Don De Gooyer

Don De Gooyer, 76, of Maurice, Iowa died Wednesday, February 20, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center of Sioux City. A visitation with the family present will be held on Saturday from 4-6 at Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center. No service will be held. In lieu of flowers or gifts the De Gooyer family respectfully requests memorial contributions be designated to Oak Grove State Park or Disabled American Veterans. Donald Dean De Gooyer was born in Sioux Center, Iowa on December 4, 1936 to Donald R. and Geraldine (Addink) De Gooyer. Don was raised in Sioux Center and attended Sioux Center Public Schools. On October 29, 1954 he married Ella Mae Vander Wilt. In January of 1955, Don enlisted in the US Army. He served stateside as a pipeline specialist with the 505th Engineer Co., Ft. Lee, Virginia. After receiving his honorable discharge on January 10, 1958 Don returned to Sioux Center and began working at the Farmers Mutual Co-Op Creamery. Don later worked for the City of Sioux Center and Franken Electric. Later he was hired by the Harkers Food Co., working in maintenance at the Le Mars and Orange City plants. Most recently he worked part-time during retirement for Echo Electrical Supplies. On April 2, 1993 Don married Nelva Jean (De Vos) Ter Haar. Don was a naturally handy person; over the years he acquired useful carpentry, plumbing and electrical skills. He generously helped friends and neighbors with repairs whenever he was asked. Don loved being outdoors and had an appreciation for nature. Much of his spare time was spent hunting, fishing or golfing. Don is survived by his wife, Nelva De Gooyer of Maurice; son, Doug De Gooyer of Brandon, SD; two daughters: Cheri (Kraig) Hulstein of Sioux Center and Kari (Marlin) Van Klompenburg of Maurice; step son, Todd (Deb) Ter Haar of Sioux Center and step daughter, Rhonda (Henry) Sandbulte of Sioux Center; seven grandchildren: Becky (Andy) Riskedahl, Ryan (Amanda) Hulstein, Katie (Evan) Freemyer, Hannah Hulstein, Maggie Hulstein, Austin Van Klompenburg, Michaela Van Klompenburg; two great grandchildren: Ruby and Cohen Hulstein; six step grandchildren: Sadie (Chad) Nelsen, Tony Ter Haar, Angie Singer, Eric Sandbulte, Austin Sandbulte, Sarah Sandbulte; three step great grandchildren: Ethan and Lina Nelsen, Jeremiah Ter Haar. Don is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Charlene De Gooyer of Rock Rapids and sister-in-law, Maureen De Gooyer of Schoolcraft, MI; his De Vos in-laws: Jane Den Ouden of Le Mars, Dolly De Vos of Sioux Center, Nupe Jeltema of Orange City, Herm and Mert De Vos of Orange City, Marv and Geneva De Vos of Le Mars. Don was preceded in death by his son, Veryl De Gooyer; his parents; a brother, Millard De Gooyer and infant step granddaughter, Danielle Sandbulte.