HAROLD R. RUTGERS, age 79, of Brewster, died Thursday, February 13, 2014, at his home after a short battle with cancer. He was born May 29, 1934, in rural Osceola County, IA, to Bernard and Effie (Zylstra) Rutgers. Harold graduated from Brewster High School in 1952. He was drafted and served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1956 to 1958 receiving the Good Conduct Medal.
Harold married Vonnie Preuss on August 12, 1960, in Worthington. After their marriage, the couple farmed in rural Nobles County.
He was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Worthington, where he had served as Elder, Deacon, and Sunday School Superintendent. He was also a member of the Brewster Senior Citizens, the Brewser Community Club, RSVP Volunteer, Prairie Reaper Tractor Club, Hersey Cemetery Board, Ransom Cemetery Board and donated over fifty six units of blood.
Harold enjoyed being with family and his two grandsons, attending their sporting events. He enjoyed visiting with people and having coffee with them. Helping people was second nature to Harold. He did it without asking anything in return. For years Harold had in his feedlot thousands of sheep. He later decided to have stock cows and fed & fattened calves. He loved doing these chores. Even if little words were spoken from Grandpa, he was proud of Andrew & Nate's accomplishments academically & athletically.
Harold is survived by his wife, Vonnie Rutgers, Brewster; son, Brian Rutgers, Brewster; daughter, Nancy (Kevin) Lonneman, Adrian; two grandsons, Andrew & Nate Lonneman; four brothers, John Rutgers, Worthington; Richard Rutgers, Brewster; Myron (Patricia) Rutgers, Jamestown, ND; and Garet (Carol) Rutgers, Alamosa, CO; and two sisters, Clarlyn (Owen) Green, Windom; and Lois Brink, Spring, TX. His dog, Koomer will miss him as Harold took her in the pickup and was always ready to do chores with him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; an infant sister; and Three two sisters-in-law, Dorothy, Clarice & Rena Rutgers.

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