Wayne Huisman, age 85 of Rock Rapids, IA died Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at Park View Manor Nursing Home in Ellsworth, MN.
Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday February 28, 2014 at Bethel Reformed Church, rural Little Rock, IA with Rev. Matt Miller officiating. Burial will follow at the Bethel Reformed Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday February 27th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with family present from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids, IA.
For a complete obituary and registration please visit www.jurrensfuneralhome.com
Wayne Gilbert Huisman was born on June 24, 1928 in Ellsworth, MN, the son of Weert Jr. and Gertrude (Russman) Huisman. He grew up on a farm east of Ellsworth and attended Ellsworth Community School. Wayne enlisted in the U.S. Army on February 16, 1951, where he served in Germany and was honorably discharged on January 30, 1953. After returning home from the Army he continued working on the family farm. On December 30, 1955, Wayne was united in marriage to Iva Willemssen at the Zion Presbyterian Church near George, IA. They made their home on the farm east of Rock Rapids where they raised their six children. He enjoyed his life as a farmer and the life it provided for his family. Wayne was a member of the Bethel Reformed Church, where he served as a Deacon and Elder for many years. He also served as a Midland Township Trustee and was on the Board of Directors of the Ellsworth State Bank for many years.
Wayne loved music. He played saxophone and guitar in a band called the Huisman Brothers which performed at many weddings and dance halls in the area. This included many performances at Okoboji on the “Queen” boat. Wayne took flight lessons and received his pilots license. He loved to fly his plane and often flew to “FlyIns” for breakfast. He would often attend threshing bees and antique tractor parades. Wayne and Iva enjoyed several trips together across the US. Family picnics at the home farm on the 4th of July were very special to Wayne. His family will remember Wayne as a father, and grandfather who always took the time to listen to what each of them had to say and encouraged them.
On July 11, 1999, Wayne’s wife of 43 years, Iva passed away after her battle with cancer. Wayne continued to keep busy with the farm and other activities. On July 1, 2005 Wayne entered Parkview Manor in Ellsworth, MN, where he remained until his death, this past Tuesday, February 25, 2014.
Wayne is survived by five children; Darla Ball of Larchwood, IA, Clayton (Amy) Huisman of Rock Rapids, IA, Ward Huisman of Ellsworth, MN, Shardell (Terry) Teunissen of Alvord, IA and Paula (Mark) Nilles of Boyden, IA; twelve grandchildren; two sisters, Lois Huisman and Clarice Huisman, both of Ellsworth, MN; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Huisman of Ellsworth, MN and Viola Aberson of Windom, MN; brother-in-law, Rev. Ray (Grace) Willemssen of Sioux Falls, SD; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Weert and Gertrude Huisman; his wife, Iva Huisman; daughter, Wanda Kooima; and two brothers, Emerson and Paul Huisman.
