Albert Smidstra

Rock Rapids, Iowa Albert Smidstra age 93 of Rock Rapids, IA died Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at the Lyon Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Rock Rapids, IA. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 3rd at Christian Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, IA, with Rev. Dr. Cliff Hoekstra officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids, IA. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service at the church. Albert Smidstra was born October 30, 1921 at the family farm near Edna, Iowa, the son of Charles and Reika (Kracht) Smidstra. He was raised near Edna and attended country school. After his education he continued to work on the family farm. He entered the United States Army on September 19, 1942 and proudly served his country during WWII. He was honorably discharged on October 29, 1945 and returned to Iowa and continued to farm with his family. On February 20, 1948 Albert was united in marriage to Harriet Flier at her parents' farm west of Rock Rapids, IA. Together they farmed west of Rock Rapids until 1952 and then moved to a farm near Ellsworth, MN. On August 15, 1980 Albert's wife of thirty-one years, died after battling cancer. Albert continued farming until retiring in 1984. He then moved to a home near Rock Rapids. He was a member of the Christian Reformed Church of Rock Rapids, Van Anne-Fields Post No. 6960, VFW and Rex Strait Post No. 103, American Legion of Rock Rapids. He volunteered for numerous community and church activities. He was passionate about horses, wagon trains, harness restoration and most important reading his Bible. His family will remember Albert as a generous man who put his faith and family first. He is survived by his three daughters, Gertrude Broesder, Charlene (Todd) Huisman and Hermina (Kevin) Geerdes, all of Rock Rapids, IA; twelve grandchildren; thirty-two great-grandchildren; one brother, Ben (Lylas) Smidstra of Luverne, MN; one sister, Wilma Jean (Joe) Jeffer of Luverne, MN; four sisters-in-law, Carrie Lems of Holland, MI, Alice Vander Brink of Boyden, IA, JoAnn Flier of Larchwood, IA and Marcella Flier of Brandon, SD; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Reika Smidstra; loving wife, Harriet Smidstra; one brother, Bert Smidstra; and three sisters, Jennie Vande Weerd, Suzie Kelderman and Jessie Wiersma.