Gerrit Bernard Feekes
October 13, 1927 — January 9, 2018
Gerrit Bernard Feekes, son of Gradus and Rena Vanden Hull Feekes, was born on October 13, 1927 in Sioux County, Iowa. He passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2018, attaining the age of ninety years, two months and twenty-seven days.
Gerrit and Marie were united in marriage on May 26, 1950. They got married on Marie’s 21st birthday, they were devoted to one another for 66 years. They became parents to three children; Larry, Greg and Julie.
Gerrit and Marie first made their home in Carmel, IA, then lived in various communities around Northwest Iowa. They settled in Sheldon where Gerrit worked for area farmers.
In 1965, Gerrit purchased the Carl Eckhart Heating and Air Conditioning in Avoca forming Feekes Heating and Air; which is now a 3 generation business. After purchasing the business, he bought the former Herricks Hatchery building on High Street in Avoca, where it has remained for the last 52 years. Gerrit took great pride in running his business with Marie by his side.
Gerrit enjoyed having coffee with his friends at Embers Café and Wings, also Kerns Café and The Heritage before they closed.
Together, Gerrit and Marie, enjoyed taking their grandchildren to Mickels Restaurant in Harlan for supper when they were younger. Something the grandchildren remember very fondly. He loved his family and visiting with them. He was a devoted husband to Marie and never missed a day with her when she entered the Avoca Nursing Home.
In his spare time he enjoyed golfing after he retired with Al Nielsen, Ernie Hogeland and his son, Larry. He had a passion for growing tomatoes in his backyard, some getting over 6 feet tall, after he used some of his grand-daughter Abi’s famous llama fertilizer. He also had a small farm that kept him occupied with either beans or corn, calling on Robert Anderson to do the field work every year and becoming good friends.
After entering the nursing home, Gerrit made sure to keep in contact with his family by phone every week, always wanting to make sure everyone was doing good. He was always up for a good visit.
Gerrit is preceded in death by his parents, Gradus and Rena Feekes; his wife of 66 years, Marie Feekes; his siblings Ted and wife Ida Fae, George Feekes, Matilda Regnerus, Bob Feekes; brother-in-laws Dennis Scholten, Art Moss and Bert Regnerus.
He is survived by his children Larry and wife Linda Feekes of Harlan, IA, Greg and wife Connie Feekes of Rapid City, SD; Julie Feekes of Green Bay, WI; sister Winnie Scholten of Steen, MN; sister-in-law Jeanne Feekes of Sheldon, IA.
Gerrit and Marie were united in marriage on May 26, 1950. They got married on Marie’s 21st birthday, they were devoted to one another for 66 years. They became parents to three children; Larry, Greg and Julie.
Gerrit and Marie first made their home in Carmel, IA, then lived in various communities around Northwest Iowa. They settled in Sheldon where Gerrit worked for area farmers.
In 1965, Gerrit purchased the Carl Eckhart Heating and Air Conditioning in Avoca forming Feekes Heating and Air; which is now a 3 generation business. After purchasing the business, he bought the former Herricks Hatchery building on High Street in Avoca, where it has remained for the last 52 years. Gerrit took great pride in running his business with Marie by his side.
Gerrit enjoyed having coffee with his friends at Embers Café and Wings, also Kerns Café and The Heritage before they closed.
Together, Gerrit and Marie, enjoyed taking their grandchildren to Mickels Restaurant in Harlan for supper when they were younger. Something the grandchildren remember very fondly. He loved his family and visiting with them. He was a devoted husband to Marie and never missed a day with her when she entered the Avoca Nursing Home.
In his spare time he enjoyed golfing after he retired with Al Nielsen, Ernie Hogeland and his son, Larry. He had a passion for growing tomatoes in his backyard, some getting over 6 feet tall, after he used some of his grand-daughter Abi’s famous llama fertilizer. He also had a small farm that kept him occupied with either beans or corn, calling on Robert Anderson to do the field work every year and becoming good friends.
After entering the nursing home, Gerrit made sure to keep in contact with his family by phone every week, always wanting to make sure everyone was doing good. He was always up for a good visit.
Gerrit is preceded in death by his parents, Gradus and Rena Feekes; his wife of 66 years, Marie Feekes; his siblings Ted and wife Ida Fae, George Feekes, Matilda Regnerus, Bob Feekes; brother-in-laws Dennis Scholten, Art Moss and Bert Regnerus.
He is survived by his children Larry and wife Linda Feekes of Harlan, IA, Greg and wife Connie Feekes of Rapid City, SD; Julie Feekes of Green Bay, WI; sister Winnie Scholten of Steen, MN; sister-in-law Jeanne Feekes of Sheldon, IA.
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