Forrest Roorda

Forrest David Roorda was born July 4, 1925, to Epke Gerrit and Emma Marie (Boot) Roorda, in Marion County, Iowa.

Forrest was raised in the Otley area where he attended school through the eighth grade. On December 16, 1948, he was united in marriage to Gerdena Van Hemert, at her mother’s home.  Forrest and Gerdena were members of Otley Reformed Church, where he was on the consistory, and sang in the men’s chorus.  Faith, spiritual well-being, regular worship attendance, and Sunday observance were all very important to him. He and his wife were active in church activities, visited shut-ins and the sick. Forrest also enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and travelling with his family and friends.

Throughout his career, Forrest farmed,  worked in construction with his brother Edgar, did factory maintenance for Vermeer Manufacturing for 25 years, and worked for De Ruiter Lawn and Garden for 18 years.   

Forrest is survived by his six children, 13 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Gerdena, his parents Epke and Emma, his parents-in-law Ed and Gertie (De Penning) Van Hemert, and his siblings: Melvin Gerrit Roorda, Erma Helen (Roorda) De Vries, Edgar John Roorda and Robert Adrian Roorda.

He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. 

Family:

Gloria and Ken Van Zee, Pella

            Steve and Tiff Van Zee 

                        Caleb, Ethan, Anna, Tori

            Teresa and Travis Thompson

                        Courtney, Candace

            Tim and Sara Van Zee

                        BreElle, Reese, Zach, Sarae, Albear, Rose

Marcia and Ron Schut, Pella

            Jeff and Beth Schut

Austan Schut

Kjierstan and Weston Witzenburg

Jamesan, Andylan, Hartley

Josalan and Westen Matthews

            Zandan, Waylan

Paytan, Lauran, Londan, Calvan Schut

            Rodney and Emily Schut

                        Morgan, Addy, Niko

Doug and Ruth Roorda, Lake Ozark, Missouri

            Adam Roorda

Ashley Roorda

Jan and Dave Erickson, Pella

            Jon and Justine Erickson

                        Maddie, Leah

            Kyle Erickson

            Amanda and Brandon Simon

Barb and Craig Maasdam, Sully

            Curtis Maasdam and fiancé Chadera Davis

            Monica and David Nikkel

                        Katelyn, Alivia, Colton, Mason

            Shelby and Drew Shinkle

                        Carter

Darel Roorda, Holland, Michigan

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