Clifford Haverkamp

CLIFFORD M. HAVERKAMP

Cedar Rapids

Clifford M. Haverkamp, 95, of Cedar Rapids, entered into God's presence on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, surrounded by his four daughters.

Cliff had a zeal for life – whether he was hiking a trail, tobogganing down a hill, learning to play the baritone at age 79, acting as Grandpa Joad in Grapes of Wrath at 88, ushering for the symphony, volunteering as a docent at Brucemore, or teaching children at the Science Station – he did everything with his whole heart. He was an encourager to many and a friend to all. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh.

Singing played a central role in Cliff's life. He was always part of a choir whether in school, at church, at his workplace, or in the community. He joined Chorale Midwest at its inception and was its oldest member at his final concert at age 92. He was a faithful member of the choir at New Covenant Bible Church.

Cliff was a man of God, who began following Jesus in his youth. He continued to grow in faith throughout his life, desiring to please God in the way he lived.

Cliff was born Aug. 8, 1921, in Orange City, Iowa, the son of George and Gertrude (Van de Waa) Haverkamp. On Sept. 4, 1945, he married his hometown sweetheart, Leona De Jong. They shared nearly 50 years of marriage.

In World War II, Cliff served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a navigator on a B-17 with the 8th Air Force, 381st Bomb Group, 254th Squadron. On his eighth mission, his plane was shot down over Germany. Cliff spent the remaining 30 months of the war as a German POW. He and his generation endured hardships so that we could enjoy the freedoms we have. After the war, he continued in the Air Force Reserve, retiring with the rank of major.

Cliff attended Northwestern Junior College and Iowa State College, graduating in 1947 with a B.S. in electrical engineering. He was employed by Firestone Tire and Rubber Co., Collins Radio Co., Square D and Quaker Oats, from which he retired in 1986.

Left to cherish his legacy are his four daughters, Robin (Richard) Hart, Rachel MacKay, Carol (Stan) Nowakowski and Nancy (John) Moore; his grandchildren, Jonathan (Michelle) Hart, Christy (Drew) Alexander, Chloe (Matt) Hilden, Anna (Steve) Friese, Jason Moore and Rachel (Charles) Duby; his 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Leona; his brothers, Eugene and Robert; and his great-granddaughter, Ivy Faith Friese.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 16, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Inurnment with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 17, at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery (family requests you meet at the funeral home at 10:45 a.m.).

A celebration of Cliff's life will take place on Saturday, June 17, at 2 p.m. at New Covenant Bible Church, 3020 N. Center Point Rd. The service will be preceded by a time of visitation from 1 to 1:45 p.m. and followed by a reception where family and friends will have an opportunity to share memories and stories.

The family would like to thank UnityPoint Health-St. Luke's Hospital, Cottage Grove Health Center, the VA Medical Clinic and UnityPoint Hospice for their care during Dad's final weeks of illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northwestern College Leona Haverkamp Music Scholarship, Indian Creek Nature Center or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com.