Arnie Vermeer

Arnold Vermeer, 88, of Sioux Center, IA died Friday, July 16, 2010 at the Sioux Center Community Hospital. Visitation will be held Monday from 4-8PM, with the family present from 5-7PM at Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center. A prayer service for family and friends will be held Tuesday at 10AM at New Life Reformed Church of Sioux Center. Interment will follow the prayer service in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center. A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 11AM at New Life Reformed Church of Sioux Center with Rev. Carl Boersma officiating. The Vermeer family prefers memorials be directed to New life Reformed Church of Sioux Center. Arnold James Vermeer was born on the family farm south of Sioux Center, Iowa on February 15, 1922 to Jacob and Henrietta (Nieman) Vermeer. He attended the Sioux Center Christian School and graduated from Sioux Center High School with the Class of 1940. Arnie attended Northwestern Academy for two years before he was drafted into the US Army. He served his country for three years during World War II as a Chaplin's Assistant, while stationed on the Island of Saipan. Upon his discharge he returned home to marry Frances R. Colenbrander of Orange City on June 12, 1946. He completed his college education at Westmar College where he received his teaching degree. In 1947, Arnie began teaching skills his students would use the rest of their lives. The first three years he taught Industrial Arts and coached Girls Basketball at Melvin High School. He then took a position in Maurice, Iowa teaching eighth grade. He later accepted a position with the Sioux Center High School where he taught a Bible class and Industrial Arts for several years. During this time Arnie also coached Jr. High Boys Basketball and later became the High School Boys Golf Coach. Throughout his teaching career Arnie also served in northwest Iowa as a High School Basketball Referee. For a period of three years, Arnie was involved as a partner in De Ruyter Hardware in downtown Sioux Center; however, his heart was in teaching which he returned to until his retirement. During his early retirement years he worked as an independent siding installer and put his carpentry skills to work completing small construction projects in the area. He was a charter member of New Life Reformed Church of Sioux Center, serving as co-chairman of the church's building committee. Arnie is survived by his wife of 64 years, Frances "Fritz" Vermeer of Sioux Center; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Evan De Boer of Rock Rapids; son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Laura Vermeer of Omaha, NE; his six grandchildren: Barbie (Denny) Bass of Fairbank, IA, Kristie (Cory) Lamphere of Windsor Heights, IA, Stephanie De Boer of Des Moines, IA, Jason (Amy) Vermeer of Omaha, Ryan (Angie) Vermeer of Lawrence, KS, Jaime Thompson of Omaha along with fourteen great grandchildren. Arnie is also survived by his sister, Johanna Vermeer and sister-in-law, Loretta Vermeer both of Sioux Center. Preceding Arnie in death were his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Harriet and John Vander Schaaf; four brothers and sisters-in-law: Bert and Angeline Vermeer, Ed and Priscilla Vermeer, Bill and Harriet Vermeer, Marvin and Gladys Vermeer and brother-in-law, Harvey Vermeer. Arnie will be remembered for his infectious smile and his God given desire to teach. He truly loved coaching and sports in general, particularly golf. He felt especially blessed by the time spent with his beloved Fritz, children and grandchildren. Online Condolences Marlyn Visser Orange City Relationship: high school friend of Evan and Linda I wish to express my sympathy to your family. I remember "Mr.Vermeer" as an inspiring leader in what ever he did. I pray that you may keep and strengthen the faith he taught you. You are privileged to have had a wonderful father! Marlyn Sent: 7/18/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jeff and Carla Carlson families Oelwein, IA Relationship: Cory and Kristie's family Our hearts to out to you and your families. Arnie was a remarkable and very interesting man. His lifelong contributions to family and friends is easily seen in the way people remember him and the way family lives his way of life. May your hearts be eased with the wonderful memories you have all enjoyed. Try not to cry because it is over but smile because he was here. With our love. Sent: 7/19/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mary Lou Verburg Rock Valley Relationship: Classmate of Evan and Linda I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing on. I will remember him fondly as a great teacher and great example. He always had a smile and word of greeting.....He will be missed.....May God comfort you as only HE can....Mary Lou Sent: 7/19/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Courtney Vander Broek Sioux Center Relationship: Friend When my sister told me that Arnie had Past away I immediately started crying. I have nothing short than wonderful memories of Arnie. He was a friend to my Grandmother and a dear friend to me. He was the most loving person I know! I will miss him so much! God Bless your family. Philippians 1:3 With Love : Courtney Vander Broek Sent: 7/20/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alma (Mulder) Post Rock Valley Relationship: Former Neighbor Dear Vermeer Family, I want to express my sincere sympathy on the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. I have many fond memories of your family during my years growing up in the same neighborhood. Sent: 7/25/2010