Harriet R. Vande Kieft

ROCK VALLEY, IOWA – Harriet Vande Kieft, 85, of Rock Valley, passed away on Friday, September 4, 2020 at Whispering Heights.

   Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at the First Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley with Rev. Matthew Haan officiating. Burial will follow in the Richland Cemetery in Inwood, with a luncheon following back at the church. Visitation with the family present will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Please social distance and wearing masks is encouraged. The Porter Funeral Home in Rock Valley is assisting the family.

   Harriet was born on November 6, 1934 at the family home in Harrison, South Dakota, the daughter of John and Hattie (Voetberg) Overweg. She grew up in the Stickney, South Dakota area. Harriet moved to Rock Valley, Iowa at the age of 16 to be a nanny. Three months later, her parents joined her in Rock Valley. Shortly thereafter she met John Vande Kieft. They were married on October 3, 1952. Joining their family were 4 children, Gloria (Jim) Feenstra, Margie (Wes) Koedam, Bonnie (Jack) Wallinga, and Larry (Rhonda) Vande Kieft. Throughout the years the family has grown to include 14 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

   Harriet lived her life with a strong faith in God and knowing that God will always provide in everything. Things that were important to Harriet were her faith in God, her family, friends, and being able to help when there was a need or taking time to just sit and visit. Harriet liked when family and friends stopped by or called her. She also enjoyed her flowers with a passion for roses, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, reading, and her card clubs. She really enjoyed her music, being able to play the organ, piano, and guitar.

   Harriet was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley, the VFW Auxiliary Post 6960 in Rock Rapids, and various card clubs.

   She is also survived by 2 brothers, John (Alma) Overweg and Dennis (Gert) Overweg; a sister, Marlene (Darwin) Kots; and many nieces and nephews.

   Preceding her in death were her husband, John Vande Kieft; her parents, John and Hattie Overweg; 2 great-grandchildren, Damen Dau and Elijah Tolzin; a sister, Anna Dean Hilt; and a brother and sister-in-law, Don and Ethel Overweg.

   Harriet was known as a very kind and sweet lady, and will be missed by many.