Roger Holtrop

Through the life of Roger Holtrop we are reminded that each new day is a gift given to us to enjoy while loving those within our reach. He was filled with a zest for life and made the most of every moment he was given. Roger embraced the Christian faith that was engraved upon his heart from the time he was a young boy, and it was this same faith that guided his every step. Known for his strong work ethic, his desire to serve others, his lifelong love of learning, and his unending love for his family. Roger will be deeply missed while his memory is forever cherished.

The early forties found America deeply entrenched in the throes of WWII overseas while those who remained stateside became familiar with rationing on common goods. Despite the trying times around them, a bustling family from Hawarden, Iowa, couldn’t have been happier to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on May 19th. Roger was the youngest of seven children born to his parents, Louis and Tillie (Zwaan) Holtrop. His father was a local farmer while his mother was a busy homemaker.

Roger’s formal education began in a two-room schoolhouse when he was just four years old. He and his family were members of the Hawarden Christian Reformed Church where he not only learned the fundamentals of the Christian faith but also attended Sunday school, catechism, and made profession of faith. From a young age Roger helped out on the farm, establishing the strong work ethic that remained with him throughout his entire life. When he was around ten years old Roger’s family moved from the farm into the city of Hawarden.

From the small schoolhouse Roger went to Western Christian High School in Hull, Iowa. Although he was only 15 at the time he drove the school bus to and from school, picking up and dropping off fellow students as he went.

After graduating from high school Roger attended Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, for two years. It was while there that he met the woman who would one day hold the key to his heart. She was a fellow student named Joann Vogel, and they met at the library, but it wasn’t until their paths crossed again that a romance developed.

For one year Roger taught middle school students in the Sanborn Iowa Christian School, but after that year he discovered that teaching wasn’t a good fit. He then went to Sioux Falls University, which is where Joann was also a student, and a dating relationship continued between them.

During this same time Roger enlisted in the Army and went away for basic training, where he wrote Joann everyday. He then asked her to be his wife through a letter. With only two weeks to plan the wedding the couple was married at Chandler Christian Reformed Church in Chandler, Minnesota, while Roger was home on a two week furlough.

The newlyweds enjoyed a brief honeymoon, and Roger quickly returned to the service. He was soon shipped off to Vietnam after Joann briefly visited him in San Francisco. With his duty in Vietnam completed Roger returned stateside where he was stationed at Wm. Beaumont in El Paso, Texas, and Joann was able to join him. By the time he was discharged he had earned the rank of sergeant and was part of a general supply company.

For a time the couple lived in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he attended University of Colorado, but they soon moved to Pipestone, Minnesota, to be closer to family. Roger attended the Pipestone Vocational School where he learned the carpentry trade. Upon completion he began a construction business with his brother-in-law, Ken Vogel. Together they ran and operated Arkay Construction. In 1989 Roger left the construction industry to work for the United States Postal Service out of the Sioux Falls Post Office until he retired in 2010.

Together Roger and Joann were blessed with three children: Heather, Nicholas, and Laura. They raised their children in the Christian faith and were members of the Pipestone Christian Reformed Church where Roger served as an elder. While living in Pipestone, the Holtrop family also opened their home to 39 foster children. As a family, they enjoyed vacations that were often spent camping at various state and national parks.

Roger thoroughly enjoyed traveling and appreciated the food, architecture, and the cultures of Mexico, Europe, Pakistan, and several Caribean islands. Roger and Joann celebrated their 1st and 40th anniversaries in Hawaii. Roger’s favorite destination was the Black Hills of South Dakota where he hiked various trails including his favorite, the Centennial Trail. Roger enjoyed discovering life off the beaten path wherever he went.

When Roger began working for the post office they moved to Luverne, MN. They became active members of the Luverne Christian Reformed Church. Roger also volunteered for community activities including Volunteers in Missions. Once their children were grown, Roger and Joann moved to Sioux Falls, SD. And once he retired they relocated to Grand Rapids, MI to be near children and grandchildren. Soon after moving to Grand Rapids they found a church home at Riverside Christian Reformed Church where they became actively involved.

In his spare time Roger enjoyed many activities. He was skilled in many areas, and could fix and build anything. Roger loved music and enjoyed everything about nature. He was a fantastic cook who never cooked the same thing twice and enjoyed fishing, reading, watching television and movies, and solving Sudoku puzzles.

A man of great character, unwavering faith, and deep love for others, our memories of Roger Holtrop will remain forever near and dear to all our hearts.

Mr. Roger D. Holtrop, aged 68 of Grand Rapids and formerly of Sioux Falls SD passed away and went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday August 10, 2012. He is survived by his wife, of 45 years, Joann Holtrop, his children: Heather and Dilshad Albert, Nicholas and Abigail Holtrop, Laura and Robert Den Besten, his grandchildren: Sanjiv and Aaliya Albert, Ruthanna, Ivan, Eloise, Oliver and Levi Holtrop; his brothers and sisters-in-law: Fred and Rena Holtrop, Louis and Lori Holtrop, Elwyn and Jean Holtrop; his sisters and brothers-in-law: Grace Huenink, Twyla and Fred Elkins; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Patsy and LeRoy Buys, Ken and Irene Vogel, Don and Cindy Vogel, Shirley and Stu Oines, Curt and Donna Vogel, Judi and Karl Schwebe and nieces and nephews. Roger honorably served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, was a retired U.S Postal worker and was a member of Riverside Christian Reformed Church where he served as an Elder. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 A.M. at the Riverside Christian Reformed Church, 604 Comstock Blvd. N.E. with Dr. Calvin Van Reken officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with his family Monday at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien – Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield N.E. from 6-9 P.M. and again on Tuesday at the church from 10 AM until the time of the funeral service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to C.R.W.R. C. would be appreciated. To read more of Roger’s life, share a memory or sign the online register book please visit www.lifestorynet.com