Leroy Intveld

Leroy Intveld, age 87, of Sioux Center, Iowa, died Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at Sioux Center Health in Sioux Center. 

 A visitation will be held at 10AM on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Centerpoint Church.

 A funeral service will begin at 11AM on Saturday at Centerpoint Church with Rev. Stephen Breen officiating. 

 The Intveld family prefers memorials be directed to Broken Kettle Grassland Preserve, Butcher Rd, Westfield, IA 51062 or Hope Haven. 

Leroy Harold Intveld was born on May 3, 1937, to Marinus and Jennie "Louise" (Vermeer) Intveld in Hull, IA. Leroy graduated from Hull High School and went to both Northwestern and Buena Vista College and received a degree in education. He later received a Masters Degree in School Counseling from Drake University. Leroy married Wanda Mae Den Herder in Sioux Center, IA, on August 22, 1957. They started their married life in Storm Lake while Leroy was finishing his degree. After graduation, they moved to Cornell, IA, where he started his teaching career. He then moved to Bayard, IA, where he was the Elementary Principal, taught, and coached girls and boys basketball. He moved to Sac City in 1965 where he taught junior high civics and was assistant coach. He later became the athletic director and guidance counselor until he retired from teaching in 1976, to pursue a career in Insurance with Colburn and Son insurance Agency. In 1984, he moved to Sioux Center, IA, where he helped establish the insurance business at American State Bank, later named Ambank Insurance, until 2007 when he retired. Leroy also enjoyed serving as President of the Lions Club in Sioux Center. Leroy was active in the Reformed and Presbyterian churches during his life. He was an elder, deacon and choir member for many years. His faith and trust in God was a constant example for his family. 

 Leroy was an avid lover of the outdoors. This is where he said he was at peace and felt closest to God. He often took the family and friends on picnics to various state parks within Iowa and surrounding states. He also had a great love for horses. He had standardbreds, draft ponies to hitch and most recently raised, trained, rode and drove black Morgans and coined the acreage Morgan North. Although he didn't farm he was interested in traditional farming techniques and the preservation of old barns. He became an active member of the Iowa Barn Foundation. He represented them at the Iowa State Fair, wrote articles for their publication and he and Wanda attended numerous barn tours. Much of his spare time was spent in his own barns with his horses, cats and dogs. He also had an interest in music and was a member of the Chautauqua Singers in Sac City, IA, and also performed in a number of community musicals. Although he claimed to be shy as a youth, he overcame his fear and was often asked to be the master of ceremonies at various events and enjoyed accumulating jokes to incorporate into his dialogue. He always liked telling a good joke or playing pranks whenever possible. This was also part of many gatherings at the acreage or in the grove behind their house. Leroy planned the activities which might include a wagon ride, tree or hay mow swing, or stories by a fire, and Wanda planned the meals. Many good times were shared with friends, family, and co-workers. Leroy was also a lover of sports and was a big fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and LA Dodgers. He especially loved basketball which he played in high school and college, and later coached. He was very proud that he played on the 1954 Hull team that went to the state basketball finals and he had only started playing in 9th grade. He passed on his love of basketball and other sports, as well as his athleticism, to his children. He played with them often and was always a supporter of all their activities. After giving up his horse hobby, Leroy stumbled across the Broken Kettle Preserve near Sioux City, IA, and was fascinated with the bison at the preserve. He and Wanda would visit there often and would bring friends on road trips to see if they could spot the bison. He also felt connected to the beautiful rolling hills of the preserve which are part of Loess Hills, another testament of his love for the outdoors. Leroy was proud of his 67 years of marriage to Wanda and all accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Leroy's adventurous spirit, storytelling and love of family and friends will truly be missed. 

 He is survived by his wife, Wanda; daughter Sue Siemonsma (Mark) of Rock Valley, IA; son, Terry Intveld (Stacy) of Iowa City, IA; daughter, Janet Saar (Jeff) of Omaha, NE; Six grandchildren: Eric Siemonsma (Kristin) of Moreno Valley, CA; Lindsay Rose (Wes) of Graettinger, IA; Brock Intveld of North Liberty, IA; Jamie Reiter of North Liberty, IA; Peyton Saar of Omaha, NE, and Parker Saar of Omaha NE; Seven great grandchildren. 

 He is preceded in death by his parents; Marinus and Louise Intveld; sisters, Elizabeth (Case) Boeve, Margaret (Donald) Boeve, Cynthia (Albert) Boeve, Thelma (Arnold) Menning; and brother, James (Gert) Intveld.