In Memory of Roy VanAernam

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 13, 2017 at the Exira Lutheran Church of Exira, Iowa. Pastor Sam Jacobs will officiate. Interment will follow in the Exira Cemetery of Exira, Iowa, with Military Rites conducted by Ballou Post No. 332 of the American Legion of Exira, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with Prayer Service held at 4:30 p.m., Sunday, March 12, 2017 at the Christensen – Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. The Reverend Richard A. Salcido will officiate the Prayer Service. The Christensen - Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com

Roy Allen VanAernam, the son of Clarence and Elaine (Jensen) VanAernam was born on September 19, 1947 in Audubon County near Exira, Iowa at home. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith at the Lutheran Church of Exira, Iowa.  Roy graduated from Exira High School with the class of 1965 and furthered his education with two years of college before being drafted into the United States Army.

Roy served his country overseas in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on October 2, 1969 and awarded a bronze star for his service to his country.  Upon returning home to the farm in Exira, Roy picked up where he left off farming.  On May 23, 1970, Roy married the love of his life Belinda Benton in the Lutheran Church of Exira, Iowa. The couple settled down on a farm by Exira and were blessed with three daughters Kelly, Sara and Carrie. Roy started with Case IH in their sales department where his passion for farming, farm machinery, and his outgoing personality helped Roy be successful. In the 1980’s the family relocated to Ida Grove, Iowa where Roy continued his career with Case IH before retiring due to health reasons.

Roy enjoyed watching sports, was an avid Iowa Hawkeye Fan, and anything farm related. Roy kept up on current events. He liked tending to his lawn, fish pond, and spending time with his family and friends. He always loved a good laugh. Roy will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and friend.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Elaine VanAernam and niece Amy VanAernam. He is survived by his wife of 46 years Belinda VanAernam of Ida Grove, IA; daughters Kelly Niemeier of Cherokee, IA, Sara (David) Ladwig of Breda, and Carrie (Chris) Radford of Treynor, IA; grandchildren: Kaitlyn (Andrew) Kingery,  Taylor (Hillary) Witzel, Christian (Madison) Witzel, Bailey Witzel, Lily Ladwig, Jack Ladwig, Cade Radford, and Cydney Radford; great grandchild Bentley Witzel; brothers Gary (Judy) VanAernam and Gale (Colleen) VanAernam all of Exira, IA; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.