VAN SURKSUM, Richard 1927-2017

VAN SURKSUM, REMPT, BRINKHUIS

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 3/7/2017 at 17:35:01

Rock Valley, Iowa - Richard Van Surksum, 90, of Rock Valley, Iowa died Thursday, February 23, 2017, at Pleasant Acres Care Center in Hull, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 27, at 1:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley with Rev. Joseph Terrell officiating. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley. Visitation, with the family present, will be Saturday, February 25, from 6:30-8:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Richard Van Surksum, son of John and Gertrude (Rempt) Van Surksum, was born January 5, 1927 at the family home near Rock Rapids, Iowa. He spent his childhood on a farm near Inwood.

He married Mary Jean Brinkhuis on February 15, 1949. They made their home near Doon, Iowa and later moved to Alvord, Iowa, where he worked as a mechanic and then later in Rock Valley, Iowa as an International Harvester Tractor mechanic for 20 years. An opportunity to farm arose and he moved to rural Rock Valley in 1969. He farmed until 2001 when he retired.

Richard loved spending time with his family and friends, and he welcomed all to share a laugh or fellowship. He will be greatly missed and was much beloved.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Van Surksum of Rock Valley; five children: James (Mary) Van Surksum, Audrey (Sydney) Eppinga, both of Rock Valley, Sandra (Mike) Collison of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Roger (Cynthia) Van Surksum of Murray, Nebraska, and Timothy (Laurel) Van Surksum of Brookings, South Dakota; 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Gary Van Surksum of Sioux Falls and John (Nettie) Van Surksum of Doon; brother-in-law, Jim (Darlene) Brinkhuis of Little Rock, Iowa; sister-in-law, Mrs. Abe Brinkhuis of Sioux Falls; and many nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Joanne; great-grandson, Marcus Blom; siblings, Bernard (Corine) Van Surksum, Grace (Peter) Van Veldhuizen, Johanna (Case) Teunissen; and Bill Van Surksum; and sister-in-law, Ann Van Surksum.

Source: Porter Funeral Home website