Ruth Koedam

Alvord, IA: Ruth Diane Koedam, 78, of Alvord, Iowa, died Friday, September 5, 2025, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 10, at 10:30 AM at First Christian Reformed Church of Rock Valley, Iowa with Rev. Matthew Haan officiating. The service can be livestreamed at https://www.christianworldmedia.com/livechannel/firstcrcrv. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley. Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 9, from 6:00-7:30 PM at First CRC.

   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Christian Reformed Church of Rock Valley. Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

   Ruth Diane Koedam, daughter of Raymond and Matilda (Westerwal) Sieler, was born October 21, 1946, at Yankton, South Dakota. Ruth was working in Sioux Falls, South Dakota when she met the love of her life, Merle Koedam. They were united in marriage at a small chapel in Minnesota on November 15, 1968. They first lived in Rock Rapids, Iowa before settling on an acreage near to Alvord, Iowa.

   Ruth held different jobs over the years, but her greatest joy was being married to Merle and taking care of the farm together. The couple were members of First Christian Reformed Church of Rock Valley, Iowa. Ruth and Merle had the privilege of helping raise nine of their nieces and nephews and eventually being grandparent figures to their five great nieces and nephews. Merle passed away April 22, 2023.

   Ruth is survived by her 9 nieces and nephews whom she treated like her own children, Venus, Heather, Billy, Jason, Joe, Kim, Jennie, Rowena, and Dawn; 5 grandchildren, Quentin, Austin, Sierra, Faith, and Addie; and 4 siblings-in-law, Shirley (Arnie) Van Voorst of Inwood, Iowa, Wes (Marge) Koedam of Alvord, Gloria (Mike) Bomgaars of Inwood, and Kenny (Amy) Koedam of Inwood.

   Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Matilda; husband, Merle; 2 sisters, Linda and Sandra; and 5 brothers, Tony, Frank, Albert, Raymond, and William, Sr.