Harold M. Hoftyzer, Sr., 93, Sheldon

A funeral service for Harold M. Hoftyzer, Sr. was held Monday, July 12, 2021, at the Hartley Funeral Home Chapel in Hartley. Rev. Lee Christoffels and Pastor Phil Westra officiated.

Pallbearers were his grandchildren: Aaron Hoftyzer, Rachel Pals, Jeremy Harmsen, Emily Harmsen, Andy Harmsen, Teresa TJ Simington and Janna Klinghagen. Interment was at Pleasant View Cemetery in Hartley with military graveside rites conducted by Arthur W. Kirchhoff Post #288 of Hartley. Hartley Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Harold Marion Hoftyzer, Sr., son of John and Hendrika (Kleinwolterink) Hoftyzer, was born at Sibley on Jan. 8, 1928. He was raised on a farm near Ocheyedan and received his education at a local country school.

Beginning in October 1946, Harold served his country in the United States Army. Seven months of his tour were spent with the occupational forces in Japan immediately after World War II. Following his honorable discharge, he enrolled in the Elgin Watch College at Elgin, Ill. While attending school there, he met the “love of his life,” Florence Dorothy Schultz. They were married March 31, 1951 at Wheaton, Ill.

They began their life together at Vinton before relocating to Hartley in the fall of 1951. Harold’s Jewelry soon became a reality. Harold and Florence owned and operated the business in downtown Hartley for 40 years, serving not only Hartley but neighboring communities as well.

In 1966, Harold began his “second job” as a farmer when he and Florence moved to their farm west of Hartley. Being a farm kid at heart, Harold truly enjoyed both of his careers. In his retirement, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, bowling and traveling, but all that could wait if it meant spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was an active member in the three churches he and Florence attended: Hartley Christian Reformed Church, Central Avenue Baptist Church of Hartley, and most recently the Sanborn Christian Reformed Church at Sanborn.

Harold was called to his heavenly home at the age of 93 years on Thursday, July 8, 2021, while in hospice care at the hospital in Orange City.

He is survived by his children and their families: Harold (Jill) Hoftyzer, Jr., of Orange City; Roger (Sandy) Hoftyzer, of Hartley; Sharon (Leroy) Harmsen, of Kelley; and Karen Hoftyzer, of Sauk Rapids, Minn.; seven grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, John and Hendrika; his wife of 58 years, Florence; five brothers and three sisters.

Harold loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, which carried over into his love and concern for his family and those around him, touching every aspect of his life. As was often said of Harold, “He was a kind and caring man.”