Timothy John De Jong

Larchwood, IA: Surrounded by the family he spent his life loving and protecting, Timothy John De Jong of Larchwood, IA, beloved husband, father, son, brother, coach, and friend, drew his final breath on July 1, 2026, at the age of 50, following a brief but intense battle with cancer.

   Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 5, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at King of Glory Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, concluding with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Following a private family burial on Monday, July 6, at the Larchwood Cemetery, a Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM at King of Glory Church. The service can be livestreamed at https://www.kingofglorysf.org/special. Pastor Rich Merkouris and Barry Termaat will officiate.

   Tim, Timmy, or TD, was born on January 25th, 1976, to Dwayne and Dori (Smit) De Jong. A talented athlete, Tim graduated from Western Christian High School in 1994 after showcasing his skills across multiple sports. Tim continued his education and athletic career at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, where he majored in education and played baseball. Tim carried on his athletic journey playing fast-pitch softball alongside his brothers, a passion that allowed him to forge countless lifelong friendships across many teams.

   Tim met the love of his life, Joni, and following a whirlwind romance, they were united in marriage on September 15, 2001. Tim and Joni eventually settled in Larchwood, Iowa where they raised their children Taylor, Madison, Easton, and Jaxton. Throughout his career in education, Tim left an enduring mark on the lives of innumerable students and athletes, most importantly, his own children. Over the years, Tim shared his love for the game by coaching baseball, basketball, softball, golf, and volleyball at various levels. While this deep investment in his athletes brought him great happiness, his true reward was watching those experiences positively shape and change their lives. Though he was a proud fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Tim’s loudest cheers were always reserved for his own children, who had no bigger fan in the world.

   A steady, selfless presence to all who knew him, Tim was known for his quick wit and absolute honesty. He was a true straight shooter who never shied away from offering an honest opinion when it was needed—a trait that was deeply valued by those around him, and frequently experienced by referees and umpires alike. Though Tim attended various churches throughout his life, his current church home was King of Glory Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It was his deep, unwavering faith in God that carried him through his final moments, filling him with peace and preparing him for his journey home. Tim gave many precious gifts to his family over the years, but the most meaningful among them was the grace and strength he shared with them in his final days and his assurance of his final destination of being called HOME to his Heavenly Father who was waiting with open arms.

   Tim is survived by his wife, Joni (Triezenberg); children, Taylor (Lucas Moser), Madison (Jackson Kramer), Easton, and Jaxton; mother, Dori De Jong; brothers, Michael (Kim) De Jong and Travis (Kari) De Jong; mother-in-law, Rhonda Triezenberg; sister-in-law, Abby (Jason) De Groot; nieces and nephews, Jaelyn, Tayjen, Harper, Kinley, Kennedy, Reese, Briggs, Jase, Krew, and Declyn; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; and a vast legacy of former teammates and players who carry his lessons with them every day. Tim was preceded in death by his father, Dwayne De Jong; sister, Missy De Jong; and his father-in-law, Ted Triezenberg.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day —and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." — 2 Timothy 4:7-8