Loren E. Roorda, 82, of Montezuma passed away Monday, Apr. 7, 2014, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. Funeral services were held Apr. 10 at the First Presbyterian Evangelical Church in Montezuma. Burial was in the Jackson Township Cemetery in Montezuma. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Evangelical Church or to the Montezuma Country Club.
Loren Earl Roorda was born May 16, 1931, at Taintor. He spent his growing up years in the Mahaska, Jasper, Marion, and Poweshiek County areas before graduating from Lynnville High School in 1948. Loren served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, becoming a staff sergeant. Upon his return home, he began farming and did custom farm work in the area. On Aug. 21, 1959, Loren married Arlene VerPloeg from Pella.
From an early age, Loren had a passion for farming. He was interested in and implemented soil conservation measures and served as a Poweshiek County Soil Commis-sioner. He enjoyed feeding cattle and belonged to the cattlemen's associations. Loren spent much time in the farm shop, creating solutions to improve farm operations or items requested by his family.
Over the years Loren enjoyed fast-pitch softball, bowling, and especially golf. He spent some free time reading farm magazines, newspapers, and books. He was an active member of his church, belonged to the Montezuma Lions Club, and served on the Montezuma Community School Board. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren's activities and spending time with family and friends.
Loren was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna Mae (DeWinter) Roorda; and siblings Harlan Roorda, Marvin Roorda, and Marilyn Cook.
Cherishing his memory are his wife Arlene; his children: Brenda (Keith) Vander Linden of Grand Rapids, MI, Beth (Jim) Cole of Wichita, KS, Brian (Liesl) Roorda of Montezuma, and Benae (Tom) Duff of Urbandale; his grandchildren: Lukas and Christian Vander Linden, Adam, Alex, Andy, Alyssa, Aubrey, and Ashton Cole, Spencer, Sidney, Waverly, and Isabella Roorda, and Nicole, Joshua, and Lindsey Duff; and siblings: Joyce Stone, Barb Foster, Norman Roorda, Patricia Davis, Elmer Roorda, Marge Clayton, Virgil Roorda, Sharon Fowler, Linda Mason, Lyle Roorda, and Bruce Roorda.
