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Obituary of Galen Rozeboom
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Memorial Tribute
Galen Ardell Rozeboom was born on October 2, 1932, to Robert and Leola (Webster) Rozeboom on a farm northeast of Sanborn, IA. He attended Sanborn Public School and graduated in 1951. That fall he went to Iowa State University at Ames, IA and participated in ROTC. In his senior year of college, he was president of the Agronomy Club and attended their national convention in Ohio where they were honored as the top club in the nation. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy in 1955. Galen married Marilyn Ann Johnson on December 17, 1955. He entered the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant and served 24 months on active duty in Japan and Thailand. After returning to the states, he continued his military career for an additional 29 years. He worked for FEMA, located out of Kansas City, KS and O’Brien County Emergency Management. He would often serve as speaker for local Memorial Day Celebrations. He finished out his career as a liaison office for West Point Academy, retiring as a Colonel in the Army Reserves in 1986.
After returning from active duty, Galen and Marilyn and their 4-month old daughter, Dawn Annette, moved from Keokuk, IA to Sanborn, IA where he began farming with his father, Robert, and his brother, Leroy "Cork". They raised crops of beans, corn, oats, flax and hay, as well as feeding cattle. Galen and Marilyn milked cows and raised laying hens for Skewis Hatchery in Sheldon, IA.
To the union of Galen and Marilyn, in addition to Dawn, came Eric Anthony, Cloe Alane and Kirk Alan. Galen was a member of the St. Andrews United Methodist Church serving as Administration Chairman, member of the building committee, choir member and lay leader. He was also a Lay Speaker for the Methodist Church for many years.
In 1976, Galen joined Masonry where he became Master of Onyx Lodge #419 in Sanborn, IA from 1980 to 1982. He served the Grand Lodge of Iowa as Grand Marshal in 1985, Sr. Grand Warden in 1990, and Deputy Grand Master in 2000; also serving on several standing committees over the years. He joined the Sioux City Scottish Rite Masonry where he was Preseptor of Kadosh 4th Section and Preseptor of Kadosh 17th Degree. He also presided over several Degrees and was Chaplain of the 33rd Degree Honorary Scottish Rite. He was a member of the York Rite Masonry where he was Right Worshipful Master 4th Degree Royal and Select Master and State Chaplain. He was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Other activities included American Legion Post #470, Melvin IA, Sanborn Public Library Board, Lakes Land & Trust Volunteer, Junior Member of Farmers Coop Board of Directors, Lincoln Township Clerk for many years, and the Many Voices Choir. He enjoyed reading, singing, flying and preaching.
In 1997, Marilyn passed away. He was blessed with a second love, and married Karolyn Collette Olson on August 23, 1998. They spent their married life in Arnolds Park, IA.
Galen is survived by his wife, Karolyn Collette Rozeboom; Dawn (Rick) Clouse, Eric (Jolene) Rozeboom, Cloe (Larry) Starkenburg, Kirk (Janet) Rozeboom, Steve (Jill) Olson, Erik (Barb) Olson and Mark (Rosalie) Olson; 8 grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 6 step-great-grandchildren; brother, Cork (Linda) Rozeboom; brother-in-law, Neil (MaryElla) Johnson; sisters-in-law: Betty Johnson and Linda (Marvin) Coon.
Galen was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn; his parents and grandparents.
Celebration of Life
Galen A. Rozeboom
Born ~ October 2, 1932
Died ~ April 24, 2016
Age ~ 83 years 6 months 22 days
Funeral Service
Thursday, April 28, 2016 ~ 1:30 p.m.
First Lutheran Church
West Okoboji, Iowa
Clergy ~ Pastor Bob Vaage and Rev. Thomas Connors
Organist ~ Glenn Henriksen
Musical Tributes
Eric Rozeboom
"One Day At A Time"
Bergen Olson
"On Eagle's Wings"
Congregational Singing
Processional ~ "How Great Thou Art"
"Hymn Of Promise"
"He Raised Me Up" ~ Many Voices Choir
Recessional ~ "He Never Failed Me Yet" ~ Many Voices Choir
Pallbearers
Brandon Robinson Logan Rozeboom Noah Clouse
Dave McDyer Jon Walburg Clayton Boltz
Honorary Pallbearers
Anthony Clouse A.J. Christian Jeremy Olson Nick Olson
Mark Olson Bergen Olson Gabe Olson Scott Walden
Ushers
Bill Young ~ Ted Carpenter
Military Rites
Melvin American Legion
Guthrie Post #470
Interment
Roseland Cemetery
Sanborn, Iowa
(at a later date)
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