Richard “Rich” Vande Haar
Richard “Rich” Vande Haar
Richard “Rich” Vande Haar
August 24, 1945 – August 24, 2021
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 76
Richard “Rich” Vande Haar, 76, of rural Mahaska County died Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. He was born Friday, August 24, 1945, in Oskaloosa, the son of Gary and Gladys DeCook Vande Haar.
Rich graduated from Pella High School with the class of 1963. Following graduation, he worked at Pella Rolscreen for a short time.
On June 18, 1965, he was united in marriage to Nancy Baker in Leighton.
Following their marriage the couple moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Rich took a job with Commonwealth Mobile Home Sales, traveling all over setting up mobile homes. After a year in Wyoming, they moved back to Iowa and Rich worked for Malloy Mobile Homes. Rich had a desire to farm, so he followed his heart and took a job working as a hired man on farms in Washington and Mahaska Counties. In 1972, he purchased his own farm southwest of Oskaloosa. From that time on Rich raised livestock, mostly hogs, corn and soybeans. In the past few years Rich decided to slow down a little, however he still looked forward to seeing the countryside through the windshield of his semi and just being out on his farm. He believed in hard work and being a good steward of the resources. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to family, neighbors, and friends.
He gave selflessly to many organizations that served agriculture and Mahaska County. He was a member of the Iowa Pork Producers where he served in several capacities including serving as State President in 1986. He was
a leader in starting the Iowa Pork Tent at the Iowa State Fair, 40 years ago this year. He also served on the Mahaska Rural Water Board, Mahaska County Pork Producers, and the Iowa State Extension Office in Mahaska
County. He was recognized for his contributions to agriculture receiving the Outstanding Young Farmer Award early in his career and the Iowa Master Pork Producer Award in 1996.
His family includes his wife of over 56 years, Nancy Vande Haar of rural Mahaska County; his two sons and their wives: Scott and Rachelle Vande Haar of Oskaloosa and Mark and Kayla Vande Haar of Ames; a grandson, Wilder Lyftogt-Vande Haar; a brother and his wife, Harold and Logie Vande Haar of Laurie, Missouri; brothers and sisters in law, Warren Vander Linden (Phyllis’ widower) of Yakama, Washington, Sue Baker of Grinnell, Louise Baker of Centerville, and Joan and Frank Hanna of Urbandale.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Arnold Vande Haar; a sister, Phyllis Vander Linden; and brothers and sisters in law, Jerry Baker, Liz Baker, Fred Baker, and Tony Baker.
A memorial service for Rich will be held Friday, August 27, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa.
As was Rich’s wish his body has been cremated and burial of the urn will be in the Bellefountaine Cemetery at a later date. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Thursday after 11:00 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 Thursday evening to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to the MHP Hospice Serenity House.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Richard “Rich” Vande Haar please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
