Harold Vernon DeBeer

Harold Vernon DeBeer, 98, of Cedar Falls, passed away at NewAldaya Lifescapes on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. He was born in rural Cedar Falls on December 24, 1927, son of John and Elizabeth (Dilger) DeBeer. Harold grew up on the farm, attended Beaver #6 School and graduated from Dike Consolidated School in 1946. He served in the U.S. Army from November 1950-August 1952 during the Korean War in the 2nd Division of the 23rd Infantry Regiment. Harold married Jean Bohlen on November 5, 1954, in the Stout Reformed Church. He worked for Rath Packing for 32 years until their closure in 1984, then joined the team at Raincap Industries retiring in 2007. Harold and Jean were faithful charter members at Orchard Hill Reformed Church.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 52 years, Jean; his sister, Margaret (James) Weir; and siblings-in-law: Lester Johnson, Valda Bohlen, Marvin Bohlen and Oren (Harriet) Bohlen. He is survived by his children: Alan DeBeer of Cedar Falls, Beth (Dan) Sachau of Madison Lake, MN and Carol (Bill) Camden of Burnsville, MN; 5 grandchildren: Brittney, Johnathan, Madeline, Luke (Katie) and Chris; 2 great-grandchildren, Brielle and Tate; siblings-in-law: Martha Johnson, Melvin Bohlen and Elaine Bohlen; and his close cousin, Donald Clauson.

Harold’s Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Orchard Hill Church with Visitation the evening prior from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home. Burial with military honors to follow at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be directed to Orchard Hill Church, Cedar Falls Bible Conference or the Cedar Bend Humane Society.

Harold LOVED working in the dirt and growing flowers and plants. He had the discipline to graft trees and arbosculpt and trim trees and shrubs into beautiful works of art. Harold also liked fishing and hunting and playing cards with friends. When the kids were younger, he and Jean would pack them up in the camper and travel the United States during summer break. During their golden years, the couple enjoyed traveling a little more by cruise ship, bus trips or even a flight to Germany. Animals loved this gentle soul and he loved them right back. Perhaps Harold’s secret to a long life was to keep moving, have a good sense of humor, maintain a positive attitude and be an all around “good guy”. He will be dearly missed!

Harold's family would like to thank the professional and caring staffs at Cedar Valley Hospice and NewAldaya for all of their efforts and services, ensuring his final year was comfortable and still filled with happiness.