Herbert Deest

Herbert B. Van Deest, 89, of Grundy Center, Iowa, died Sunday, January 11, 2009, at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital Long Term Care Unit, in Grundy Center. Herbert B. Van Deest was born June 4, 1919, in rural Grundy County, the son of Behrend and Harmka (Saathoff) Van Deest. He received his education at Colfax #9 country school in rural Grundy County. On June 19, 1942 he was inducted into the U.S. Army serving his country during World War II for 3 1/2 years in the European Theatre and was awarded four Bronze Stars. On November 8, 1945, Herb was united in marriage to Margaret Schmidt at Colfax Center Presbyterian Church in rural Holland, Iowa, where he was a long-time member. Herb and Margaret started farming near Eagle Center and then Grundy County, he spent several years in Conrad, Iowa employed by Friday's Service, and then moved back to the Van Deest home farm. The past 42 years they've resided at their current farm north of Grundy Center. Herbie loved the cattle business, was an independent livestock buyer and bought fat cattle for Monfort. Herb and Margaret had many loyal friends and customers in the business. Herb is survived by his wife, Margaret; children, Ruth Van Deest of Bettendorf, IA; Duane Van Deest of Grundy Center; Sandi (Mike) Schmiesing of Stillwater, MN; 5 grandchildren, Kristi (Doug) Miner of Blooming Prairie, MN; Traci Van Deest of Gainesville, FL; Jared Van Deest of Grundy Center; Andrew and Jacob Schmiesing of Stillwater, MN; one great granddaughter, Elizabeth Miner of Blooming Prairie, MN; and a sister Greta Flater of Grundy Center. Preceding him in death were his parents; six brothers, Albert, Adolph, John, Benjamin, William and twin brother, Raymond; three sisters, Gepka Graves, Jennie Meester and Jennie Van Deest in early childhood.