Andrew Oostra

Rock Valley, Iowa: Andrew Oostra, 86, of Rock Valley, Iowa, was called home by his Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was surrounded by the voices of several of those who loved him and he is now at peace. A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 26, at 2:30 PM, at the First Reformed Church of Rock Valley with Pastor Cliff Hoekstra officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.rvfrc.org/. Visitation with the family present will be held prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 PM at First Reformed Church. A celebration and inurnment will be held at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley in June.

   Memorials may be directed to the First Reformed Church of Rock Valley (Sound System).

   Andrew Oostra was a simple man who was born June 23, 1939, to John and Kate (Van Surksum) Oostra at home in Lyon County, Iowa. Leaving school after the 6th grade, he worked as a welder for many years at Roorda Manufacturing in Rock Valley, Iowa. He married his much-beloved wife, Wilmina “Willie” De Vos, on December 30, 1959, and they settled in Rock Valley, enjoying over 66 years together growing a family.

   He had a love for many simple things with his family above all. He could be found on the floor with the babies and puppies or opening his lap for a firm hug no matter the age. Potatoes and tomatoes were always planted in the garden and grew with his magic touch. Andy hunted and fished with the many boys, and sometimes girls, through the years. His love for fresh air and sunshine was passed on to his kids, grandkids and great grandkids in a way that it seems to run through their very blood. Andy went by many names, and his love was well renowned with anyone privileged enough to experience it.

   He leaves behind his wife of over 66 years, Wilmina (De Vos); children, Dan (Kathy) Oostra, Tammy (Jeff) De Vos, Sharon (Scott) Galena, and David (Sheri) Oostra; grandchildren and their children, Kyle (Julie, Eamon, Vivienne, Rory) Oostra, KC (Chelsea, Trinity, Presley, Hadleigh) De Vos, Kurt Oostra, Nicole (Josh, Keegan, Braden, Addyson, Lexi (John) Thompson, Holly (Christopher, Clayton, JoHanne) Starkenburg, Byron Oostra, Danielle Oostra, Shae Oostra, Nicholas (Beka) Oostra, Faith (Drew) Maddison, Kyler Galena, Joseph Galena, and Haylea Oostra; sisters-in-law, Teresa Oostra, Clarice Kooima, Marie De Vos, and Betty Brunsting; special friends, Garlene Van Veldhuizen and Janice Attema; and a honorary young buddy, Jordan Oostra.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Kate Oostra; parents-in-law, Clarence and Johanna De Vos; son, Roger Oostra; grandson, Myles De Vos; his many siblings, siblings-in-law, and their spouses; and special friends, Ed and Winifred Van Veldhuizen, John Van Veldhuizen, and John Attema.