Dale Eugene Baarda was born June 3, 1946, to Fred and Frances (Harthoorn) Baarda in Newton, Iowa.

Following high school graduation in 1965, Dale enlisted in the Navy Reserves in September 1965, spending two years in active duty, including Viet Nam. He attained the rank of Seaman and was honorably discharged in September 1970. Dale went on to serve 21 years with the Pella Police Reserves. Dale worked for Vermeer Manufacturing for 42 years before retiring in June 2015.

Evelyn "Evie" Joyce Baarda was born February 27, 1948, to Marion and Elizabeth (Van Schevikhoven) Poortinga, in Pella, Iowa.

Following high school graduation, Evie worked as a bookkeeper for various businesses around Pella for more than 50 years, before retiring in 2018.

Dale and Evie met while cruising around the Pella square after Sunday night church services. They were united in marriage on June 10, 1966, and later blessed with two sons: Darin and Eric.

Dale and Evie loved camping, riding their motorcycle and traveling together. They regularly traveled to Branson and Okoboji. They also adventured to South Dakota, The Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Yellowstone National Park, the Appalachian Mountains, Alaska, France, and the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. They devoted their life to God and were passionate about their missionary work; they spent several winters in Southern Texas. As part of their missionary work, Evie crocheted more than 5,000 baby gifts that went to children in Honduras, Haiti, Mexico and Africa. Dale distributed clothing to the locals and assisted in construction and electrical projects. They were very competitive and loved going on fishing excursions, playing miniature golf and playing cards. When they weren't traveling, they enjoyed spending time with their sons and grandchildren.

Those left to cherish their memory are their sons:

Darin and Lisa Baarda of Des Moines, Iowa

Drake Baarda

Blair

Noah Baarda

Megan Morton

Eric Baarda of Clive, Iowa

Rome Baarda

Faith Baarda

They are also survived by Evie's siblings:

Melvin and Karen Poortinga

Nancy and Clarence Spoelstra

Fran Poortinga

Phyllis Ramer

Sharon and Dave Steenhoek

Along with many nieces and nephews.

Dale and Evie were preceded in death by their parents: Marion and Elizabeth Poortinga and Fred and Frances Baarda, granddaughter Reagan Elizabeth Baarda, Evie's brother Duane Poortinga, and Dale's sister Judy Maxine Baarda in infancy.

Trinity Church - Missions
Pella IA

His Hands Ministries Inc.
PO Box 1284, Penitas TX 78576