Chester Vande

Chester L. Vande Weerd, age 84 of Rock Valley, Iowa, died Thursday, June 20, 2013 at Hegg Memorial Health Center in Rock Valley. Funeral service will be held on Monday, June 24, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at First Reformed Church in Rock Valley with Rev. Garry Nyenhuis officiating. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 23, 2013 at Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley from 2:00 ' 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

Chester Loyd Vande Weerd, son of Henry J. and Alice (Bonthuis) Vande Weerd, was born December 19, 1928 in Rock Valley, Iowa. Chester served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corp during the Korean War. After returning from the war, Chester was united in marriage with Frances (Fran) Sitter on September 12, 1952 in Boyden, Iowa. The couple made their home in Rock Valley where Chester farmed for 35 years with Clarence (Junior) Kooima. In 1969, Chester opened Vande Weerd Combine Salvage Inc. He retired in 1990. Chester and Fran enjoyed wintering in Yuma, Arizona for 21 years. Chester also enjoyed collecting toys and tools. He was a member of the VFW and First Reformed Church of Rock Valley. Chester served his church as an Elder, Deacon, Sunday School Teacher and Youth Sponsor. Chester was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Chester is survived by his wife of 60 years, Fran Vande Weerd of Rock Valley; four children, Carl (LaVonne) Vande Weerd of Rock Valley; Myra Rennie of Placentia, California; Cheryl (Keith) Van Beek of Rock Rapids, Iowa and Bradley Vande Weerd of Rock Valley; 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Mike Loffredo of Cardiff, California and sister-in-law, Myrna VanDe Weerd of California.

Preceding Chester in death were his parents, son, Howard VanDe Weerd, son-in-law, Robert Rennie, siblings, Janet, Aldert, Mable, Clarence, Lorraine, and Frank and two infant siblings, Gerrit and Loretta.