Gerald Rozenboom

February 2, 1922 - September 1, 2019

Jacob Gerald Rozenboom was born in his parent’s home northwest of Bussey, Iowa on February 2, 1922. He was the youngest of 12 living children born to Geurt (George) and Maatje (Martha) Van Snippenberg Rozenboom who had emigrated from the Netherlands in 1910. His parents farmed in the Pella, Peoria, Bussey, Tracy and Lacey areas. Gerald began his education at the Bussey Consolidated School and graduated from eighth grade at the Lacey School. Gerald was drafted into the Army in 1942 and was called to serve overseas during WWII, spending most of his time in France, Belgium and Germany. He married Clarissa Stek on August 14, 1945, also known as VJ Day. During their wedding reception, the church bells in Oskaloosa began to ring signaling the end of the war. Gerald often said the sound of the bells was the best wedding gift they could have received. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army on January 11, 1946. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal and two bronze service stars. Six children were born to Gerald and Clarissa: Allan, Calvin, Norman, Kenneth, Kathleen and David. Sadly, Allan passed away on June 29, 1962 from Hodgkin’s Disease at age 15. A year to the day later, the Lord blessed them with the birth of their youngest son. Gerald and Clarissa lived and farmed near Wright, Iowa until they retired in 1987. Gerald was a farmer and liked to “tinker” throughout his life. He designed and built many innovative and practical pieces of farm equipment. He also had an avid interest in flying, obtaining his pilot’s license at age 55. He and Clarissa enjoyed their retirement together, spending time with family, hobbies, traveling and volunteering. Gerald was a faithful and active member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa, serving in many ways. He was also a strong supporter of Christian education, serving on the boards of Oskaloosa Christian Grade School, Pella Christian High School and Dordt College. Music was very dear to his heart and he enjoyed singing and listening to beautiful harmony. Gerald and Clarissa moved to the Oskaloosa Care Center in 2016 where he passed away at age 97. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; his eleven siblings: Gertie, Jennie, John, Joe, Lucy, Coby, Gerrit, Gysbert, Johanna, Jeanetta, and Martha; and his beloved first-born son Allan. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 74 years, Clarissa; their five remaining children and spouses: Calvin (Connie), Norman, Kenneth (Becky), Kathy Hoksbergen (Carroll), and David (Tammy); twelve grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa. A graveside service will be held before the funeral service on Wednesday at 9:15 a.m. in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. For those wishing to attend the burial, a procession will form at the Bates Funeral Chapel at 8:45 on Wednesday morning to leave for the cemetery. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at 12 noon at the Bethel Christian Reformed Church with the family present at the church from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday evening to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the Oskaloosa Christian Grade School or the Hodgkin Lymphoma Association.