating.  Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery in Hull, IA.

     Visitation will be Wednesday, February 8th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM with family present at Memorial Funeral Home in Sioux Center, IA.

     Memorials can be made to the First Reformed Church Library of Sioux Center.

     Henry William Rikkers was born November 7, 1920 in Sioux Center, IA to William and Tillie (De Vries) Rikkers.  He was raised on a farm southwest of Hull.  He attended country school #3 and graduated from Sioux Center High School.  He attended Northwestern Academy, and following his graduation served Sheldon Christian School as teacher and principal.  Henry was drafted and served his country in the United States Navy during WWII.  He trained as a medic at the San Diego Naval Hospital and served at Okinawa, Japan and in the Philippine Islands.  Upon his return home he farmed with his father.  On June 24, 1959 he was united to Betty Ann Tjaden at the rural Woden, Iowa Christian Reformed Church.  To this union three children were born.  Henry returned to Northwestern College to complete his BA and later earned a Master’s Degree from the University of South Dakota.  He taught 5th grade science, health and math at Kinsey Elementary School for 16 years, retiring in 1982.  Henry loved people and would initiate conversation with total strangers.   He was caring and compassionate, giving and generous.  His faith was central to who he was, and he did not hesitate to share that faith with others.  His family will remember him for many things, but they will always treasure the memory of his deep love for and devotion to Betty, his wife.  He enjoyed fishing, gardening, reading, and rooting for the Minnesota Twins.  He was a member of the First Reformed Church in Sioux Center and the VFW Post 6129.  He will be greatly missed.     

     Henry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty Rikkers of Sioux Center, IA; son, Bill (Lori) Rikkers of Hartford, SD; daughter, Audrey (Richard) Cogan of Bixby, OK; son, Henry Rikkers of Sioux Falls, SD; six grandchildren; sister, Sadie Kosters of Orange City, IA; and other extended family members.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; stillborn son, June 17, 1960; sisters, Gertrude and Thelma and their spouses.