John RozeboomJohn R. Rozeboom, 76, Luverne, died Monday, April 14, 2003, at Hospice Cottage in Luverne. Services were Friday, April 18, at American Reformed Church in Luverne. The Rev. David Sikkema officiated. Burial with military honors was at Pleasant View Cemetery in Valley Springs, S.D.John Rozeboom was born to Bert and Hattie (Van Batavia) Rozeboom on Dec. 29, 1926, in Steen. He was raised near Beaver Creek and attended Springwater Township schools. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was stationed in the Philippine Islands.He married Jennie Van Loo on June 1, 1946. The couple first lived at Valley Springs, S.D., and later on a farm near Hills. Mrs. Rozeboom died Aug. 30, 1985.He married Gertrude Ackerman on Sept. 9, 1986. They moved to Rowena, S.D. He semi-retired but still helped out on the farm. Mrs. Rozeboom died Sept. 9, 1990.He moved to Luverne later that year. He married Cathy Van Hill April 25, 1992. Mr. Rozeboom was a member of American Reformed Church in Luverne and the American Legion Post in Valley Springs. He enjoyed birds and operated a full-time game farm. He liked to fish and was an accomplished woodworker. One of his favorite hobbies was spending time in his vegetable and flower gardens. Survivors include his wife, Cathy Rozeboom, Luverne; one son, Gary (Sheri) Rozeboom, Hills; stepsons; stepdaughters; stepgrandchildren; two brothers, Jim (Edith) Rozeboom, Luverne, and Harvey (Gert) Rozeboom, Hills; one sister, Bordette (Charles) Oelrich, Hull, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Rozeboom was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Jennie, his second wife, Gertrude, and a stepgranddaughter. Memorials are preferred to the Hospice Cottage in Luverne. Hospice of Luverne Community Hospital will plant a tree in memory of John Rozeboom.Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.
