LeRoy Veldhuizen

January 24, 1930 - April 15, 2017

LeRoy Veldhuizen, 87, of Oskaloosa, passed away in the peace of his home on Saturday, April 15, 2017. LeRoy was born on the family farm to Gerrit and Emma Rempe Veldhuizen on January 24, 1930. He was raised in Leighton and was a graduate of Pella High School. In 1952, LeRoy was united in marriage to Frances Heslinga. Throughout his life, LeRoy was creative, hardworking, and resourceful. He was self-employed, owning and operating Veldhuizen Sawmill, Otley Coal Company, and South River Limestone. Well before the popularity of his favorite show “American Pickers”, LeRoy recognized treasure in what others viewed as trash. In the early 1980’s, he bought a house for a dollar, moved it to his acreage on the outskirts of Oskaloosa, and created a home that he and Frances enjoyed for the past 30 years. In retirement, LeRoy pursued his hobbies of restoring cars and working on the New Sharon farm. He was a faithful member of Central Reformed Church. LeRoy could build almost anything and took the greatest pleasure in the family he built with Frances. He is survived by Frances and their four children, Constance (Garry) Soper of Brick, New Jersey, Mary Grace of Altoona, Iowa, Brian (Cindy) Veldhuizen of Fairfield, Iowa and Lisa (Keith) Allen, of Austin, Texas. His family also includes 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Virgil, a sister Ruby, and a grandson, Andrew Veldhuizen. The quest to understand how things work was the essence of LeRoy’s personality. This inquisitiveness prompted him to donate his physical remains to the University of Iowa. Memorial services will be held at Central Reformed Church on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Jon Nelson officiating. Family will gather in the basement of the church for a time of fellowship following the Memorial Service. Memorial donations may be made in LeRoy’s name to the American Heart Association or Central Reformed Church.