Richard Marvin Wissink

Rock Valley, IA: Richard Marvin Wissink, 90, of Rock Valley, Iowa, died Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at Hegg Health Center in Rock Valley. A memorial service will be held Friday, January 3, 2025, at 11:00 AM at First Reformed Church of Rock Valley with Rev. Cliff Hoekstra officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.rvfrc.org/. Private family burial, with military rites, will be held prior to the service at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley. Visitation, with the family present, will be held Thursday, January 2, from 5:30-7:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley.

  Memorial donations in Rich’s name can be given to the Flood Restoration Fund at First Reformed Church. 

  Richard Marvin Wissink, son of William and Elsie (Ver Doorn) Wissink, was born January 8, 1934, at his grandparents' farm near Rock Valley, Iowa. He attended school through the 7th grade at Rock Valley Community School. He began his work life at a very young age, driving truck, doing farmwork, and working at Van Zee Ready Mix.

  He married Barbara Meyer on November 28, 1953. In 1955 Rich was drafted into the United States Army and he spent one year in Germany. After being honorably discharged, Rich returned home; he and Barb made their home on an acreage on the family farm. To this union Keith and Kathy were born. After 44 years of marriage, Barb passed away on August 10, 1998. In 2000 Rich was united in marriage with Linda DeRuyter and the couple enjoyed 24 years of marriage.

  Rich worked 30 years for the State of Iowa doing road maintenance. He often talked about all the snow he plowed over the years. He also farmed 10 years during the 70’s. Once he retired and moved to town he began mowing for the City of Rock Valley. This retirement job lasted 15 years. 

  Rich enjoyed horseback riding, motorcycling, fishing, playing cards and dominos, and woodworking. He volunteered at Whispering Heights and loved coffee with “the guys”. He also liked his time at Coop with the afternoon coffee guys, telling his jokes and stories. He was a lifelong member of the Rock Valley First Reformed Church and was active in the VFW.

  He is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Keith (Gretchen) Wissink of Alcester, South Dakota; daughter, Kathy (Doug) Klarenbeek of Hudson, South Dakota; stepson, Joel (Danielle) DeRuyter of Verona, New Jersey; stepdaughter, Jill (Chad) Heyden of Larchwood, Iowa; grandchildren, Bradey (Jenna) Klarenbeek, Kadee (Jaron) Van Beek, Shayla (Adam) Louwerse, Brian Weiland, Kassi Wissink, Kayla Wissink, and Kelli (Michael) Bruscher; step grandchildren, Chance Heyden, Brecken Heyden, Slayton Heyden Brynlee Heyden, Davis DeRuyter, and Joss DeRuyter; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

  Rich was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Barbara; granddaughter, Jennifer Weiland; and twin brother, Willard (Arlene) Wissink.