Rev. John Engbers

Rock Valley, IA: Rev. John Engbers, 88, of Rock Valley, Iowa, died Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at Pleasant Acres Care Center at Hull, Iowa. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at First Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley with Rev. Aldon Kuiper officiating. Burial will be held at Valley View Cemetery at Rock Valley. Visitation, with the family present, will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2015 at Calvin Christian Reformed Church at Rock Valley.

John Henry Engbers, son of Arie and Gertrude (Bensink) Engbers Sr., was born March 15, 1927 at Otley, Iowa. John proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy during World War II. He was united in marriage to Violet Den Besten on March 27, 1948 at Pella, Iowa. To this union, three children were born; Sheryl, Wesley and Kevin.

John’s first love was the church. He dedicated his life to the Lord, pastoring congregations in Rock Valley, Iowa, Cutlerville, Michigan, and Chandler, Minnesota, before taking numerous interim appointments around Northwest Iowa after retiring in 1994. He adored his wife, Vi, and cherished each of the 67 years he spent by her side. John was a man of many hobbies. He mimicked the disciples with a love for fishing, and he took after his Savior by mastering the art of woodworking. He will forever be remembered perched in the bow of his red Lund, hunched over his favorite saw, or with the day’s crossword puzzle tucked under his arm.

John’s sense of humor is unforgettable, and he carried it with him to the very end of his life. In the midst of pain and discomfort, he continued to be a source joy to everyone around him. His attitude was surely a result of his faith and trust in his heavenly Father. John was thoroughly prepared for his departure from this earth, as he frequently joked that he was “playing in the fourth quarter.” Every minute of his life was a gift from God, and in his memorable way, John was always thankful that he could continue to “buy green bananas.” Anyone who has seen John preach has witnessed him high-fiving kids of the congregation as he exited the sanctuary. It is with this same spirit that John has left this place: with joy, with peace, and with grace.

John is survived by his wife of 67 years, Violet Engbers; three children, Sheryl (Dennis) Van Voorst of Rock Valley; Wesley (Glenda) Engbers and Kevin (Linda) Engbers, both of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; ten grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Ernest (Geneva) Engbers of Sun City, Arizona; and two sisters-in-law, Zelda Engbers of Sully, Iowa and Marie (Harold) Engbers Van Maanen of Pella, Iowa.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Arie and Gertrude Engbers Sr.; two brothers, Marvin Engbers and Arie Engbers Jr.; and a stillborn baby brother, John Henry Engbers.

Funeral Service

10:30 a.m. ,Saturday, August 22, 2015
Rock Valley First Christian Reformed Church
1401 16th Street Rock Valley, Iowa, Sioux 51247

Visitation

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. ,Friday, August 21, 2015
Calvin Christian Reformed Church
1804 17th Avenue Rock Valley, Iowa, Sioux 51247