Harold DeBruin
Harold DeBruin
Harold DeBruin
June 18, 1915 – March 6, 2014
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 98
Harold A. De Bruin, 98, of Oskaloosa and formerly of Leighton, died Thursday, March 6, 2014, at the Oskaloosa Care Center in Oskaloosa. Harold was the son of Jacob Cornelius and Johanna Bieshaar De Bruin. He and his twin brother Arnold were born on June 18, 1915.
Harold attended the Black Oak Country Grade School and graduated from Pella Public High School in Pella.
On June 8, 1938, he was united in marriage to Ethel Brummel at Ethel’s parents’ home; Ethel died on April 30, 2002. Harold was drafted into the United States Army and reported for duty May 15, 1943. During his time in the Army he served in the China Burma India Theatre with the Headquarter Engineer Division for 27 months. He enjoyed telling about leaving the United States on the east coast and arriving back on the west coast, as his military service had taken him around the world. On April 30, 1946, he was honorably discharged.
Harold worked for Farmer’s Savings Bank for 45 years. He later was a Director at Leighton State Bank in Leighton. He retired in 2004 and the title of Director Emeritus was bestowed upon him. He also sold insurance for over 50 years. Harold was a very active member of the Leighton community. He served as City Clerk and as a council member for many years. In 1998 Harold and Ethel moved to Oskaloosa.
Harold was a member of the Ebenezer Reformed Church in Leighton, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and as a Deacon. Harold was a charter member and past president of the Leighton Lions club. He coordinated the blood drives for the Lion’s club in Leighton for over twenty years. He received Melvin Jones and Warren Coleman awards for his work with the Lions. He had also served as a 4H leader and Scout Master. He was also a member of the Gideon’s. Harold was a life member of the American Legion and V.F.W.
His family includes his two children: Rodney De Bruin of Laramie, Wyoming and Mary (& Russ) Young of Oskaloosa, Iowa; three grandchildren: Danelle Meppelink, Mark (& Kirsten) Stek and Laura De Bruin; five great grandchildren: Aaron Meppelink, Nicholas Meppelink, Matthew Meppelink, Jakob Stek and Ethan Stek; three step grandchildren: Russ (& Krystal) Young, Chandra Young and Cody Young; five step great grandchildren: Taylor Young, Anthony Young, Bailey Beard, Sophie Young and Kyle Young; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
In addition to his wife, Harold was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother and wife: Arnold and Bernice De Bruin; three brothers and their spouses: Cornie A. and Frances De Bruin; Henry W. De Bruin and his wives- Marie and Henrietta; and Albert and Jeannie De Bruin; four sisters and their spouses: Edna and Gerrit Van Roekel; J. Grace and Gerrit Vis; Clara and William Blom; and Frances De Bruin.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 10, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. in the Ebenezer Reformed Church in Leighton with Reverend Mark Jicinsky officiating. There will be a 10:15 a.m. family prayer service in the fellowship hall of the church.
Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery near Leighton. Graveside Military Rites will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Sunday morning after 10 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 3-5 Sunday evening to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to the Ebenezer Reformed Church Missions.
