Howard Altena

Howard Bevan Altena, 72, was born on July 6, 1953, in Canton, SD, and peacefully entered Heaven’s gates on Thursday, August 14, 2025. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, August 19th at the First Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley, with Rev. Matthew Haan officiating. The funeral service can be livestreamed at https://www.christianworldmedia.com/livechannel/firstcrcrv. Lunch will follow the service, with burial at Valley View Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Monday at the Church. The Porter Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to www.porterfuneralhomes.com. Memorials in Howard’s memory can be directed to Rock Valley Christian School or First Christian Reformed Church, Rock Valley.

Howard was the son of the late Louis and Albertha (Van’t Hul) Altena. He grew up on the family farm northwest of Rock Valley and attended Rock Valley Christian School and Western Christian High School. After graduation, he attended Nettleton College where he received a degree in Professional Accounting. Howie loved numbers, and used those talents the remainder of his life. He worked for many accounting firms during the winters while he farmed, some of which were: All American Transport, Iowa Farm Business Association and Kipley Law Firm.

On November 30, 1973, Howie was united in marriage to Lynette Klemme. They lived the first couple years of their marriage in Sioux Falls, SD, and in 1975 embarked on a fulfilling career in farming. They moved to the family farm in 1982. They were blessed with three children: a daughter, Tricia; and two sons, Troy and Evan. Howie loved his family, led by example, had a tireless work ethic, and enjoyed the farm, but his true passion was crop farming. He was a farmer who loved and respected the land that God had entrusted him. He also fed many cattle, worked hard with his hands, and could fix any piece of equipment. Working hard was not difficult for him, but he considered it an honor and privilege, especially in his later years when he could work beside and with his grandsons. He taught his sons and grandsons many valuable tools of the trade.

Howie and Lynette enjoyed many camping trips with their family, trips to various parts of the United States and Mexico, cruises, and a trip to Israel. They moved from the farm to town in 2023, and Howie continued to farm with the boys up until four days before his death.

Howie was diagnosed with cancer in February of 2015 and again in 2021 until the present. He ran his race valiantly, courageously, and with great dignity, never complaining about his circumstances. He fought this battle with his family and his Lord Jesus by his side. It was his faith that gave him the strength to carry on. He talked often of the grace and mercy so freely given him. Howie was a lifelong member of the First Christian Reformed Church, Rock Valley, where he served as Deacon, Elder, attended Men’s Bible Study, Catechism teacher, and Cadet leader. He also served on the Rock Valley Christian School Board, Siouxland Energy Board, and enjoyed his time as a member of the Valley Male Chorus.

He leaves for now his beloved wife of 51 years, Lynette; three beloved children and their spouses: Tricia (Brian) Mulder; Troy (Michelle) Altena; and Evan (Kim) Altena; 12 grandchildren: Kaylee, Tristan, Jace, Rashana and Brock Mulder; Jacob (Katelyn), Tyson (Hannah), Ethan and Levi Altena; Taylor, Kaysha and Abigail Altena; a great granddaughter, Hadley Mae Altena; one beloved sister Garneth (Kevin) Kuiper of Sioux Falls, SD; brother and sister-in-laws: Steve and LaNay Welch, Greg and Paulette Klemme, and Matthew and Lori Klemme; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members and friends.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Albertha Altena; parents-in-law, Darwyn Klemme, Rod and Eunice Reoh; maternal and paternal grandparents.