Memorial services for Frederick “Fred” Huisman, age 71, of Ellsworth, MN were held Thursday, November 7th at Bethel Reformed Church, rural Little Rock, IA, with Rev. Scott Van Ravenswaay officiating. Fred died Monday, November 4, 2019 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. He was born October 20, 1948, to Fred J. and Elsie (Vermeer) Huisman in Rock Rapids, IA. Fred grew up in Lyon County and attended country school. He graduated from Central Lyon High school in 1966. After high school Fred attended Northwest Iowa Community College. After completing A.C. & refrigeration courses, he was drafted by the United States Army and served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970.
After Fred’s honorable discharge from the Army, he helped build homes by Ellsworth. On August 20, 1972 Fred was united in marriage to Barbara Wittern. To this union, two sons were born, Wade and Brock. Together they raised their children in Rock Rapids. In the 1970’s Fred and Paul DeBuhr worked together as H&D Construction. In the 1980s and 1990s, Fred did many jobs with his brother Kenny, and most recently worked together with his son Brock. He really enjoyed what he did for a living.
Fred was a member of the Ellsworth American Legion, the Rock Rapids VFW, and a member of the Bethel Reformed Church. He was also involved in the Ellsworth Optimist Club. He enjoyed fishing with his friend Ted Wellendorf, playing & coaching softball, hunting game birds, and hosting morning coffee for a few close friends.
Those left to cherish his memory are his two sons, Wade (Amber) Huisman of Rock Rapids, IA and Brock (Amanda) Huisman of Rock Rapids, IA; 8 grandchildren, Kyler, Tyra, Kiarra, Rylie, Trista, Maddie, Braden and Frederick; brothers, Kenny (Nancy) Huisman of Ellsworth, MN; Dr. Kurt Huisman of Rock Rapids, IA and Daniel (Tami) Huisman of Rock Rapids, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Elsie; daughter-in-law, Mary Jo Huisman; and sister-in-law, Mary Huisman.
God bless his memory.
Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids, IA assisted with the arrangements.
