Dorman E. Koel

Rock Rapids, IA        Dorman E. Koel age 89 of Rock Rapids, IA died Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at his residence in Rock Rapids, IA.          Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Monday, April 23rd at the Christian Reformed Church of Rock Rapids, with Rev. Dr. Cliff Hoekstra officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids.      Visitation will be Sunday, April 22nd from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, with family present from at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids.      Dorman Eugene Koel was born February 8, 1929 on the family farm in Southcentral Lyon County, Iowa. He attended elementary school at the Doon Christian School and Central Lyon Community School. His family moved near Melvin, IA where he attended Junior High. After his education he continued helping his father with the family farm.      On February 9, 1951 Dorman entered the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged on February 4, 1953. Dorman returned to Iowa and was united in marriage to Jeanne Vande Kamp on March 5, 1953 in Doon, IA. The couple farmed for 2 years in South Dakota and later near Doon, IA. In 1958 Dorman and Jeanne moved to Rock Rapids, IA, and he served on the Rock Rapids Police Department, then as Lyon County Deputy Sheriff. He then worked at Lyon County Coop & Oil Company. Later he was a salesman for Walnut Grove Feed Company for 7 years. After that he began his own business installing carpet. His sons worked with him until Dorman suffered a heart attack, forcing him to retire in 1983. After retirement Dorman’s hobby was rebuilding wrecked cars, as his health allowed.      Dorman was a member of the Christian Reformed Church of Rock Rapids and served on the church council. He also served on boards of the Rock Rapids Christian School and Western Christian High School. He was a member of the Rex Strait Post No. 103, American Legion of Rock Rapids.      He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jeanne Koel of Rock Rapids, IA; four children, Gloria (Dennis) Hoekstra of Orange City, IA, Norwin (Bonnie) Koel , Alan (Brenda) Koel, both of Rock Rapids, IA and Lorri (Jim) Huitink of Sheldon, IA; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; sister, Nella (Doyle) Duin of Yankton, SD; sister-in-law, Joan Koel of Primghar, IA; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.      He was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Grace Koel; brother, Julius Koel; and sister Joan Runia.