Orville Kooistra

Rock Valley, IA: Orville Ray Kooistra, 82, of Rock Valley, Iowa went to live with Jesus after passing away on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Whispering Heights in Rock Valley, surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 1, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Reformed Church in Rock Valley with Pastor Chris Van Beek officiating. The service will be livestreamed at www.faithrv.com. The committal will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Rock Valley.

   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Rock Valley Christian School or Hegg Home Health Care.

   Orville Ray Kooistra was born to John and Fannie (Kempema) Kooistra on January 23, 1944, in LeMars, Iowa. He was raised in rural Rock Valley, Iowa and graduated from Rock Valley High School.

   Orv met his future wife, Una Kay Shefstad, in Orange City, Iowa, and they were married on March 23, 1964, at Peace Lutheran Church in Marcus, Iowa. Together, they raised two daughters, Tamara and Lynn in Rock Valley.

   Orv spent more than 56 years as a machinist at Total Component Solutions in Rock Valley, formerly Kooima Machine Works and Hayes-Albion, before retiring in 2020. He was a faithful, loyal employee who considered many of his close work friends to be family.

   Outside of work, Orv enjoyed riding his motorcycle along country roads with Kay by his side and taking short trips with cycle friends. He loved spending time with his three grandsons, giving them rides, attending their music and sporting events, and listening to his record collection. Grandpa always had music playing, especially Elvis, Buddy Holly, and Waylon Jennings. And, of course, Dad was always ready with a good joke and a smile. He often said, “You gotta have fun, and you gotta laugh!”

   Orv’s red Thunderbird convertible was one of his favorite hobbies. Proud of “The Bird,” he cared for it lovingly and enjoyed giving rides to neighbors and family.

   Those who knew Dad will remember his hilarious sense of humor and quick wit, generous spirit, and wisdom. He showed remarkable courage, strength, and deep faith, especially during his health challenges later in life. He was a true fighter and a lasting example of perseverance, hope and peace. Dad was a man of much contentment and knew Jesus gave him everything he needed in this life. He was a true man of God.

   Orv and Kay were members of First Christian Reformed Church and later Faith Reformed Church.

   Orv will be lovingly remembered by his family including two daughters, Tami (Mike) Elbers of Rock Valley, Iowa and Lynn (Michael) Lutz of Bucyrus, Kansas; Three grandsons, Ryan (Josie) Elbers and their children, Alejandra, Brandon and Dempsey; Matt (Jackie) Elbers and their children, Jaylee and Laina; and Nate (Paige) Elbers and their children, Piper, Paisley, Navey and Crew; sister, Mary Van Zanten; brother, Erwin (Alma) Kooistra; sisters-in-law, Linda Shefstad and Carol Kooistra; and many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.

   Preceding Orv in death were his parents, John and Fannie; wife, Kay; brothers, John and Ken Kooistra; sister-in-law, Jeanette Kooistra; and brothers-in-law, Berdene Shefstad and John Van Zanten.