Dick Gerald Bleyenberg

Rock Valley, IA: Dick Gerald Bleyenberg, 86, of Rock Valley, Iowa, passed away Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Hegg Health Center in Rock Valley. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 12, at 10:30 AM at Faith Reformed Church of Rock Valley with Rev. Pieter van der Hoek of Heritage Reformed Church officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://faithrv.com/. Burial with military rites will follow at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley. Visitation with the family present will be held Monday, August 11, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley.

   Memorials may be directed to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org/). 

   Dick Gerald Bleyenberg was born on December 8, 1938, to Gerrit and Gertrude (Van Beek) Bleyenberg, and entered into eternal rest on August 7, 2025, surrounded by his family and the legacy of a life marked by faith, service, and devotion. Raised alongside three sisters as the only son, Dick grew up in a home shaped by strong values and hard work. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on active duty from 1957 to 1961. Following his military service, he attended DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago, where he trained as an electrician. On December 17, 1963, he married the love of his life, Clara Ann, and together they built a life grounded in faith and family. Dick worked for many years at the Rock Valley Post Office, where he was a dependable and familiar face in the community. He continued his military service in the Navy Reserves and later with the Air National Guard, ultimately completing over 20 years of honorable service to his country.

   Dick’s greatest joys in life were simple and steadfast: the care and concern of his family. He passed on his deep and enduring belief in Christ to his children and grandchildren, a spiritual legacy that continues to flourish. Known for his good sense of humor and steady presence, Dick was a faithful member of Heritage Reformed Church in Hull, Iowa, where he served as both deacon and elder. He also found a winter church home at the Free Presbyterian Church in Phoenix, Arizona. Throughout his retirement, Dick was happy to serve his church family as a ready servant, always willing to help with any needed function. He loved traveling across the country with Clara Ann, especially to support his grandsons as they competed in tractor pulls. He also enjoyed sharing his love of golf with his children and grandchildren. Whether spending time with loved ones, telling a story, or enjoying the quiet pleasures of daily life, Dick lived with humility, purpose, and unwavering loyalty.

   He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 62 years, Clara Ann Bleyenberg; daughter, Annette (Kurt) Van Beek; son, Gary (Stephanie) Bleyenberg; and son, Brent Bleyenberg. Dick’s love and influence live on in his four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his beloved sisters, Trudy Koedam and Alma den Hoed; brother-in-law, Jim Van Beek; and many nieces and nephews who will fondly remember his wit, wisdom, and warm heart.

   Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Gerrit and Gertrude Bleyenberg; sister, Dorothy Koedam; brothers-in-law, Bill Koedam, Johnny Van Beek, Gary Van Beek, and Everett Koedam; his treasured grandson, Travis; and infant granddaughter, Jennifer. Though deeply missed, his life remains a testimony to love, service, and enduring faith—and his family rejoices in the hope of reunion promised through Christ.