Johannes "Joop" Huizinga

Johannes “Joop” Derk Huizinga, 76, of Winterset, Iowa, died November 14, 2021, in Des Moines, Iowa, surrounded by his family. He was the ultimate “do it, fix it, solve it, study it, and talk about it to the end of time” kind of man, and his family loved him for it. He was born August 5, 1945, in Loppersum in the Netherlands to Johannes Huizinga and Jantje Bulthuis-Huizinga. In 1964, he followed the love of his life, Corrie, to the United States and married her on September 23, 1965. He was drafted for the Vietnam Conflict and enlisted as a medical corpsman. He served in Vietnam for a year, receiving a Bronze Star, and proudly continued his military service in the Army for 24 years. He served in various bases in the United States and Germany. He became a physician’s assistant in 1974 and retired in 1990 as a chief warrant officer 3 (CW-3). He then served ten years as a physician’s assistant for the Department of Justice in Yankton, SD. After his second retirement, he and Corrie travelled extensively and served as short-term missionaries with various organizations throughout the world. This kept him from moving to New Zealand, like he always threatened to do. Instead, they lived in Johnston, IA for several years before settling in Winterset, where he continued his service through various local organizations, passionately serving with the local American Legion and the Madison County Historical Complex. Joh lived life with vigor, and rarely allowed life to pass him by. He loved music and played the organ. He enjoyed sailing and building model trains. He had a private pilot’s license and enjoyed flying for a few years. He and Corrie enjoyed travelling, taking lots of flower pictures, and exploring the wonders of God’s creation by taking road trips on his motorcycle (650cc scooter) and cruises. He enjoyed celebrating life and love with his children and grandchildren. He was always found wherever the party was happening and never hesitated to raise a glass in joyful appreciation of the “moments.” Joh was a man of faith who loved to study the Bible and teach God’s Word. He never shied away from a good, deep discussion about Christianity and what it meant to have faith and a committed relationship with Jesus Christ. Joh leaves a legacy of faith to his children, extended family, and many whose lives he and Corrie have touched. He leaves behind his wife, Corrie; his oldest son Tony and wife Dawn and their sons, Arn and Willem of Hollandale, MN; his second son Rick and wife Jena of St. James, MO; and his daughter Monique and husband Rick Elgersma and their daughter Alyssa of Winterset, IA. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his granddaughter Reyana Elgersma. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 17, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Caldwell Parrish, Winterset Chapel. The Funeral Service will be Thursday, November 18, 11:00 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Winterset. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Heal Our Patriots (https://www.samaritanspurse.org/donation-items/operation-heal-our-patriots/) or The American Legion Post #184 Green Rogers. (https://business.madisoncounty.com/list/member/american-legion-green-rogers-post-184-327 )