Charlie De Jong

Charlie De Jong, 87, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2021. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley, Iowa, with Pastor Kevin Schneider officiating. Inurnment will follow at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley.

Charlie De Jong was born February 17, 1933, in Hull, Iowa, to Manus and Etta (Anema) De Jong. Charlie married Eileen Van Olst in June 12, 1956. He joined the United States Army in 1955 when he was 18 years old. Charlie trained as a nurse practitioner at the Presidio Army base in San Francisco, California. He and his brother, Herman, both served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. Charlie had a 20-year career in the Army with full retirement in the 80’s. He spent his next 20 years at AAFES (Army Air Force Exchange Service) and then retired. Before his decline, he walked at least a mile every day and loved to read.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Fred, Kenneth, and Arnold De Jong, and brother-in-law, Henry Vis.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Eileen; son, Michael John De Jong (Penny); grandson, Matthew De Jong; siblings, Manuel De Jong (Carolyn), Evelyn Vis, Marilyn Doiron, Corky De Jong (Jan), Herman De Jong, Esther De Roon (Clarence), sister-in-law, Jean De Jong; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.