Virgil D. Haverdink

Virgil Haverdink, 72, passed away peacefully January 16, 2015, after a battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born in a quaint farmhouse on June 27, 1942, in Seney, IA, the son of Gillis and Wilhelmina Haverdink.

Virgil was united in marriage to Audrey Verdoorn on June 5, 1964, in Orange City, IA. They lived in Moline, IL and Ames, IA until moving to Ankeny where they resided for over 40 years.

He received his Master’s degree in Engineering from Iowa State University in 1967. Virgil was a Project Engineer at John Deere for 40 years, retiring in 2004. During his career, he was named on more than 20 patents, including the first round baler.

Virgil was an active member at Bethany Reformed Church in Des Moines. Virgil will be remembered as a selfless man who was always giving of himself and assisting others in need. He had a great sense of humor and could fix anything. Virgil enjoyed spending time with his family, following the Iowa State Cyclones, riding his bicycle, and playing ping-pong.

Virgil is survived by his wife, Audrey Haverdink; children, Michael (Natalie) Haverdink, Michelle (Bob) Goodrich, and Marlon (Cora) Haverdink; siblings, Eugene (Thelma) Haverdink and Mayris De Jong; parents-in-law, Anthony and Ann Verdoorn; sisters-in-law, Jane Haverdink and Arla Stover; grandchildren, Jared, Noah, Shelby, Grant, Luke, Emily, Andrew, and Rachel; as well as many nieces, nephews and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Howard; and a brother-in-law, Rod De Jong.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at Bethany Reformed Church, 720 NE 52nd Avenue in Des Moines, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday evening from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Bethany Reformed Church in loving memory of Virgil.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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