Delbert Zwart

Delbert Lee Zwart was born in Hawarden, Iowa on July 17, 1947, to Wilhelmina (Zwiers) and Edward Zwart. He grew up in Hawarden, graduating from Hawarden Christian Grade School and then Western Christian High School in 1965. He assisted in paying his tuition by being a student bus driver along with his brothers, and could tell many stories from these escapades. He worked one year as a mechanic for Sinkey Garage until he was drafted for the Vietnam War in 1966. He bravely served his country under difficult circumstances working as a mechanic in the motor pool and in the quarry as a dozer operator until the fall of 1968. He then returned and attended Northwest Iowa Community College and received an Associates Degree in Agriculture.

In 1969, Delbert married the love of his life, Betty Jo Van Noort, and they began farming by Maurice, Iowa. They moved back to the Hawarden area in 1971, and spent many years farming with his brother, Ronald, in their farming corporation, Long View Farms. He experienced many of the highs and lows of working hard and providing for his family, including through the farm crisis in the 80’s, but he always trusted that God would provide for him and his family. Through many sacrifices he was able to have his children attend Christian schools, which he always stated was worth every sacrifice. He continued farming until the spring of 2016 when health issues forced his retirement. He loved working in the field and could take apart and fix anything. He would build, manufacture, and create tools to meet any need. The Lord blessed him with four children: Deanne Jo, Brian Edward, Jana Beth, and Joni Ann.

Delbert and Betty created many good memories riding motorcycle, fishing, and most importantly creating memories with his 13 grandchildren. Delbert was a member of Hawarden Christian Reformed Church, where he had served many terms as elder and deacon. He continually served his Savior through his relationships with others, and by participating in many evangelism activities including Cursillo, Justice for All, and Brothers in Blue prison ministry. Delbert was blessed with a living faith that greatly affected others around him, and established a foundation for the faith that his children have instilled in their families.

On September 16, 2016, the Lord called Delbert home and perfected his faith at the age of 69 after a courageous battle with cancer. Left to cherish his memory is his bride Betty and their four children: Deanne and Bryan Dekkers of Hawarden, IA and their three children, Sara, Jenna, and Luke; Brian and Jill (Rozeboom) Zwart of Sioux Center, IA and their two children, Ashley and Kate; Jana and Chad Vink of Pella, IA and their four children, Elizabeth, Josiah, Juliana, and Joshua; Joni and Shannon Faber of Inwood, IA and their four children, Breanna, Brayden, Ayla, and Aspen.

He also leaves behind four brothers, Ronald (Ruth) Zwart, Merlin (Bev) Zwart, Verlyn (Donna) Zwart, Gerald (Jane) Zwart, and a sister Julie (Lou) Wynia and two brothers-in-law, Richard (Karen) Van Noort, and Allen (Orlene) Van Noort, many nieces, nephews, and their extended families. Preceding him in death were his parents, Edward and Wilhelmina (Minnie) Zwart.

Visitation

5:00 - 7:00 p.m. ,Monday, September 19, 2016
Hawarden Christian Reformed Church
1515 16th Street Hawarden, Iowa, Sioux 51023

Funeral Service

10:00 a.m. ,Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Hawarden Christian Reformed Church
1515 16th Street Hawarden, Iowa, Sioux 51023