Ed Diekevers

Ed Diekevers, 75, of Boyden, Iowa died Thursday, February 2, 2012 at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A visitation with family present will be held Sunday from 2-4PM at the First Reformed Church of Boyden. A memorial service will be held on Monday at 11AM at the First Reformed Church of Boyden, with Rev. Matthew Draffen officiating. Interment will be held prior to the service in Sheridan Township Cemetery. Edwin "Ed" Gaylord Diekevers was born on April 29, 1936 to Walter "Ole/2Papa" and Bertha (Kooiman) Diekevers. Ed was born and raised in Boyden, Iowa where he remained all of his life. He attended Boyden High School and was the only male in the graduating class of 1954. Ed met the love of his life Rosie and the two were married on March 31, 1959. Early on in their marriage, Ed held many jobs before ultimately opening his own body shop in 1971. For almost thirty years "Ed's Body Shop" served the locals of Boyden. An avid car lover, Ed felt blessed to be able to make a living doing something he enjoyed. Even after Ed retired he continued to channel his passion by restoring old cars, Cushman's and golf carts. After the body shop closed Ed turned it into a place where he could gather with his family and friends, playing cards, shooting pool and celebrating holidays. Ed found pride in his ability to fix or build anything. He also loved to golf and is recognized as a co-creator of the Otter Valley Golf Course in Boyden and the initiator of Salesman's Day. Survivors include his wife of 52 years Rosie (DenBeste); four children, Linda (Gary) Obbink of Sibley and their children, Adam (fiancée Lindsay Heitritter) and Kari; Pam (Paul) Habbinga of Boyden and their sons, Jonathan and Benjamin; Mike (Bonnie) Diekevers of Boyden and their children, Jenna and Todd; Stacy (Rick) Denekas of George and their daughters, Skye and Deija. Ed is also survived by his sister Leola (John) Humme of Boyden; brother-in-laws Todd (Leisa) DenBeste of California and Craig (Sue) DenBeste of California; and many nieces and nephews. Ed was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws.