"I am interested in finding out more about the Roorda family history. I am looking for photos of Gerrit J. and Blanche Roorda ( my grandparents ).I have old photos of the other brothers and their wives and would like to share some history with someone. Dorothy Parker Engelking 1141 Mckimber Street Knoxville, Iowa 50138 641-842-4455"
In loving memory of
Harlan Keith Roorda
January 2, 1926 - May 18, 2012
Harlan Keith Roorda, age 86 of Prairie City, died Friday, May 18, 2012 at Skiff Medical Center in Newton. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Prairie City United Methodist Church, with burial following at Waveland Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at Coburn Funeral Home in Prairie City from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. The family will greet friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the Prairie City United Methodist Church or Heifer International and condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com.
The son of John J. and Anna Mae (DeWinter) Roorda, Harlan was born on January 2, 1926 in Taintor, Iowa, the oldest of fifteen children. He married Marilyn McFadden on November 27, 1954, and since 1956 they made their home southeast of Prairie City on what is now a Century Farm. Harlan was a member of the Prairie City United Methodist Church and the Lion's Club, enjoyed antique plowing and tractor rides with his brothers, and was active with Heifer International.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Marilyn, a son Richard Roorda of Prairie City; daughter, Rev. Lee (Daniel) Schott of Polk City, and three grandsons, Gabriel, William, and Charles. Also surviving are his siblings: Joyce Stone of Grinnell, Barb (Sam) Foster of New Sharon, Loren (Arlene) of Montezuma, Norman (Dena) of Oskaloosa, Patricia Davis of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Elmer (Delaine) of Oskaloosa, Marge (Paul) Clayton of Grinnell, Virgil (Rosy) of Barnes City, Sharon (Frank) Fowler of Grinnell, Linda Mason of Pueblo, Colorado, Lyle (Judy) of Montezuma, and Bruce (Judi) of Montezuma.
Preceding Harlan in death were his parents and a brother Marvin and a sister Marilyn.
Tributes
"My father, Charles Rodgers, and I met Harlan and his son a few years back at the Knoxville sale barn. My father always enjoyed seeing Harlan there and chatting with him about their love of livestock and how well their calves were filling out. Both of them always looking forward to the next calving season. Our families send our deepest sympathy to you and yours. "
"I have known and worked with Harlan for many years on the board of directors of the Iowa Plowing Association. He was an asset to our organization and our board. When we needed contacts made, usually for money, he did more than any of us. He was a fine christian gentleman who was truly proud of his family. We will miss him."
"I did not know Harlan well but I do know his daughter, Lee Schott. Thank God for the kind of father he was that shaped and molded her to be the beautiful woman she is today. I am praying for all in this time of loss and I hope you will be able to share stories and celebrate his life."