Bert Spykerboer, 77, Ellsworth, died Friday, Feb. 11, 2005, at Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital in Rock Rapids, Iowa.Services were Monday, Feb. 14, at Luverne Christian Reformed Church. Bert Spykerboer was born to William and Lena (Kracht) Spykerboer on Nov. 12, 1927, in rural Rock Rapids. He grew up and attended country school south of Rock Rapids before moving to a farm near the Minnesota/Iowa state line south of Ellsworth. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at the Philippine Islands. After receiving his honorable discharge he returned to Ellsworth.He married Priscilla Kelderman on Nov. 29, 1950, at Christian Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa. Following their marriage they lived on acreages southwest of Luverne before moving to their present farm near Ellsworth in March 1965. He enjoyed farming along with raising Belted Galloway cattle. He was known by many as a cattle trader. He moved to a nursing home Dec. 21, 2004. He was admitted to Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital on Feb. 8He was a lifetime member of Luverne Christian Reformed Church. He enjoyed playing cards, watching baseball and football and was knowledgeable about sports trivia.Survivors include his wife, Priscilla Spykerboer, Ellsworth; five children, Carol (Chris) Boom, Larchwood, Iowa, Kevin (Paula) Spykerboer, Marilyn (Greg) Brommer, all of Rock Rapids, David (Amy) Spykerboer, Beaver Creek, and Jason Spykerboer, Ellsworth; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandchild, one brother, Henry (Wilmanette) Spykerboer, Ellsworth; and three sisters, Hattie Brands, Pipestone, Mary (John) Brands, Kenneth, and Albertha Tiedemann, Luverne; and a brother-in-law, Robert Dykema, Ellsworth. Mr. Spykerboer was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Chris, one sister, Jennie Dykema, an infant sister and a brother-in-law, Jim Brands. Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements.
