LaRoy Cornelius Vander Veer Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

LaRoy Cornelius Vander Veer, age 85, of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away Thursday evening, August 27, 2015, at the Pella Hospice Comfort House. As LaRoy wished, his body has been cremated and visitation for LaRoy will begin on Wednesday, September 2, 2015, at 4:00 P.M., at the Winfield Funeral Home. LaRoy’s family will be greeting friends from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., Wednesday evening, with Masonic Rites held at 6:30 P.M. A celebration of LaRoy’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, September 3, 2015 at the Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville, with Pastor Mike Miller officiating. Burial with military honors will be held at Zion Cemetery following services. LaRoy was born on July 5, 1930, to Engle and Faye Delores (Beaver) Vander Veer, at home on the island near Harvey, Iowa. He attended school near Harvey and graduated from Tracy High School, Class of 1947. After high school LaRoy began working and in 1950 he began his service in the United States Navy. LaRoy served during the Korean War and was stationed on an aircraft carrier. He served for four years and was honorable discharged as a Gunners Mate 2nd Class. On November 29, 1958 in Rock Island, Illinois, LaRoy and Patricia Ann Brown were united in marriage. They shared over 38 years of marriage and were blessed with five children: Edward, Craig, Ricky, Carlene, and Ann. LaRoy was a proud union Master Carpenter. He was a founding partner in Hawkeye Installation. He was an owner and operator of Hawkeye Installation until his retirement and selling of the company in 1992. LaRoy enjoyed operating and owning an airplane for many years; and he enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, playing cards, shooting pool, cribbage, and speaking Dutch. LaRoy was also known for his expert noodling abilities. LaRoy was a devoted member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, local 1260, the Bussey American Legion, Post # 505, the Knoxville V.F.W. Post #3519, and a member and three time Past Master of the Masonic Gavel Lodge #229 of Attica. He was also a member of the Chariton Masonic Lodge #63. On April 1, 1989 he achieved the degree of Masonic Instructor and on April 1, 1992 he achieved the degree of District Lecturer. LaRoy is survived by three sons, Edward (Linda) Marshall of Knoxville, Craig (Jodi) Marshall of Pershing, Ricky (Deb) Swope of Pershing; two daughters, Carlene (Bob) Roland of Pershing, Ann (Bob) Rice of Pershing; 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild. LaRoy is also survived by his siblings, Lavon Lanphier, Jim Vander Veer, Violet Johnson, Jack Vander Veer, Wayne Vander Veer, Engle Vander Veer, Jr., Patty Williams, and Paul Vander Veer. He was preceded in death by his father and step mother, Engle and Hazel Vander Veer; his mother Faye Miller; his wife Patricia; his sister, Thelma June McConaughey; and one daughter-in-law, Robin Marshall. A memorial in LaRoy’s memory has been established to the Pella Hospice Comfort House, the Pershing Community Center or to the Gavel Masonic Lodge #229. Condolences may be sent to www.winfieldfh.com . The Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville is assisting LaRoy’s family with services. WINFIELD FUNERAL HOME ~ KNOXVILLE, IOWA 202 E. Washington Street Leroy Winfield, Funeral Director 641-842-5126 www.winfieldfh.com

LaRoy Cornelius Vander Veer

July 5, 1930 - August 27, 2015