Elmer J. Veldhuizen
Elmer J. Veldhuizen
Elmer J. Veldhuizen
December 29, 1931 – January 13, 2021
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 89
Elmer J. Velhuizen, 89, of Oskaloosa passed away at his son Lyle’s home in Milan, Michigan on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. Elmer was born on December 29, 1931 in Mahaska County, Iowa, the son of Jacob W. and Ada E. (Van Zee) Veldhuizen.
Elmer graduated from the Oskaloosa High School and later attended college at Central College in Pella and the University of Iowa for two years and received his B.A. Degree.
Elmer enlisted in the United States Army and served his country during the Korean War. After his service, he returned home.
On September 7, 1956 he was united in marriage to Carolyn Van Haaften at the Central Reformed Church in Oskaloosa. To this union four children were born, Lyle, Evan, Leon, and Owen. Elmer and Carolyn let the Lord guide their life. Elmer and Carolyn enjoyed 62 years of marriage together until her passing on March 22, 2019.
Elmer worked as a social worker for the Mahaska County Department of Human Services for fifteen years until taking a job as a program coordinator for the Christian Opportunity Center. He was also involved in missionary work overseas with Carolyn, specifically in Manama, Bahrain.
Elmer was a longtime member of the Central Reformed Church in Oskaloosa and like attending the drive-in church services. He enjoyed being outdoors, doing yard work, watching the squirrels in his yard, helping with Boy Scout camping trips, watching his children’s sporting events, watching the Iowa Hawkeyes ball games, canoeing and camping with his family, traveling around the United States and overseas and collecting and cleaning walnuts from the trees on his property. Elmer was a simple man who, above all else, enjoyed spending time with friends and family.
His family includes his four sons, Lyle (& Bonnie) Veldhuizen of Milan, Michigan, Evan (& Carol) Veldhuizen of North Canton, Ohio, Leon (& Catherine) Veldhuizen of Wausau, Wisconsin, Owen (& Nerys) Veldhuizen of Llandudno, Wales, U.K.; a dear friend, Debbie Bible, who was like their daughter; thirteen grandchildren: Jennifer (& Issac) Gale, Rebekah (& Kurt) Heinold, Timothy (& Gretchen) Veldhuizen, Lori Veldhuizen, Melissa (& Martell) Hardy, Chris Veldhuizen, Detric Veldhuizen, Chene Veldhuizen, Cory (& Kimberly) Veldhuizen, Tyler (& Arliss) Veldhuizen, Kelsey Veldhuizen, Jacob (& Kelly) Veldhuizen, Joshua Veldhuizen; great-grandchildren: Levi Gale, Caden Gale, Karalyn Gale, Avery Hardy, Carter Hardy, Willow Veldhuizen, Abel Veldhuizen, Claire Veldhuizen, Corynna Veldhuizen, Alia Veldhuizen, Mya Veldhuizen, Walker Veldhuizen, Alex Pelot, Lydia Heinold and two more on the way.
Elmer was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn; his parents; his brothers: Edward, Arnold, Henry and Wayne Veldhuizen; and two sisters, Ruth Roudybush and Esther DePrenger.
A private graveside service will be held in the Forest Cemetery, in Oskaloosa.
According to the rules put in place by the Iowa Department of Public Health, proper social distancing and reasonable personal protective equipment is advised for attending a religious public event. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2021 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Bates Funeral Chapel. The family will be present from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral chapel to greet relatives and friends.
Memorials may be made to Central Reformed Church (RCA Missionary Support), Oskaloosa, Iowa.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Elmer J. Veldhuizen please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
