Richard Roorda

BELLE FOURCHE - Richard Dean Roorda died November 3, 2007, in his home with his family, as the result of a massive heart attack. The funeral service will be held 10:30 Wednesday at the Christian Life Center with Rev. Paul Howard officiating. Visitation will be held 5 to 7 pm Tuesday at Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held in Pine Slope Cemetery, Belle Fourche. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Belle Fourche Ambulance and the Children's Cancer Institute. Friends may sign the online guestbook available at www.funeralhomeofthenorthernhills.com Rich was born November 15, 1950, in Albert Lea, Minnesota because his hometown of Hollandale had no hospital. He grew up on the family farm picking potatoes, soybeans and a variety of vegetables. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1969, and attended Mankato State University that fall. From there he began work for LORAM out of Minneapolis. While traveling for his job, he met Janet Pluimer at her family truck-stop Wayne's Conoco. Right after their first meeting, he told his friends that she "was the woman he was going to marry," and they did just that in 1976 on New Years Eve in Belle Fourche. From that point on he began work with his in-laws at the family truck-stop. They had their first child - Heidi Jo Roorda - in June of 1980, followed by a son - Lucas Dean Roorda - in January of '82. Upon leaving the truck-stop, he began a lifelong career in sales, beginning with Turbiville Electric in 1985. After some years there, he changed companies and began a 16-year life with KSLT Christian radio. His dream was to be self-employed, and began his career with AFLAC in 2003. He loved being on the road and meeting people, and firmly believed in what his job could do to better people's lives. His priorities were to his wife and children and new grandchildren, who will continue his memory of dedication and love. His faith in God was a testament to all he knew, and brought him through many challenges, both physical and personal. He was an encouragement to his children in so many ways and raised them in a wonderful Christian home. He was deeply committed to his love in Christ and is home with his Savior now. We can all be comforted knowing that he heard the words from Jesus saying, "Well done my good and faithful servant." He loved NASCAR, rarely missing a race. Walleye fishing was also a passion, especially when he could find the time and water to take out the S.S. Guppy (which wouldn't take him too far from shore). He loved westerns, having read every Louis Lamour book in the public library and seen every decent movie. His family meant everything to him, and was always the first priority in his life. He is survived by his wife Janet of almost 32 years, his daughter Heidi (Roorda) Morton and her husband Scott as well as their two children Reina Helen and Vaughn Garrit all of Belle Fourche, his son Luke Roorda and his wife Shawna (Reinesch) of Sioux Falls, and his two sisters Dee (Roorda) Reed of Albert Lea MN and Phyllis (Roorda) Herman of Arvada CO. He was preceded in death by his father Gary and his mother Bertha. Richard had an impact on everyone he met, and the world will sorely miss him. We rejoice in knowing that he is now with Jesus and that we will one day see him soon. He was a wonderful Husband, Father, Friend, and Brother in Christ. "Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children." - Proverbs 17:6 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - Timothy 4:7 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" - Matthew 25:21.