William "Bill" Feikema

  Rock Rapids, IA        William “Bill” Feikema, age 86, of Rock Rapids, IA died Saturday, July 16, 2016 at his home near Rock Rapids, IA.        Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Thursday, July 21st at First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, with Rev. Dan Haggar officiating.         Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids.        Visitation will be Wednesday, July 20th from 2:00 to 8:00 PM, with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids.        In lieu of flowers memorial may be directed to the family for later designation.        William Louis Feikema was born November 20, 1929 on the family farm south of Rock Rapids, Iowa, the son of William Sr. and Edith (Westra) Feikema.  He attended Rock Rapids Elementary School and Garland #3.  After his education he remained on the family farm helping his father with the day to day operation.        On September 8, 1948, Bill was united in marriage to Alice Jongerius at the family farm.  They lived on the home place and farmed for many years, raising dairy cattle and stock cows.  He also did custom farming for others for many years.         He was a member of First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids and served as a Deacon.  In the early years, both Alice and Bill enjoyed attending dances in Luverne, MN, playing cards with friends and annual fishing trip to Minnesota.  He loved being outside on the farm, tending his large garden, working on his tractors, and caring for his animals.  He had a passion for farming -planting, nurturing and sharing his harvest with anyone who wanted.  He would often say He was born a farmer, and will die a farmer.         He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Alice Feikema of Rock Rapids, IA; five children, Karen Sprock of Rock Rapids, IA, Jean (Jim) Klinkenborg of Sibley, IA, Lois (Craig) Block of Little Rock, IA, Wayne (Judy) Feikema of Rock Rapids, IA and Darin (Lori) Feikema of Norwalk, IA; thirteen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Dorothy Overman of Hull, IA and Edith McKinnon of Sioux Falls, SD; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.        He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Edith Feikema; infant son, Jon Eric Feikema; brother, Clarence Feikema; two sisters, Ella Weerheim and Gen Spyksma; and son-in-law, Charles Lancaster.