February 19, 1952 – October 14, 2020

Mr. Harlan “Boots” Bootsma, 68, of Sioux Center, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Nebr.

There was a funeral service on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at the Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center with Rev. John Lee officiating. Interment followed the service at the Memory Gardens Cemetery in Sioux Center.

Harlan Gene, the son of Peter and Johanna (Kaemingk) Bootsma, was born on February 19, 1952, on his family’s farm north of Sanborn, Iowa. He grew up on the farm and attended the Sanborn Christian School. Following his graduation from Western Christian High School in Hull, Iowa, he enrolled at the Northwest Iowa Technical College in Sheldon, Iowa. After being trained in auto mechanics, he started working at D&S Chevrolet in Hull.

On August 22, 1974, he was united in marriage to Barbara Faye De Kruif in Chandler, Minnesota. The couple first made their home in Sioux Falls, S.D., where Harlan worked for Musivend, which led to an opportunity to become co-owner of Soo Valley Vending in Sioux Center. In 1976, he and Barb moved to Sioux Center where they raised their family. Harlan was a member of the Bethel Christian Reformed Church where he served on the education and hospitality committees.

Boots was an avid bowler, having bowled a 300 game and participating in numerous bowling tournaments. He also enjoyed playing golf and card games, particularly Rook. Harlan’s hope and zest for life was contagious. He had a story and a laugh to share with everyone he met and was equally as generous with his time. He never turned down an opportunity to help someone in need and enjoyed finding homes for the treasures he picked up alongside the road during his travels. A dedicated and beloved Papa, he spent countless hours entertaining and pushing his adoring grandchildren on the big swing in the backyard.

Survivors include his wife of more than 46 years; a son, Brad Bootsma of Sioux Center; three daughters and their husbands, Kristi and Jeff Atkinson of Omaha, Nebr.; Shelli and Evan Van Maanen of Doon, Iowa; and Danielle and Michael Postma of Dubuque, Iowa; nine grandchildren; four brothers, Calvin Bootsma of Ireton, Iowa; Elvern and Helen Bootsma of Phoenix, Ariz.; Phil and Barb Bootsma of Melvin, Iowa; and Wendel and Helene Buys of Luverne, Minnesota; two sisters, Jolene and Del Spronk of Sheldon; and Jan and Bill Pearson of Sibley, Iowa; his wife’s parents, Henry and Adrianne De Kruif of Sioux Falls; and his wife’s siblings and their spouses, Gene and Barb De Kruif of Denver, Colo.; Marla and Mark Pluim of Sioux City, Iowa; Kim and Lance Wassink of Sioux Falls; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jerome Bootsma; and a sister-in-law, Patsy Bootsma.