Michael Dale De Jager

Doon, IA: Michael Dale De Jager, 64, of Doon, Iowa, went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, passing away at Whispering Heights in Rock Valley, Iowa following multiple medical difficulties over the past few years. A funeral service will be held Monday, February 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM, at Trinity Christian Reformed Church of Rock Valley with Pastor Luke Johnston officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/4077519. Following the service, Mike will be cremated and burial will be held at Hillside Cemetery of Doon at a later date. Visitation with the family present will be held Sunday, February 15, from 1:30-3:30 PM at Trinity CRC. 

   Michael Dale De Jager was born on March 22, 1961, to Don and Helen (Van Middendorp) De Jager. He grew up on the farm, where he learned a hard work ethic from a young age alongside his siblings. Mike attended school at Rock Valley Christian and Western Christian High School in Hull, Iowa. After graduation, he began driving truck for Farmers Elevator in Rock Valley. Mike had a great rapport with the farmers and their families to whom he delivered feed. Cohesive friendships were made with coworkers and their families who enjoyed getting together. Outside of work, Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping. Occasionally, he tried his hand at golf or went boating.

   On April 3, 1982, he and Margaret Lefever of Orange City, Iowa made covenant before God to love and cherish each other until death parted. That union brought many years of good times as well as trials. The couple enjoyed their first year in a little house in Rock Valley before moving to an acreage where they worked together and raised hogs, cattle, and four children - Jesse, Lacey, Michaela, and Kasia.

   Mike had a successful life. Not because of money, property, or possessions, but because he was a loving, caring soul who valued hard work, his marriage, and his children. More importantly, Mike’s greatest success is being perfectly loved and ransomed by Jesus blood. Mike is whole - no more hurt, internal struggles, or pain. He has freedom in Christ Jesus!

   Mike’s memory will remain in the hearts and lives of his wife of 43 years, Margaret; son, Jesse De Jager; daughters, Lacey (Jeremy) Ballew, Michaela Van Surksum, and Kasia Van Egdom (David Casper); grandchildren, Keegan (Lexi), Kyson, Kyler, Makiah, and Karsten Van Surksum, Kiana and Gavin Van Egdom, Kage and Lakyn Casper, and Blakely Ballew; mother, Helen; sister, Leann (Roger) Kriz; brothers, Darwin (Carla) De Jager, Herlan (Janeen) De Jager, and Kyle (Mindy) De Jager; father-in-law, Phares Lefever; sister-in-law, Beth (Bob) Schoone-Jongen; brothers-in-law, Bruce (Connie) Lefever, Tom (Luann) Lefever, and Barry (Karen) Lefever; and several nieces and nephews.

   He was preceded in death by his father, Don De Jager; sister, Mona Joy De Jager; son-in-law, Michael Van Surksum; and mother-in-law, Freeda Lefever.