Arnold "Arnie" Vande Vegte

Rock Valley, IA: Arnold “Arnie” Vande Vegte, 88, of Rock Valley, Iowa, died Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at his home in Rock Valley. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 27, at 10:00 AM at First Reformed Church of Rock Valley with Rev. Cliff Hoekstra officiating. Burial with military rites will follow at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley. Visitation with the family present will be held Tuesday, December 26, from 5:00-6:30 PM at First Reformed Church.

   Arnold (Arnie) Richard Vande Vegte was born May 10, 1935, in Rock Valley, Iowa to Henry and Alyda (Harskamp) Vande Vegte. They moved to Michigan for a few years and then the family moved to California for seven years. Arnie was the oldest of six children. In 1948, they moved back to Iowa, first to Hawarden, then Sioux Center. They moved around a lot, but he was a very likable kid and made friends easily everywhere he went. As an adult, he received an Associate Degree in Industrial Architecture.

   In 1956, Arnie joined the United States Army instead of waiting to be drafted. He served in Korea for two years. Arnie was in the Howitzer unit and served as a cook his last year. He had many army buddies he kept in touch with over the years.

   He married Donna Rae Vogelzang on June 5, 1959, in the First Reformed Church in Rock Valley. They first lived in Sioux Center and later moved to an acreage near Rock Valley. Arnie enjoyed having a workshop, gardens, and room for their five children as they grew up. Arnie also enjoyed fishing, grilling, and visiting his family and in-laws.

   Arnie worked at the creamery in Sioux Center as a milk delivery truck driver. Then he sold steel bins for Altena Circle Steel. Later he started his own business called Security Steel. He had several sales jobs and he loved meeting and talking to people. Towards retirement, he worked for Double H manufacturing. He also had his own furniture refinishing business and loved working with tools and wood. The workshop he built was a favorite place for him and he even added a space for socializing.

   After his wife Donna passed away (October 29, 2003), he married Shirley Bos on February 18, 2005. They enjoyed adventures including going to Europe and Branson, Missouri. She passed away in March of 2009.

   Arnie was known for being friendly, honest, kind, quick-witted, and he always had a positive mindset. He was a very sociable person and loved his friends and family. He was quick with a funny remark and enjoyed life. Arnie never missed a Sunday sermon and watched Pastor Salem or First Reformed church on TV. He also loved country and gospel music. Arnie was a man of honor and strong faith. He knew his Savior Jesus and his eternal home. He enjoyed weekly visits with his brother-in-law, Bud Vogelzang, who was a good friend to him for almost seven decades.

   Arnie is survived by his five children: Jeff (Corrine) Vande Vegte of Rock Valley, Norm (Deb) Vande Vegte of Hudson, SD, Lisa (Mike) Dresch of Sioux Falls, SD, Kevin (Kim) Vande Vegte of Le Mars, IA, and Marnie Vande Vegte of Edina, MN; sixteen grandchildren: Katie, Daren, Megan, Kyle, Dylan, Drake, Elsa, Jacob, Torrin, Allyson, Ryan, Elliot, Stella, Ollie; 2 step-grandchildren: Sam and Zach; 15 great grandchildren, and his siblings: Loretta Vermeer, Russell (Helen) Vande Vegte, Sharon (Doc) Watson, and Doug (Wanda) Vande Vegte.

   Preceding him in death were his parents; sister, Viola (Arlyn) Mulder; wife, Donna and wife, Shirley; and many friends.

   Arnie was truly a one-of-a-kind man and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.