Harlan "Hoop" Attema

Inwood, IA: Harlan (Hoop) John Attema, 61, of Inwood, Iowa, died Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at Sheldon Medical Center following a six and half year battle with pancreatic cancer. Visitation will be held Friday, February 25, at Inwood Christian Reformed Church in Inwood from 6:00-8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held Saturday, February 26, at 2:00 PM at the Inwood Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Adam Eisenga officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/InwoodCRC. Burial will follow at Richland Cemetery outside of Inwood. Memorials may be given to BEECIN Foundation in support of Sanford Hospice with Harlan requesting no flowers or gifts.  Porter Funeral Home of Inwood is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family at www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

   Harlan John Attema was born March 6, 1960, to John and Janice (Baker) Attema. He was born in Sioux Center, Iowa and brought home to their farm south of Rock Valley, Iowa. During his younger years, Harlan moved with his family several times to farms by Alvord, Larchwood, Lester,  Hawarden, Iowa, and Canton, South Dakota. During that time, Harlan enjoyed helping out on the farm and causing ruckus with his brothers and sister. The family settled permanently in Alvord, Iowa in 1971.

   Harlan’s dad started Attema Trucking in 1971, and Harlan started driving for him at the age of 14. In 1979, Harlan bought his first truck as a senior at West Lyon High School and joined his dad in the family business. He pulled several different types of trailers through the years and made many friends along the way. For the last several years he pulled a livestock trailer for Wynia Trucking along with the Van Ginkels; this was definitely his favorite.

   Harlan was blessed with three daughters: Julie, Elise and Hailey. Taking his girls to Alvord on Saturday mornings, watching them dance and play sports, and listening to them sing and play music were cherished moments for him. Nothing made Harlan more proud than when his girls would share their musical talents with the church. Though not very musical himself, he did enjoy belting out old country tunes like “Convoy” and “Rhinestone Cowboy” while driving his kids around. A special family memory was going to Disney World. 

   Harlan always used to say that he enjoyed three things: family time, driving truck and eating. He met many new people while trucking and spent lots of hours on the phone while behind the wheel. Another favorite was spending time with his grandchildren and taking the family out to eat at Pizza Ranch.  As a lifelong fan, Hoop spent many hours watching the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins. Harlan was a member of the Inwood Christian Reformed Church for 32 years.

   Harlan is survived by his 3 daughters and 7 grandchildren, Julie Van Tilburg and her children Madison, Kayleigh, Kieran, Cooper and Bristol of Rock Rapids, Iowa, Elise (Taylor) Bruinsma and their children Emersyn and Asher of Cibolo, Texas, and Hailey Attema of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; his mother, Janice Attema, of Rock Valley; 2 sisters and 3 brothers, Gaylan (Roberta) Attema of Zeeland, Michigan, Diana (Kevin) De Groot of Rock Valley, Erwin (Jan) Attema of Inwood, Glen (Kris) Attema of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Bonnie Attema of Mitchell, South Dakota. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

   Harlan was preceded in death by his father, John Attema.