Herbert "Herb" James Bliek

 Herbert J. Bliek, of Rock Valley, Iowa, joined his Heavenly Father on December 23, 2024, at the age of 89. As a celebration of Herb’s life, a service will be held December 31, at 11:00 AM at First Reformed Church in Rock Valley with Pastor Cliff Hoekstra officiating. Visitation, with family present, will be held prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 AM in the fellowship hall. Burial at Valley View Cemetery in Rock Valley will immediately follow the service followed by a time of gathering and remembrance at Faith Reformed Church in Rock Valley.

 In lieu of flowers and gifts, please direct memorial donations to the First Reformed Church building fund. Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements for Mr. Bliek. Condolences may be left for the family at www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

 Herb was born to Bert and Grace (Ver Doorn) Bliek on August 2, 1935, on a farm near Inwood, Iowa. He attended country school until the 8th grade, when he began working as a farmer. On April 26, 1957, Herb was joined in marriage with Mina Driesen, his steadfast companion for 67 years. To this union were born six children: Randy (Wanda) Bliek, Doug (Leanne) Bliek, Dan (Kari) Bliek, Joni (Myron) Van Ginkel, David (Sonja) Bliek, and Susan (Erich) Mahalko. Herb relished being a doting grandfather to 29 and a great-grandfather to 39. 

 Herb enjoyed farming throughout his years, often joining his brother Arie and nephews Larry and Harlan for fall harvesting. Widely recognized for his strong work ethic, Herb would add employment at the John Morrell Packing Plant, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he worked tirelessly for over 40 years. At the age of 72, Herb retired from the packing plant and took on a job as a valet at the Avera Surgical Center, where he worked diligently to the age of 75. 

 Herb loved the outdoors and spent many of his best days with Mina camping and fishing. He was especially grateful when his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren could join him. Herb deeply valued family and faith. He instilled a strong work ethic in his children and strongly believed in a supportive family network. He had a strong yet gentle presence that was easily admired and difficult to imitate. He was loved and respected by not only his children, but their friends as well, being dubbed a second father by many. Herb’s love for family and strong work ethics will live on with his family tree, ever growing with strong roots, and resilient branches.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Randy; daughter-in-law, Sue; granddaughter, Halee; and a great-granddaughter, Parker. Herb was one of seven children. He is preceded in death by one brother, Arie; and four sisters, Henrietta Allen, Elsie Jacobsma, Josephine De Jager, and Bertha Mae Feekes. He is survived by one sister, Grace Boyles.