Rodney Bernard Bolkema

     Rodney Bolkema age 89, of Orange City, Iowa, formerly of Sioux Center, died Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Orange City Health Hospital in Orange City.  

     A funeral service will take place at 10:30 AM, Friday, September 29, 2023, at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center with Rev. John Lee officiating. Interment will follow the service in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Sioux Center.

     Visitation with family present will take place Thursday from 5:00 PM to 7PM at Bethel Christian Reformed Church. 

 In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials directed to Ireton Christian School or Unity Christian School. 

     Rodney Bernard Bolkema was born on September 20, 1934, to William and Dena (Krommendyk) Bolkema at home in Matlock, Iowa.  He was raised in Rock Valley, Iowa and attended Rock Valley Christian School.  

     On September 4, 1957, Rodney was united in marriage to Hester Wolfswinkel in Carmel, Iowa.  He served in the United States Army from December of 1957 until September of 1959.  He farmed west of Rock Valley for 9 years, then moved his family south of Craig and farmed for 37 years.  

     Rodney was a past member of the Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley and the Ireton Christian Reformed Church where he served as deacon and elder.  He later was a member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center.  He served on several boards including the Ireton Christian school board, Unity Christian school board, and Farmer’s Coop Society of Sioux Center.  

     Rodney enjoyed playing games with family and friends, especially Wahoo and Rook.  He was always punctual for coffee time each morning and afternoon throughout his years of farming and retirement.  During retirement he enjoyed volunteering, biking, and Snooker with retired friends.  

     Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 65 years, Hester; children, 

Laura Van Beek of Rock Valley, IA, her children, Lisa (Kyle) Puhrmann, and Daniel Van Beek

Cheryl (Greg) Bonnema of Prinsburg, MN, and their children, Sarah (Jayme) Van Beek, Brent (Anna) Bonnema, Cora (Lukas) Radde, and Brian Bonnema

Dale (Dyla Gesink) Bolkema of Orange City, IA, and their children, Ross (Amy) Bolkema, and Grant (Courtney) Bolkema

Leon Bolkema of Doon, IA, and his children, Kyle Bolkema, Katelyn (Devin) Bonestroo, and Kelly (Callie) Bolkema

 Myrna (Tom) De Vries of Maurice, IA, and their children, Andrew De Vries, Abby (Daniel) Finley, and Caleb (Stephanie) De Vries

Calvin (Brenda Van Beek) Bolkema of Davenport, IA, and their children, Tyler (Darah) Bolkema, Joshua (Natalie) Bolkema, Lee Bolkema, Callie (Matt) Lincoln, Natasha, Alexia, and Klayton Bolkema

Lou Ann (Arlin) Franken of Sioux Center, IA, and their children, Adam (Lynnae) Franken, Cori (Simon) Van Dyken, and Logan Franken

Gloria (Darin) Veltkamp of Manhattan, MT, and their children, Codey, Alex, Justin, and Samantha Veltkamp

41 great grandchildren; Sister, Bernice Ymker of Sioux Falls, SD; siblings-in-law, Joanne & Harvey Van Otterloo of Rock Valley, Henry & Betty Wolfswinkel of Carmel, IA, Shirley & Alvin Veldkamp of Sioux Falls, SD, John & Myrna Wolfswinkel of Sheldon, IA, Jim & Helaine Wolfswinkel of Grimes, IA, Larry & Lynda Perryman of New Ulm, TX, and Gene & Sheryl Wolfswinkel of Pella, IA; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Frances (Howard) Zeutenhorst; brothers-in-law, John Ymker, Joe (Sadie) Wolfswinkel, his parents-in-law.