Louie Dekkenga

Louie Dekkenga, age 86, of Ocheyedan, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at Hill Top Care Center in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Memorial Services will be Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 10:30 A.M. at the Christian Reformed Church in Ocheyedan, Iowa. Rev. Bill Van Der Heide officiating. Graveside Services will be Saturday, April 18 at 9:30 A.M. at Ocheyedan Township Cemetery in Ocheyedan. Visitation will Friday, April 17, from 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. all at the Christian Reformed Church in Ocheyedan. Louis (Louie) Dekkenga was born on July 23, 1928 near Boyden, Iowa. He was the son of John and Allie (Langstraat) Dekkenga. He lived his youth on a farm near Matlock, Iowa and attended Matlock Public School. In March of 1951, Louie was drafted in the Army – serving in the Korean Conflict until he was honorably discharge in March of 1953. He was united in marriage to Freda Bosma of Ocheyedan, Iowa on April 30, 1953. After living on a farm northwest of Ocheyedan, they moved to a farm east of Ocheyedan where they began farming on their own. Louie and Freda were blessed with three children: James, Debra, and Douglas. In addition to farming, Louie also worked for the Osceola County Secondary Road Department for 11 years. Later Louie returned to working part-time for Osceola County, mowing secondary roadside ditches for 21 years. Louie and Freda resided on the same farm for 56 years until March of 2010 when they moved into Ocheyedan. On April 14, 2015, Louie passed from this life into glory at Hilltop Care Center in Spirit Lake, Iowa at the age of 86. Louie lived his faith each and every day. He was a member of the Ocheyedan Christian Reformed Church serving on church council as elder and deacon. He also served on the Ocheyedan Christian School Board. For many years, Louie also served as Chaplin for the American Legion Wood Miller Post 326 and clerk of Allison Township. Louie enjoyed morning coffee with Freda, spending time with family, fellowshipping and drinking coffee with friends. Louie was loved by many – his smile made others smile. Left to cherish his memories are his wife Freda of almost 62 years, three children: James Dekkenga and Bonnie Ahrens of Ocheyedan, IA; Debra and Mark Harberts of Albuquerque, NM; Douglas and Lisa Dekkenga of Spirit Lake, IA; 6 grandchildren: Jennifer and Jeff Goodman of Omaha, NE; Justin Dekkenga of Lake Park, IA; Bradley and Anne Harberts of Albuquerque, NM; Daniel and Katrina Harberts of Albuquerque, NM; Lindsey and Joel Packebush of Lake Park, IA; Chanda and Drew Buchholtz of Sibley, IA; 6 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Martin Dekkenga of Sioux Center, IA and John and Shirley Dekkenga of Burnsville, MN; and one sister-in-law: Evelyn Dekkenga of Sheldon, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Allie Dekkenga; father and mother-in-law, Louis and Della Bosma; brothers: Case, Willis and Herman; sisters: Angie Baker, Lucy Bosma, Anna Bomgaars; in-laws: Sebena Dekkenga, Thelma Dekkenga, George Baker, Andy Bosma, Marv Bomgaars, and Leona Dekkenga. In Loving Memory Of Louie Dekkenga Born: July 23, 1928 Passed Away: April 14, 2015 Age: 86 years, 8 months and 22 days MEMORIAL SERVICE Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 10:30 A.M. Christian Reformed Church, Ocheyedan, Iowa Family Prayer Service at 10:15 A.M. OFFICIATING Rev. Bill Van Der Heide MUSIC Organist: Natalie Mulder Special Music by Willie and Ellen Bosma Songs: "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" "It Is Well With My Soul" Congregational Songs Processional: "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" During the service: "In The Garden" Recessional: "Victory In Jesus" Ushers: Dennis Bosma and Rod Van Beek CASKET BEARERS Grandchildren Jennifer Goodman Justin Dekkenga Bradley Harberts Daniel Harberts Lindsey Packebush Chanda Buchholtz INTERMENT 9:30 A.M. Ocheyedan Township Cemetery, Ocheyedan, Iowa MILITARY HONORS Wood Miller Post # 326 Following the Memorial Service, the family invites all for fellowship and lunch at the church. ARRANGEMENTS BY Andringa Funeral Home Larry R. Andringa, Funeral Director