Robert Van Wyhe

Robert W. Van Wyhe, 90, of Hawarden, Iowa, died Monday, October 16, 2017 at the Hillcrest Health Care Services in Hawarden, Iowa.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 21, 2017 at the Trinity Lutheran Church, LCMS in Hawarden, Iowa with Rev. Joshua Lowe officiating. Lunch will follow the service with committal and military service, conducted by the Heeren McHalz Wilken Post 724 of Brunsville, beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars, Iowa. Visitation will begin at noon Friday, with the family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. at the Porter Funeral Home in Hawarden. The family requests memorial contributions to Hospice of Siouxland or Alzheimers Research. Condolences may be sent to www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

Robert “Rips” W. Van Wyhe, son of John and Sophie (Klave) Van Wyhe Sr., was born February 4, 1927 on the home place near Ireton, Iowa. Robert proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy from 1951-1955 stationed in Guam on the helicopter squadron. He was united in marriage to Rose Mary Murphy on August 25, 1958 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at Le Mars, Iowa. To this union, one daughter was born, Jacqueline (Jackie McManaman) Van Wyhe.

Robert’s first love was the church. He was a dedicated member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawarden, Iowa. He adored his wife, Rose Mary, and cherished 10 short years with her before her life was taken by colon cancer on August 26, 1968. He farmed by McNally, Iowa from 1956-1990s until his retirement.

Rips was a man of faith and conviction. He was a voracious reader, especially of the Bible. He always had a verse to discuss, an article to share, or a story to tell. He valued his friends and adored his family. His razzing was legendary, his laugh was quick, and his opinions were strong. Other passions were ballroom dancing and playing cards. He was a pleasure to watch on the dance floor. Dancing led him to very important lifetime relationships, including his marriages to Lois (Finch) Van Wyhe of 20 years and Loretta Kinch.

Rips is survived by his daughter, Jackie of Hawarden; five grandchildren, Afton (Brad) Erdmann of Ankeny, Iowa; Brittany (Brant) Goodchild of Primghar, Iowa; Ethan McManaman of Le Mars, Iowa; Bobbi Jo McManaman of Lincoln, Nebraska; Brooke McManaman of Hawarden, Iowa; five great-grandchildren, Breely and Mila Erdmann, Kaydence McManaman, and Kane and Jax Goodchild; a sister, Leona Koopmans of Ireton, Iowa; a brother, Raymond (Dorothy) Van Wyhe of Hawarden, Iowa; Rose Mary’s siblings, Leo Murphy of Surprise, Arizona, Cheryl (Jack) Bartz of Oak Brook, Illinois, Teresa “Terri” Jeffrey of Wayne, Nebraska, and Mary Frances “Fran” Redmond of South Sioux City, Nebraska; and a sister-in-law, Mary Murphy of Cherokee, Iowa.

Rips was preceded in death by his parents, John and Sophie Van Wyhe Sr.; three brothers, Lawrence (Sophie), Johnnie (Fern), and Elmer (Stella); two sisters, Hazel (Russ) Popma and Viola (Howard) Liston; a brother-in-law, Hank Koopmans; and many brothers, sisters and in-laws of Rose Mary.

Visitation with the family

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM ,Friday, October 20, 2017
Porter Funeral Home ~ Hawarden
712 10th Street Hawarden, Iowa 51023

Prayer Service

6:30 PM ,Friday, October 20, 2017
Porter Funeral Home ~ Hawarden
712 10th Street Hawarden, Iowa 51023

Funeral Service

10:30 AM ,Saturday, October 21, 2017
Trinity Lutheran Church, LCMS
1103 Central Avenue Hawarden, Iowa 51023