Henry Van Der Weerd

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HENRY VAN DER WEERD was born to John and Maggie (Buyert) Van Der Weerd on November 11, 1926, on their farm near Rock Rapids, Iowa, where he spent most of his life. He was the second child and grew up with five sisters, attending country school about a mile from home through eighth grade and helping on the farm. When he was fifteen, their father died, and the siblings, especially Henry and his older sister Jeanette, assumed a large role in running the farm with their mother. Henry often told stories of special experiences with each of his sisters. They were a family who enjoyed making music together, and Henry developed a lifelong love of playing guitar, accordion, harmonica, and piano by ear.

Henry met Dorothy Reurink of Colton, South Dakota, at Dutchman’s Night at the roller rink in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and were married on June 4, 1953. They lived and worked on the farm where Henry grew up, raising three children, LeAnn, Janelle, and Tom. For many years, Henry milked cows, and he also raised pigs from farrow to finish. Later, Tom joined him in the farming operation. In 1987, Henry and Dorothy moved to Rock Rapids and Tom and Dolly’s family moved to the farm. Henry remained involved in the farming operation until he fully retired.

Henry and Dorothy enjoyed traveling, for a number of years with their fifth wheel camper. They saw much of the United States, including Alaska. They took several trips to Canada and also visited extended family in the Netherlands. A highlight of their retirement years was spending their winters in Mesa, Arizona, where they developed wonderful friendships and loved hosting family for visits. Henry was able to play in both harmonica and accordion groups there. In 2018, Henry and Dorothy moved to Bethany Meadows Assisted Living at Brandon.

Henry was a lifelong member of the Steen Reformed Church, where he served as both a deacon and elder. His love for Jesus and his faith in Him was at the center of who Henry was. He described himself as “just a sinner saved by Grace.” He read his Bible faithfully and talked often about how blessed he had been.
He took great pleasure in seeing his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren grow. He enjoyed every chance to visit with them, often sharing a laugh over stories. He taught some of the greatgrandchildren the old chorus, “God is so good, God is so good, He’s been good to me.” Some of his last words were a prayer, mentioning those in each family and praying that they all would enjoy knowing Jesus as their Savior and having hope for eternity.

On Sunday, December 20, 2020, Henry died peacefully at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls.
Henry is survived by his wife, Dorothy; two daughters, LeAnn (Dennis) Strother of Hampton, Iowa, and Janelle (Bob) Sneller of Parker, South Dakota; son, Tom (Dolly) Van Der Weerd of Rock Rapids; seven grandchildren: Kyle (Celia) Butson of Skokie, Illinois, Andrea (Daniel) Stember of Louisville, Kentucky, Deric (Rebecca) Sneller of Okinawa, Japan, Jared Sneller of Parker, Lanae (Jeremy) McBroom of Chatfield, Minnesota, Lance (Brittany) Van Der Weerd of Rock Rapids, and Kayla Van Der Weerd of Chanhassen, Minnesota; three step-grandchildren, Tyler (Mandy) Strother and Scott (Becky) Strother of Hampton, and Stacy (Will) Farmer, North Liberty, Iowa; 11 greatgrandchildren; 5 step-greatgrandchildren; four sisters, Wilma DeRoo of Brandon, Henrietta Timmer of Sioux Falls, Edna Jongerius of Sioux Falls, and Mae Tinklenberg of Palo Alto, California; two sisters-in-law, Jeanette Farr of Sioux Falls and Carrie (Don) Hanneman of Dell Rapids; along with many nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jeanette Top; an infant brother; and numerous brothers-in law and sisters-in-law.

Memorial gifts may be designated to the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls or the Steen Reformed Church - Cemetery Fund.