George Halma

Inwood, Iowa: George H. Halma, 93 of Inwood, Iowa died Monday, September 8, 2014 at the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 12, 2014 at the First Reformed Church in Inwood, Iowa with Rev. Rob Horstman officiating. Burial will follow at the Richland Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:30-7:30, Thursday, September 11, 2014 at Porter Funeral Home in Inwood, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to First Reformed Church of Inwood Building Fund and condolences may be left for the family at www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

George was born June 1, 1921 in the Netherlands to Harry and Hilda (Miedema) Halma. He attended school through the eighth grade and later achieved his high school diploma in 1969. George entered in the US Army during World War II in October 1942 and served in the OSS (currently CIA). He was later honorably discharged in October 1945. On December 11, 1947 George married Anna Kooima at First Reformed Church in Inwood. Together they farmed for a few years and then moved to California before returning to Inwood.

George enjoyed carpentry which was reflected in his manager position at Schoeneman’s Lumber Company. He served on the Inwood City Council and as Mayor of Inwood. He also participated in Kiwanis and American Legion and was on multiple boards including, Horizon Board, Lyon County Fair Board, and Fellowship Village Board. George was very active in church serving as an elder and deacon. A highlight in his life was going on the Honor Flight. George enjoyed fixing puzzles, was an avid reader reading thousands of books, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

George is survived by his wife, Anna; children, Wayne (Becky) Halma of Wentworth, SD, Kathy Van Ningen of Madison, SD, Karen (Jack) Cody of Renner, SD, Mary (Robert) Grotewold of Larchwood, IA, Barbara (Allen) Hassebroek of Inwood, IA, and Rick (Paula) Halma of Rock Valley, IA; daughter-in-law, Ahva Halma of Brandon, SD; brothers, Roger (June) Halma, and Clarence (Connie) Halma, all of Inwood; sisters, Frieda (Bert) Veldkamp of Bellflower, CA; Albertha Johnson of Spearfish, SD, and Rena (Don) Cannegieter of Rock Valley; and sisters-in-law, Alice Halma, Judy Halma, and Ruth Halma all of Inwood; 30 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Gary Halma; son-in-law, Paul Van Ningen; brothers, John, Charles, Sam, and Martin Halma; and brothers-in-law, Russ Johnson and Lawrence Gorter.