Harvard Voetberg

Rock Valley, IA: Harvard Voetberg of Rock Valley, Iowa died Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Hegg Health Center in Rock Valley. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, June 20 at 10:30 AM at Porter Funeral Home in Rock Valley. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation, with the family present, will be held Tuesday, June 19 from 6:30-8:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

Harvard Allen Voetberg, 67, was finally caught; hook, line and sinker by the great fisherman from beyond, after his often used but tired heart wore out.

Harv was born September 16, 1950 to Ben and Jess (Eshuis) Voetberg in Le Mars, Iowa. Raised in Rock Valley, he was quickly joined by three siblings; Marlo, Marva, and Bryan.

On November 9, 1968, he finally caught his greatest catch, a real keeper, Delores Tilstra during a blizzard. They were married 49 years. The family grew with the addition of Kim, lovingly referred to as “a challenge” and Tom. He shared his love of the outdoors with them by teaching them to fish, hunt and spot a deer a mile away. His heart swelled with more pride when his 3 grandchildren, Torrin, Allyson and Ryan arrived. Valuing the importance of good grades, he often rewarded them with money for A’s and B’s. They did a great job breaking the bank.

Harv worked many odd jobs throughout his life and knew darn near everybody in the tri-state area. He put others before himself many times. If someone was down on their luck, grieving or having a bad day, he was there with a pot of soup, a bag of fish, or a funny but often inappropriate joke to brighten their day. He was a regular face at happy hour. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was quite a character!

Harv is survived by his wife, Dee; children, Kim (Kevin) Vande Vegte of Le Mars, Iowa and Tom Voetberg of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; grandchildren, Torrin Vande Vegte of Le Mars, Allyson Vande Vegte of Kansas City, Kansas, and Ryan Vande Vegte of Le Mars; brothers, Marlo (June) Voetberg of Marcus, Iowa and Bryan (Donna) Voetberg of Magnolia, Minnesota; and sister, Marva (Duane) Haak of Rock Valley, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Jess Voetberg; and infant daughter, Sheila Kay.

Visitation with the family

Memorial Service