Harry Boender

April 23, 1934 - November 29, 2020

Harry Boender, 86, of Oskaloosa, died Sunday, November 29, 2020, at his home in Oskaloosa. He was born April 23, 1934, in Mahaska County, Iowa, the son of William and Christine DeVries Boender. At the age of 16 he made his Profession of Faith at the First Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa. He attended country school. Following school, he continued farming with his family in Mahaska County. In 1953, Harry joined the United States Army and served two years, including time in Germany until his honorable discharge in 1955. On May 7, 1954, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Bynie” Rus in Pella. Harry, Elizabeth, and their family farmed in Mahaska County. In addition to farming, Harry worked as an equipment salesman at Oskaloosa Implement. In 1990, Harry and Elizabeth moved into town. Harry continued to sell Case IH equipment until retiring in 2001. However, even living in town he still made his way to the farm often. He was a faithful and active member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa, where he had served both as a deacon and elder. Harry & Elizabeth had a son, Daniel James, who was special needs and his presence in the family motivated Harry to become involved in the Christian Opportunity Center. Because of this, he served on the C.O.C. Board and their Foundation Board. He also served on the Pella Christian High School Board, Sheriff’s Posse and the Mahaska Cattlemen’s Association. Harry’s family includes his wife of over 66 years, Elizabeth Boender of Oskaloosa; six children, Steve and Jan Boender of rural Oskaloosa, Donna and Roger Prins of Barnes City, Dan Boender (deceased), Doug and Ginger Boender of rural New Sharon, William “Bill” and Julie Boender of rural New Sharon, and Beth and Dan Trumble of Colorado Springs, Co.; twenty five grandchildren, twenty seven great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his son Daniel, Harry was preceded in death by his parents; a great grandson, Ryker Boender, four brothers, John Boender, Sam Boender, Cornie Boender, and Ed Boender; five sisters, Nellie Stouwie, Helen Bruxvoort, Kay Bruxvoort , Wilma Veldhuizen, and Martha Sterk. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, December 3, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. in the First Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa with his Grandson-in-law, Reverend Brian Ochsner officiating. There will be a family prayer service with Pastor Jon Spronk at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday in the fellowship hall of the church. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. Graveside Military Honors will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. According to the rules put in place by the Iowa Department of Public Health, proper social distancing and masks will be required for attending a religious public event. The funeral service will be live streamed at the funeral home’s YouTube Channel for those wishing to support the family from a distance. Visitation will be held at Stillwaters (Boender’s) Cabin (2052 275th Street-Oskaloosa) beginning Wednesday, December 2, 2020 after 12:00 noon with family present from 4:00 to 7:00 to greet friends and relatives. Memorials will be made to the Oskaloosa Christian Grade School.