Calvin Leon Rozenboom, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished brother, and proud grandfather, left this world just shy of his 77th birthday on Sept. 24, 2024.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 30, at Cedar Christian Reformed Church in Cedar with Pastor John Ritsema officiating. A private family burial took place in the Bloomfield Cemetery in rural Mahaska County following the funeral ceremony. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society
Known affectionately as Calvin, he carried a lifetime of memories and accomplishments that lit the path for those who knew him. Calvin's life was a testament to the virtues of hard work, dedication, and unwavering faith, which he cultivated and shared generously with his community. Born on Sept. 29, 1947, in Mahaska County, the son of Gerald and Clarrisa Stek Rozenboom, Calvin's roots ran deep in the Iowa soil that he would come to nurture and respect throughout his lifetime. The values instilled in him during his early years would become the cornerstones of his character: Integrity, commitment, and a love for the land. His legacy began at Pella Christian High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1965, prepared with the foundation to face life's challenges with grace and resilience.
Calvin's strength and patriotism shone brightly as he served his country as a radar repairman and operator in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969, earning an honorable discharge. Upon returning to Mahaska County, Calvin was united in marriage to Connie Grandia on Dec. 30, 1970, at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa. Their union was a partnership of love and shared values, blossoming into a family that included their daughters, Sheri and Patti, whose lives reflect the warmth and guidance of their father.
Calvin's call to the earth was a vocation he embraced with enthusiasm and respect. He farmed the family land raising corn, soybeans, and hogs, and became known as a great steward of the land. His passion for agriculture extended beyond the farm as he became an active member of the Farm Bureau, serving for over 18 years in various leadership roles. His leadership in Farm Bureau took him all over the world to discuss agricultural trade issues.
Throughout his life, Calvin's faith was his guiding force. As a devoted member of the Cedar Christian Reformed Church, he served as a deacon and elder, living his faith through acts of service and leadership. His unwavering belief was the compass that steered his journey and inspired those around him.
An adventurer at heart, Calvin's spirit soared beyond the fields and into the skies. His love for flying saw him become a private pilot with the freedom of the open skies becoming a cherished escape and perspective that he relished. The view from above, as vast and boundless as it was, always brought him back to the values of home: Community, family, and faith.
Calvin's legacy is carried on through his family, whose love and respect for him are a tribute to the life he led. His wife Connie Rozenboom of rural Oskaloosa; two daughters and their husbands, Sheri (Craig) James of Searsboro and Patti (Doug) Uitermarkt of Otley; six grandchildren: Caleb, Corbin, Carsten James, and Colton (Jessica), Emily, and Dylan Uitermarkt; his brothers Norm Rozenboom of Oskaloosa, Ken (Becky) Rozen-boom of Oskaloosa, and Dave (Tammy) Rozenboom of Sioux City; his sister, Kathy (Carroll) Hoksbergen of Pella; his brothers- and sisters-in-law Jan Grandia, Joe Thomes, Donna Grandia, and Carol Rischette; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins; all hold precious memories of a man whose life was a beacon of hope and inspiration.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Allan Rozenboom; brothers- and sisters-in-law Cork Thomes, Jim Grandia, and Mike Rischette; and many aunts and uncles
