Russell Calsbeek

Rock Valley, IA: Russell Calsbeek, 76, of Rock Valley died Thursday, March 17, 2016 at the Hegg Memorial Health Center in Rock Valley. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at First Reformed Church in Rock Valley with Revs. Garry Nyenhuis and Debra Rensink officiating. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery. Visitation, with the family present, will be Monday, March 21, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at First Reformed Church. Condolences for the family may be left online at www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

Russell Calsbeek was born to August and Rena (Bakker) Calsbeek on May 17, 1939 in Rock Valley, Iowa. Russ was united in marriage with Karen Moerman on April 7, 1961 in Carmel, Iowa. They lived in Rock Valley where Russ was a truck driver for various companies. He then owned and operated Russ’ Sanitation for many years. In the fall of 2000 Russ and Karen became janitors of their church, First Reformed Church of Rock Valley. Russ loved watching sports of all kinds. He enjoyed listening to music and sharing his faith. His world revolved around his children and grandchildren. He treasured being part of their lives and always offered advice whether they wanted it or not. Russ loved working on race cars with his entire family. He was blessed with the ability to always make people smile. He will be remembered for his “gift of gab”.

Russ is survived by his wife Karen of Rock Valley; children, Sherwyn (Lori) Calsbeek of Larchwood, Iowa; Dawn (Paul) Van Beek of Doon, Iowa; and Patricia (Terry) Penning of Rock Valley; 8 grandchildren: Carisa, Ryan, Kalee, Megan, Kevin, Brady, Mackenzie, and Carter; 8 great-grandchildren; one brother, Frank (Ula) Calsbeek of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and father-in-law, Pete Moerman of Rock Valley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Jerome; sister, Mari (Jim) Gier; and mother-in-law, Catherine Moerman.