John H. Van Rooyen

John H. Van Rooyen was born on January 24, 1935, in Okaton, S.D. the son of Peter and Henderina (Dykema) Van Rooyen. He grew up in the Okaton area and attended Okaton High School prior to graduating from Belvidere High School.

As a young man, he served in the U.S. Army where he served his basic training at Ft. Leonard Base in Wood, Mo. and was later stationed at Fr. Benning Base in Georgia. After his discharge he returned to Okaton where he worked as a farm-ranch hand for many years.

He was united in marriage to Mary Ann Oldenkamp on September 14, 1958, in Okaton. They made their home in Murdo where John worked for the maintenance department for South Dakota Department of Transportation.

In 1980, the family moved to Philip where John became the foreman for South Dakota Department of Transportation, a position he held until his retirement in January 1998. After his retirement he enjoyed baking cookies, tinkering in his shed, reading books, and especially spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; two sons David Van Rooyen and Duane Van Rooyen of Philip; four daughters Grace Reid and her husband Jim of Maple Lake, Minnesota, Karen Van Rooyen of Pierre, Donna Bendigo and her husband Cody of Howes, and Carol Ireland and her husband Ray of Aberdeen; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Grace Weber; and a brother Dick Van Rooyen.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 763 Philip, SD 57567.

Graveside services wtih military honors was held on Friday, August 27, 2021 at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.