James Rysdam

James Byron Rysdam, 81, of Drakesville, Iowa died April 14, 2014 at the Hospice House in Ottumwa with family at his bedside. He was born March 6, 1933 near Floris, Iowa to Frank A. and Edith Fetrow Rysdam. He married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Faye Grosvenor, September 21, 1952 at the Savannah Christian Church with Quentin Johnson officiating. He worked for Morrell’s, Hormel, and then Excel Meat Packing Plant, retiring in 1998. James also farmed his entire life and loved his cows, calves, and working in the fields. He took great pride in his yard and garden. Every year he planted a large enough garden to provide for his children with extras going to extended family, neighbors, and friends. James and Virginia operated the Rysdam Pumpkin Patch for 24 years. They hosted several kids’ tours and gave a pumpkin to each child that toured the patch. The pumpkin patch legacy has been passed on to their son, Mark. James fed the birds everyday and enjoyed sitting in his recliner and watching them. He made sure to watch the news everyday and make a trip to Quik Time to have coffee with friends and hear the latest news around Drakesville. He was a trustee for the Drakesville Township and served on the Drakesville Cemetery Board as well as volunteering for many community activities including the Drakesville Reunion. He loved being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife; seven children, Vicky (Rick) Piper of Bloomfield, Iowa, Mike (Diana) Rysdam of Drakesville, Marla (Juan) Caceres of Corpus Christi, Texas, Mark (Lois) Rysdam of Drakesville, Bonny Frauenholtz of Glendale, Arizona, David (Karen) Rysdam of Phoenix, Arizona, Lori (Bob) Reynolds of Urbandale, Iowa; 14 grandchildren, Natalie Culp, Eric Piper, Janice (Mitch) Jones, Elizabeth Evans, Sandra (Kelly) Foster, Kevin Caceres, Melehia Frauenholtz, Lindsey Frauenholtz, Andrew Rysdam, Leigh Rysdam, Jill (Nick) Simmons, Jimmy Reynolds, Rachael Casey, Nathan Sayre; 14 great-grandchildren, Levi, Spencer, and Gunnar Boas, Cohen and Claire Piper, Rhys and Eli Jones, Sawyer and Kherington Foster, Alexis Evans, Vanessa, Kayla and Tucker Simmons, Emilee Sayre; three brothers, Darrell (Linda) Rysdam of Bloomfield, Don (Goldie) Rysdam of Drakesville, Rex (Becky) Rysdam of Bloomfield; two sisters, Ruth Gladson of Floris, Iowa, Carolyn (Ron) Golick of Hastings, Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three grandchildren, Melissa, Monica, and Chanden Rysdam; and a brother, Frank Rysdam Jr. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2014 at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield with Pastor Donna Olinger officiating. Burial will be at the Drakesville Cemetery in Drakesville. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday with the family present to greet friends from 5-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials have been established to Restoration of the Log Cabin in Drakesville Park and Hospice House in Ottumwa.

James Rysdam

March 6, 1933 - April 14, 2014