Melvin Earl Den Hartog

June 22, 1928 - February 4, 2017

Melvin Earl Den Hartog, 88, of Oskaloosa, died Saturday, February 4, 2017, at Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa. He was born June 22, 1928, the son of Henry and Anna Van Roekel Den Hartog, in Mahaska County. He attended school in Mahaska County. On October 9, 1947, he was united in marriage to Betty Floden in Oskaloosa. Melvin started his truck driving career at the age of 29. He drove for various companies throughout his 33-year career, he retired from Grooveld Oil (Sully Transport) in Pella in 1990. He was a member of Central Reformed Church in Oskaloosa. He enjoyed traveling to and camping at Bluegrass Festivals all over the Midwest. In retirement, he and Betty enjoyed many winters in Arizona. His family includes his wife of over 69 years Betty Den Hartog of Oskaloosa; three sons, Roy Dean Den Hartog of Des Moines, Roger Lee (LaDonna) Den Hartog and Kevin Ray (Charlene) Den Hartog all of Oskaloosa; seven grandchildren, Mike Den Hartog, Susan Negley, Kristina Simmons, Tisha Scovel, Kyle Den Hartog, Kendall Den Hartog, Nickolas Den Hartog; many great grandchildren; brothers and sisters in law, Paul (Bev) Floden of Oskaloosa, Bob (Joan) Floden of Fremont, Sharon Scott of Des Moines, and Lyle Boender of Oskaloosa; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father in law; a grandson, Mason Den Hartog; a brother and his wife, Harold and Evelyn Den Hartog; and brothers and sisters in law, Jr. Floden, Shirley Boender, John (Artie) Floden, and Gary Scott. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. in the Central Reformed Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend Jon Nelson officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Tuesday after 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 Tuesday evening to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Central Reformed Church Building Fund.