Roy Allen VanAernam

1947 - 2017

A Funeral Service for Roy A. VanAernam, 69, of Ida Grove, was held at 2 p.m., Monday, March 13, 2017 at the Exira Lutheran Church of Exira. Pastor Sam Jacobs officiated. Interment was in the Exira Cemetery in Exira with Military Rites conducted by Ballou Post No. 332 of the American Legion of Exira. The Christensen – Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove was in charge of the arrangements. The Reverend Richard A. Salcido officiated at the Prayer Service at 4:30 p.m., Sunday, March 12, 2017 at the Christensen – Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove. Casketbearers were: Mike Thielen, Chris Huegerich, Lanny Cipperley, Lane Volkert, Richard Lee, Dennis Schlueter, Doug Sudmann and Doug Schmidt. Honorary Pallbearers were: Pete Sorensen, Renee Renz, Clayton Larson, Roger Nelson, Chris Clausen, Paul Jensen, Gregg Kucharo.
Roy Allen VanAernam, the son of Clarence and Elaine (Jensen) VanAernam was born on Sept. 19, 1947 in Audubon County near Exira, and passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at the Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn.
He was baptized and confirmed in his faith at the Lutheran Church in Exira. Roy graduated from Exira High School with the class of 1965 and furthered his education with two years of college before being drafted into the United States Army.
Roy served his country overseas in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 2, 1969 and awarded a bronze star for his service to his country. Upon returning home to the farm in Exira, Roy picked up where he left off farming. On May 23, 1970, Roy married the love of his life Belinda Benton in the Lutheran Church in Exira. The couple settled down on a farm by Exira and were blessed with three daughters, Kelly, Sara and Carrie. Roy started with Case IH in their sales department where his passion for farming, farm machinery, and his outgoing personality helped Roy be successful. In the 1980's the family relocated to Ida Grove, where Roy continued his career with Case IH before retiring due to health reasons.
Roy enjoyed watching sports, was an avid Iowa Hawkeye Fan, and anything farm related. Roy kept up on current events. He liked tending to his lawn, fish pond, and spending time with his family and friends. He always loved a good laugh. Roy will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and friend.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Elaine VanAernam and niece Amy VanAernam.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years Belinda VanAernam of Ida Grove; daughters Kelly Niemeier of Cherokee, Sara (David) Ladwig of Breda, and Carrie (Chris) Radford of Treynor; grandchildren: Kaitlyn (Andrew) Kingery, Taylor (Hillary) Witzel, Christian (Madison) Witzel, Bailey Witzel, Lily Ladwig, Jack Ladwig, Cade Radford, and Cydney Radford; great-grandchild Bentley Witzel; brothers Gary (Judy) VanAernam and Gale (Colleen) VanAernam all of Exira; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com