Vernon Gene Koedam

Inwood, IA: Vernon Koedam, 73, of Inwood, Iowa, died Sunday, January 15, 2023, at Avera McKennan Hospital of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 21, at 11:00 AM, at the First Reformed Church of Inwood with Rev. Rob Horstman officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@firstreformedchurchinwood2887/streams. Burial, with military rites, will be held prior to the memorial service at 10:00 AM at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley, Iowa. Visitation, with the family present, will be held Friday, January 20, from 5:00-7:00 PM at the church.

   Memorials may be directed to Midwest Honor Flight (https://www.midwesthonorflight.org/). Porter Funeral Home of Inwood is assisting the family with arrangements.

   Vernon Gene Koedam, son of William and Gertrude (Klarenbeek) Koedam, was born July 2, 1949, near Luverne, Minnesota. He spent time during his childhood in Hawarden, Iowa and Pipestone, Minnesota working on the family farm with his parents and siblings. Eventually, he settled in Alvord, Iowa. Vern was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War and proudly served his country from March 4, 1969 to March 3, 1971. On August 28, 1974, Vern was united in marriage to Laura Van Otterloo. For most of their married life the couple resided in Alvord only moving to Inwood, Iowa after their retirement. Vern valued a hard day of work which was evident in the 48 years he drove truck. Although Vern took pride in his work, he would often comment that time missed from his family was time he could not get back. Laura passed away on March 2, 2020. 

   Vern was supportive of his family and loved to spoil his five grandchildren. Partaking in a good meal, watching old western and classic television shows and movies were among some of Vern’s favorite things. He could also be found riding his Harley Davidson Trike around the area communities. Vern was able to reconnect with some of his military brothers and he and Laura looked forward to attending annual Vietnam reunions. Vern was very proud of his military service and was a Bronze Star recipient. One of Vern’s most memorable moments was being chosen to participate in a Midwest Honor Flight Mission 6 on October 12, 2019, and the experience was very special to him. Vern will be missed by all those that knew and loved him.

   Vern is survived by his 3 sons, Chad (Brenna) Koedam of Ireton, Iowa, Mark (Ashely) Koedam of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Brent (Mandi) Koedam of Cherokee, Iowa; five grandchildren, Logan, Cullen, Eden, Kenzie and Kaely; 5 siblings, Merle (Ruth) Koedam of Alvord, Shirley (Arnie) Van Voorst of Inwood, Wes (Marge) Koedam of Alvord, Gloria (Mike) Bomgaars of Inwood, and Kenny (Amy) Koedam of Inwood; and 6 siblings-in-law, Harvey (Joanne) Van Otterloo of Rock Valley, Iowa, Art (Margaret) Van Otterloo of Hull, Iowa, Dennis (Nelva) Van Otterloo of Brandon, South Dakota, Jeanette Van Engen of Doon, Iowa, Viola Van Otterloo of Denver, Colorado,  Luretta Van Otterloo of Doon; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

   Vern was preceded in death by his wife, Laura; parents, William and Gertrude; parents-in-law, Peter and Magdelena Van Otterloo; and brothers-in-law, Berwyn Van Otterloo and Harlan Van Engen.