Arnold Tjepkes

Arnold Tjepkes, 85, of Grundy Center, Iowa, died Tuesday, July 14, 2009, at Grundy Care Center in Grundy Center, Iowa, while under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice after a brief battle with cancer. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M., Saturday, July 18, 2009, at Colfax Center Presbyterian Church in rural Holland, Iowa, with Pastor Larry Doughan officiating. Burial will follow at Colfax Center Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, July 17, 2009, at Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home in Grundy Center, Iowa, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be made to Colfax Center Presbyterian Church or Cedar Valley Hospice . Arnold Andrew Tjepkes was born June 13, 1924, in rural Grundy County, Iowa. The son of Albert and Susie (Andreesen) Tjepkes, he was born, raised and lived on the family farm north of Holland in rural Grundy County. He attended Colfax Township country school rural Holland. On June 10, 1953, Arnold was united in marriage to Minetta Itzen at Colfax Center Presbyterian Church in rural Holland, Iowa. Arnold and Minetta resided and farmed the family farm until they moved to Grundy Center, in 2001. He was an active member of Colfax Center Presbyterian Church for 66 years where he served as a trustee. Arnold enjoyed playing cards, farming and spending time with his family and friends. Arnold is survived by his wife; Minetta of Grundy Center, his children; Curtis (Julie) Tjepkes of Grundy Center, Sheila (Steve) Steinmeyer of Grundy Center, Rhonda (Shawn) Samo of Grundy Center, Karla (Rob) Weissenfluh of Dike, Del (Wendy) Tjepkes of Hudson; grandchildren; Christina Tjepkes, David and Jason Steinmeyer, Stephanie (Samo) Larson, Chasity (Samo) VanZuuk, Brittany and Hillary Samo, Nicole and Bo Weissenfluh , Abby, Hannah and Linsey Tjepkes; step grandchildren; Adam, Trent and Thad Burg; 6 great- grandchildren and 4 step great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ima Jean Tjepkes and Phyllis Jansen. Proceeding him in death were his parents; grandchildren  Anthony Tjepkes at birth, Austin and Whitney Tjepkes in 2004.