Tom Van Der Weerd

Thomas "Tom" Henry Van Der Weerd, age 64, of Rock Rapids, Iowa, went to his heavenly home on Sunday, October 19, 2025 after a two-week hospital stay, his family at his side.

Tom was born on August 25, 1961, to Henry and Dorothy (Reurink) Van Der Weerd in Rock Rapids. As the youngest child and only son with two older sisters, LeAnn and Janelle, his addition to the family was truly special and he remained so throughout the years.

From early on, Tom loved farming and was outside with his dad at every opportunity, whether it was learning to drive tractor, bucket feeding milk to calves, or farrowing pigs. After graduating from West Lyon in 1981, he continued farming with his dad, and over the years, also worked closely with a dear neighbor, Vernon Lorenzen.

On March 5, 1983, he married the love of his life, Dolly Rozeboom, in Luverne, MN. They were blessed with three children: Lanae, Lance, and Kayla. In the early years of their marriage, Tom and Dolly lived in Steen, where they enjoyed being near their family church. In 1987, they made their home on the family farm as Tom’s parents moved to Rock Rapids. Family was always Tom’s greatest joy. He loved teasing and laughing with them, and as the family grew, he delighted in bringing that same fun and mischief to his grandchildren. He also loved adventures with his grandchildren, especially their trip to Valley Fair, where he joined them on every wild ride.

Just as he had farmed with his dad, Tom loved working alongside Lance. In 2023, Tom and Dolly built a new home “up on the hill,” and Lance and his family moved to the original farmstead. Farming was not only Tom’s livelihood but a lifelong passion, especially when it involved tractors. His smile while tractor pulling was unforgettable. His favorite piece of equipment in recent years was his skid loader, where he happily moved snow from its heated cab, coffee in hand, music playing.

Tom had a knack for technology and humor. He could often be found with the TV on, a computer on his lap, earbuds in, and a grin as he watched YouTube videos, scrolled Farm Forum, or shared jokes with family. His loyal dog, Cooper, was never far from his side, whether in the shop or by his recliner. Together with their dear friends, Tom and Dolly enjoyed many travels, adventures, and evenings spent playing cards.

He’ll be remembered for dancing with his daughters in the shop to Shania Twain’s “Let’s go, Girls,” and for the matching t-shirts they made for attending her concert together. Mischievous by nature, Tom was known to bend the rules, whether changing the outcome of a game, suggesting adding a little extra power to equipment, or, after taking a tumble while decorating for his 60th birthday, telling the girls, “Don’t tell Mom.”

Most Fourths of July he sent Kayla a selfie standing proudly in his cornfield, and one of his last shared videos was of combining the final rows of soybeans this fall.

Faith was a steady foundation in Tom’s life. A lifelong member of Steen Reformed Church, he served faithfully as both deacon and elder, and together with Dolly, served as youth sponsors several times.

In 2022, Tom was diagnosed with cancer and faced his treatments with remarkable courage and faith. When he rang the bell at completion, he and Dolly celebrated with friends, and he rewarded himself with a new side-by-side. He had just begun feeling more like himself before his most recent illness, an aftereffect of those treatments.

Tom is survived by his wife of 42 years, Dolly; his children, Lanae (Jeremy) McBroom of Chatfield, MN, Lance (Brittany) Van Der Weerd of Rock Rapids and Kayla Van Der Weerd of Rochester, MN; grandkids, Olivia McBroom, Kash McBroom, Maddie Van Der Weerd, Karlie Van Der Weerd, and Jackson Van Der Weerd; two sisters, LeAnn (Dennis) Strother of Hampton, IA, and Janelle (Bob) Sneller of Parker, SD; two sisters-in-law, Cherlyn Bosch of Valley Springs, SD, and Michelle Rozeboom of Garretson, SD; two brothers-in-law, Harley Rozeboom of Jasper, MN, and Al (Denise) Rozeboom of Luverne; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law; two brothers-in-law; a nephew; a niece; and his dear friend, Vernon.