George Denherder

GEORGE DUANE DEN HERDER was born on December 25, 1927 to Jake and Fannie (Schutt) Den Herder on the family farm northwest of Maurice, Iowa. He was raised on the farm and attended school in Maurice. He graduated from high school in 1945 and continued farming with his father until he was drafted into the United States Army on February 21, 1951. Upon his honorable discharge from the service on February 20, 1953, George returned home to take over the family farming operation.

George was united in marriage to Gertrude Dykstra on June 4, 1954 at the American Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa. Following their marriage the couple made their home on the Den Herder farm. In February of 1966, George and Trudy, along with their five children, moved to a farm northwest of Luverne, Minnesota. In addition to farming George drove school bus for a number of years. The couple moved into a home in Luverne in March of 1991. George continued to remain active on the farm helping his son Steve while also helping other area farmers.

On Wednesday, April 18, 2012, George suffered a heart attack and entered the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. On Friday, April 20, 2012 he peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 84 years, three months and 25 days.

George was an active member of the American Reformed Church in Luverne where he served several terms as deacon and elder. He loved to teach young people in midweek classes, taught Sunday School and Men’s Life for many years, and sang in the church choir and a men’s quartet. George volunteered for the Rock County RSVP installing Life-Lines in people’s homes. He enjoyed farm life, especially working with livestock. He also loved fishing, traveling and camping. In his later years, he worked jigsaw and crossword puzzles and rode his bike for activity and entertainment.

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife of 57 years, Trudy; daughter, Susan Den Herder of Jersey City, New Jersey; four sons and their wives, Jeff and Mary of San Diego, California, Steven and Mary of Cleveland, Minnesota, Mark and Marquita of West Fork, Arkansas, and Brian and Dee of Luverne; 12 grandchildren, Timothy Den Herder-Thomas, Matthew Den Herder, Grant and Amy Den Herder, Dillon, Patrick, Gerrit, Julia, Nealie and Henry Den Herder, and Nick and Rachel Den Herder; two great-grandchildren, Kayden and McKenzie Den Herder; sister, Myra Vlieger of Orange City, Iowa; and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Jeanette DeJong and Gladys DePree.

Memorials may be directed to the American Reformed Church - Landscaping Fund.