Dick Uittenbogaard

Dick Uittenbogaard was born May 31, 1925, to Dick and Maude Kros Uittenbogaard in Sanborn, IA. He was inducted into the Military Service November 20, 1943. Dick had his basic training at Camp Fanning, TX, and Camp Breckenridge, KY. Dick sailed overseas for England on July 1, 1944, where he joined the Paratroopers and saw action in Belgium, Netherland, France, Luxemburg, and Germany. He took part in the Battle of the Bulge and Jumped the Rhine with the 17th Airborne and went to Berlin with the 82nd Airborne. Dick was awarded Parachute Wings, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater, ETO Ribbon with 4 Battle Stars and Arrowhead, French and Belgian Croix de guerre, Holland Citation, and Presidential Unit Citation. He was discharged January 18, 1946. On April 18, 1946, Dick was united in marriage to Ardis Bress in Sheldon, IA. The couple moved to Chicago in June 1946 and then to Waltham, MN, in 1954 where he farmed until 1962. They moved to Clarks Grove and continued farming before moving to Hollandale in 1967 where he owned and operated Dick's Food Market until 1993. Dick was a member of the Hollandale Reformed Church since 1954, where he was a member of the Brotherhood and also served as Elder. Dick was a volunteer fireman for the Hollandale Fire Department for 22 years, served on the Hollandale City Council, and was Mayor of Hollandale for four years. He loved fishing, flowers, yard work, and field work, but most important was his time with his wife and family. Survivors include his wife, Ardis of Hollandale; daughters: Sheri James Johnson of Hollandale, Kathy Steve Gilbertson of Lake Mills, Susie Pete Veldman of Hollandale, and Joan Lyle Godeke, also of Hollandale; grandchildren: Anastasia Johnson and Sara Jo Johnson of Henderson, NV, Andy Sara Jean Johnson of Albert Lea and their children, Kaylee and Brayden, Jeremy Janelle Gilbertson of Joice, IA, and their daughter, Josie, Jason Gilbertson of Lake Mills, Nick, Mike, and Kristy Veldman of Hollandale, and Adam, Jenna, and Luke Godeke of Hollandale; brother Marvin Dorothy Uittenbogaard of Sheldon, IA; and many nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, as well as 4 brothers, Art, John, Mart, and Ed; 2 sisters, Mina and an infant sister; and 4 sisters-in-law, Fritz, Bess, Sylvia, and Agnes.