Robert Dale Veldkamp

Robert Dale Veldkamp was born on August 24, 1972, to Arnold and Hendrene Veldkamp in Luverne, Minnesota. Rob attended school in Pipestone through 4th grade, and then continued 5th-12th grade at Southwest MN Christian in Edgerton, MN. After graduation, he attended Alexandria Technical College for Law Enforcement. Rob was baptized as an infant and made Profession of Faith at Woodstock Reformed Church. He was a member of Bethel CRC in Edgerton, MN for most of his life.

During his younger years, Rob enjoyed working on the farm, both for his brother Ardean, and brother-in-law, Leon. In 1993, he began his work in law enforcement as a deputy in Murray County. In August of 1999, Rob joined the Minnesota State Patrol where he continued for the next 22 years. Since 2002, he was also a member of the MN State Patrol Crash Reconstruction Specialist team. Alongside the Patrol, Rob started Rock River Landscape in 2005. He enjoyed working with the land and also alongside his kids, who fulfilled many roles in the business. Rob also spent 13 years coaching freshmen and JV girls basketball at Southwest MN Christian. He not only loved the game of basketball, but he thoroughly enjoyed working with the girls on the team, including his own, making many lifelong memories in the gym.

Rob was united in marriage to Tricia DeJongh on August 20, 1993, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They were blessed with 7 children: Hope, Olivia, Ella, Ana, Leah, Noah, and Willa. Rob was not only their dad but their biggest fan. He enjoyed spending time with his family, whether it be attending their events, working alongside them while landscaping, coaching them in the gym, or spending time at Green Lake. Rob was quick-witted, could talk to anyone, and spent his time loving and leading his family well. Not only was he an amazing dad, Rob was a devoted husband who loved Tricia and put her and his family's needs constantly before his own. Christian music and attending Christian music festivals were some of his favorites, along with enjoying food with friends and colleagues and sharing conversations with his kids after sporting events over chips and salsa. He inspired a love for Christian music in his kids, a hearty work ethic, and a passion for sports. Most importantly though, he pointed them to Jesus, whom he claimed as his personal Savior and Lord.

Rob was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2008 and spent the next 13 years amazing those around him with his tenacity, strength, and love for Jesus and his family. Rob went to be with Jesus on November 14, 2021, at the age of 49 years.

Blessed by his life and legacy is his wife of 28 years, Tricia; daughter Hope and Jace Vander Maten of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter Olivia and Trey Huisken of Luverne, MN; daughter Ella; daughter Ana; daughter Leah; son Noah; and daughter Willa. Rob leaves behind his mom, Hendrene (Veldkamp) Van Wyhe; mother and father-in-law Lavonne and Virgil DeJongh; and siblings: Linda and Leon Kracht, Darrell and Bonnie Veldkamp, Ardean and Lori Veldkamp, Deb and Lonnie Van Klei, Tami and Jason Prins, and Troy and Shelly DeJongh, along with many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Arnie Veldkamp and niece Sailor Prins.

Memorials in honor of Rob can be directed toward Southwest MN Christian School.

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