Verlyn Gene Zwart, 74, of Sioux Center, Iowa, formerly of Hawarden, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Crown Pointe Estates, surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Hawarden Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Steven Zwart (nephew) and Rev. Seth Atsma officiating. Burial will follow at Grace Hill Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday evening at the church. The Porter Funeral Home in Hawarden is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to www.porterfuneralhomes.com. The service will be livestreamed via the Hawarden Christian Reformed Church at https://hawardencrc.com/watch-live.

Verlyn Gene Zwart was born on April 19, 1951, in Hawarden, Iowa, the son of Edward and Wilhelmina “Minnie” (Zwiers) Zwart. He graduated from Western Christian High School in 1969 and went on to pursue his calling in farming, graduating from Northwest Iowa Community College in 1971 with a degree in agriculture.

On September 2, 1971, Verlyn married the love of his life, Donna Faye Smit. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and farming. They made their home on farm acreages near Maurice and Hawarden, where they raised their family and worked side by side for many years.

Verlyn was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and farmer. He raised hogs, cattle, and sheep and found great fulfillment in the care and husbandry of animals. He also farmed crops and especially enjoyed harvest time—seeing the results of a season’s work and what God had provided. He was a true steward of the land and shared his knowledge with many young farmers. Known as a problem solver and a bit of a “MacGyver,” Verlyn could fix or figure out just about anything to keep the farm running.

He found joy in the outdoors—spending time fishing on the lake, listening to the loons, and camping with family. He enjoyed attending farm shows and fairs, especially watching his granddaughters show animals. At home, he loved playing Shanghai with his children and granddaughters and sharing in the simple moments of being together. In the quieter winter months, he enjoyed watching University of Iowa basketball and later also cheering on Iowa State.

Verlyn was a faithful member of the Hawarden Christian Reformed Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher, elder, and deacon. His faith guided his life and was evident in how he worked, served, and loved others.

Verlyn is lovingly survived by his children: Dawn Zwart of Joplin, Missouri; Paula Bollinger of Sioux Center, Iowa; Tom (Misty) Zwart of Hull, Iowa; Crystal (Terry) Dykstra of Sioux Center, Iowa; and Rachel (Jared) Terpstra of Sioux Center, Iowa; and his eleven granddaughters: Cassidy (Mycah Van’t Hul) Bollinger, Makenna Bollinger, Jordyn Bollinger; Emma (fiancé Eric Koehlmoos) Zwart, Ella Zwart, Elyse Zwart; Katelynn (Treyton) Bonnema, Danielle Dykstra; Jocelyn (Carter) De Jong, Addison Terpstra, and Morgan Terpstra.

He is also survived by his siblings: Betty Zwart of Sioux Center, Iowa; Merlin and Beverly Zwart of Sioux Center, Iowa; Gerald and Jane Zwart of Inwood, Iowa; and Louis Wynia of Spicer, Minnesota; along with Donna’s family: Tyanne (Dennis) Downing of Punta Gorda, Florida; Carla Anderson of Jefferson, South Dakota; Dale Smit of Orange City, Iowa; and Bonnie (Tom) Martin of Burns, Wyoming; along with many nieces, nephews, foreign exchange grandchildren, and all those whose lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Faye (Smit) Zwart; his parents, Edward and Wilhelmina “Minnie” (Zwiers) Zwart; his brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Ruth Zwart; his brother, Delbert Zwart; his sister, Julie (Zwart) Wynia; his parents-in-law, Tom and Gertrude Smit Sjaarda; his sister-in-law, Beverly Smit; his brother-in-law, Dwight Anderson; and his sister-in-law, Verla Smit.

Verlyn will be remembered for his strong faith in God, his stewardship of the land, his wisdom and willingness to help others, and the deep love he had for his family and friends.

Memorials may be directed to Avera Hospice of Sioux Center in gratitude for the compassionate care they provided to both Donna and Verlyn.