Ed Roetman

Edwin B. Roetman, 90, of Sioux Center passed away on July 7, 2009. After suffering for years with Alzheimer's, and more recently a stroke and a hip fracture, the family rejoices with the release from his earthly body and the freedom he has living in his heavenly home. Hallelujah, what joy!

A memorial service will be held Friday at 11AM at Central Reformed Church of Sioux Center with Rev. R. Van Rathbun and Rev. Ron Roetman officiating. Interment will be held prior to the memorial service in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center.

A prayer service will be held Friday at 10 AM at Central Reformed Church.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4-8PM, with the family present from 6-8PM at Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center.

In lieu of flowers the Roetman family prefers memorials be directed to the Alzheimers Association.



Edwin Benjamin Roetman was born on August 6, 1918 in Holland, NE, to Rev. Zwier and Jeanette (Van Kley) Roetman. He spent his school years in Newkirk, IA, and graduated from the Newkirk Consolidated School. He went on to graduate from Northwestern Junior College in Orange City, IA, and Nettleton Business College in Sioux Falls, SD.

He married Anna Beyer on April 4, 1941. He spent time in the service during WWII, and received a medical discharge because of an injury. He spent some time farming, on the Beyer family farm, but then pursued business careers. He was part owner of Tri-State Livestock Company for 13 years, serving as the bookkeeping side of the partnership. In 1973, Ed became part of the newly forming American State Bank with Dale Den Herder in Sioux Center and continued there until his retirement in 1984.

Ed was an active member of Newkirk Reformed Church, the church that his father, Rev. Zwier Roetman pastored and his father-in-law Garret Beyer built. After moving to Sioux Center, he became a long-time member at Central Reformed Church, and served as Deacon, Elder, Vice President, Teacher, and Committee Leader in both churches. He was also active in many community boards and committees, and held various positions of leadership.

Ed was a fair, gentle, and caring man, which was experienced not only by his family and friends, but also by those who came in contact with him in business. He raised his family with a strong belief in God, a strong work ethic, a life of integrity, and a belief in treating everyone with respect and kindness.

He enjoyed spending time with friends, helping his children with various projects, and in traveling, taking many adventuresome trips, leaving great memories and stories for the family to reminisce. In retirement, Ed became involved in many craft projects (woodworking, lathe work, stained glass) and often taught these classes during his winter months in Arizona. His belief in always doing his best gave many people some beautiful pieces of his wood and glass work.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Ann; son and daughter-in-law: Ron & JoRetta Roetman of South Elgin, IL and their sons: Victor of Kunming, of China, Darrin & Nanette & son, Noah of Orange, France and Luke of Alpharetta, GA; daughter, Lee Ann Roetman along with family friend, Jane Vogel both of Orange City; and son and daughter-in-law, Bruce & Mary Roetman of Sioux Center and their daughters: Clarissa of Fort Collins, CO, EmmaLynn and Andrea of Sioux Center and their adopted children: Lupe, Luis, and Jose Llanos of Sioux Center. Also surviving is one sister-in-law, Harriet Roetman of Sheldon and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Ed in death were his parents; his three brothers: Alvin & Marie, Melvin & Ruth and Austin; a half-brother, Gerald and Norma Mokma, and 2 half-sisters: Marguerite and Bert Rymes, and Cornelia Mokma.