John Van Rooyen Obituary

John H. Van Rooyen was born on January 24, 1935, in Okaton, South Dakota 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, Missouri 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 will military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 27, 2021 at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

At the conclusion of the graveside service there will be an open house at the Senechal lobby which all are welcome to attend.

Guest Book

So sorry for your loss you all are in my prayers
~ Judy Bosanco Pierre SD (8/24/2021)

John was a close family friend for many years he will be missed by many. Prayers to all.
~ Joe Hatheway 5821 Creek Drive (8/22/2021)

Hugs and Prayers coming your way.
~ Ron and Ramona Sandaker Spokane, WA (8/24/2021)

Love and comfort to all of the family.
~ Hilda Mae Locke Spearfish, SD (8/23/2021)

Mary and Family sorry for the loss of your loved one.
~ Deanna Fees Summerset S. Dak. Sorry (8/23/2021)

To the VanRooyen Family, sending my sincere sympathies in your time of grief. Thinking of you all.
~ Janet (Dean) Theye Philip, SD (8/27/2021)

So sorry to hear of your loss. Johnny always had a smile on his face, like he knew what you were thinking. Prayers to your family.
~ Kim Lindquist Deuter Kadoka SD (8/23/2021)

Mary & Family,
John is and always will be a huge part of my favorite memories of living in Philip and becoming friends with Carol, Donna & Karen. You all made me feel at home in your home. I even had my own "1/2" of the dishes to do after awhile.
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this difficult time.
RIP John.
With Sympathy,
Brandie
~ Brandie Slovek Black Hawk, SD (8/24/2021)

Thanks for serving
~ A Veteran (8/24/2021)

Mary and all her children, particularly Grace, one of my dearest friends of the class of 1982: what a loss. I remember John telling about when he "just needed to come home" that day we all got sick from the carbon monoxide. If he hadn't come home, the result would have been devastating. He was always kind to me, and though at first he seemed a man of few words, the longer I was there the more he said. Ha. I always felt welcome in your home and it sounds like my experience of your hospitality wasn't the only one by far. May you speak of him often, recalling the best times with humor. He'd like that. Much love to you all.
~ Rosanne (Kiel) Brown Fairborn Ohio (8/25/2021)

John Van Rooyen

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Saturday, August 21, 2021
at the Kadoka Nursing Home at the age of 86

Service Details

Guest Book

Flowers

John Van Rooyen

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at the Kadoka Nursing Home at the age of 86

Service Details

Guest Book

Flowers

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Saturday, August 21, 2021
at the Kadoka Nursing Home at the age of 86