Reuben Charles Steenhoek was born on August 28, 1924, at Pella, Iowa the son of Hugo and Johanna Luella (Vander Streek) Steenhoek. Reuben was the eighth of nine siblings and received an 8th grade education at the Battle Ridge Country School. As a young man he lived at home with his parents near Pella and began working for Andeweg Transfer Company in Pella. On February 7, 1947, he was united in marriage with Ruth Ilene Brown at the parsonage of the Methodist Church in Prairie City, Iowa and to this union three children were born: Kenneth Ray, Ruby Ann, and Julia Renee. Reuben and Ruth farmed near Prairie City and in 1958 moved to Pella. He then began his 30+ years employment with Vermeer Manufacturing Company in quality control and then worked part time for De Ruiter Lawn Equipment. During this time his wife, Ruth, passed away on December 27, 1980. On August 11, 1984, he and Clarice (Rempe) Roozeboom were married and shared their lives together until her death on June 5, 1999. They enjoyed traveling, and Reuben’s favorite pastimes were fishing, deer hunting, wood working and collecting model trains. Reuben was baptized and made profession of his faith at the First Reformed Church in Pella. In 1959 his family became members of the Trinity Reformed Church. Reuben was a mentor to many in the congregation and for 41 years willingly and faithfully served in consistory positions as a Deacon and an Elder and on other committees. He was truly a servant of the Lord. On Friday, September 4, 2015, he passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella six days following his 91st birthday. Reuben leaves his three children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren:

Kenneth R. and Anita (Newlin) Steenhoek of Ankeny, Iowa
Lisa and Jordan Sytsma
Axton, Hudson

Ruby A. and Jerry Lanser of Longmont, Colorado
(Amy Lanser)
Eric and Monique Lanser
Braiden, Shelby, Keenan
Rebecca and Danton Zumalt
Averie, Lincoln, Sawyer

Julia R. and Donald Caldwell, Jr. of Pella, Iowa
Justin and Megan Caldwell
Brandon and Allie Caldwell
Benjamin Caldwell

He leaves three step-children and their families:
Mary and Bernie Hardeman of Leighton, Iowa
Michael and Elizabeth Hardeman
Neriah, Rinnah, Micaiah
Dan and Monica Hardeman
Drew, Gabe
Tim and Desiree Hardeman
Brayden, Brooke, Bristol, Bryson

Mark and Connie Roozeboom of Pella, Iowa
John and Jessica Roozeboom
William, Grant, Emily
Stephanie and Nathan Van Maanen
Allison, Alexa

Deanne and Ed Van Wyk of Reasnor, Iowa
Julia and Terry Roose
Claricia, Ava
Travis and Jennifer Van Wyk
Joey, Jakob, Riley

Reuben was the last surviving member of his original family and leaves two sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law: Betty (Lester Steenhoek) Mitchel, Richard (Helen) Van Wyk, and Doris (Alfred) Steenhoek all of Pella. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, his wife, Clarice; a granddaughter, Amy Lanser; his parents, Hugo and Johanna Steenhoek; and the following siblings and their spouses: Lester Steenhoek, Myron and Ruth Steenhoek, Viola and Warren Van Wyk, Helen Van Wyk, Alfred Steenhoek, Le Roy and Georgia Steenhoek, Arthur Steenhoek at the age of one year, Dale and Mary Steenhoek; and a brother-in-law, Hopkins Mitchel.