Roger Lee Van Baalen – beloved father, partner, brother, son, and friend – peacefully went to heaven in his sleep on November 3, 2020. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am Saturday, November 7, 2020 at the New Sharon United Methodist Church. Burial will be held in the Union Mills Cemetery in Union Mills with a coffeetime to follow at the New Sharon McVay Center. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 6, beginning at 1:00 pm with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the New Sharon United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Roger's name to the New Sharon McVay Center or the Prairie Knolls Country Club. Holland-Coble Funeral Home of New Sharon is in charge of arrangements.

Roger was born on March 16 in the year 1947 in New Sharon, Iowa, the son and youngest child of Opal Arlene Stuzman and Arthur James Van Baalen. He was raised with his older sister Janice in the town of New Sharon, Iowa where Arthur farmed and Opal was a homemaker. In high school, Roger was gregarious and socially prolific, sharing his love of people by participating in music, theater, athletics, FFA, class officers, newspaper, and co-editoring yearbook.

After graduating high school in 1965, Roger attended four years of college at William Penn University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business. While there, he continued to be socially involved and was remembered fondly by his friends, some of whom became lifelong.

In 1980, Roger adopted a daughter – Melissa Marie Van Baalen - with former (late) wife Mary Elizabeth Minner. Roger treasured his role as a father and provider and worked continuously to ensure his family was well-taken care of. He is remembered by his daughter as an affectionate, funny, loyal, and devoted father who would deny her nothing.

Roger spent 40 years as an insurance adjustor at Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance, working his way up from a field agent to managing a department, and became successful along the way. During those years, he lived in Grinnell, Iowa; Fairfield, Iowa; and then for many years in Montezuma, Iowa; for which he retained a special fondness.

Later in life and while residing in New Sharon, Iowa, Roger reconnected with Linda Foster, a former childhood schoolmate. Roger and Linda spent many happy years together traveling and socializing as companions, and remained together until his death.

Roger leaves behind partner Linda Foster of New Sharon Iowa, daughter Melissa Van Baalen Camins (Joel Camins) of Wasilla, Alaska, sister Janice Vanderlinden (Ed) of New Sharon Iowa, nephews Mark (Maggie) Vanderlinden, Doug (Tibe) Vanderlinden of Muscatine, Iowa, and niece Diane Vanderlinden (Guy Skinner). He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur (Opal) Van Baalen.

Friends and family say Roger will be most remembered for his generosity and warm, comfortable friendship. Roger harbored special relationships with the women in his life and was especially close to his mother, his sister, and his daughter. Roger was passionate about helping people, and could often be seen bringing food to others, helping with chores, or volunteering as a hospital greeter. He was a curious person and enjoyed a wide variety of interests, including golf, trains, tractors, technology, fishing, motorcycles, and cooking. He held a special fascination with the state of Alaska. He was also a dedicated Christian and cat lover. Friends and acquaintances alike remark how it made them smile to see him around town, riding his golf cart up and down the streets. Roger enjoyed and was enjoyed by his lifelong community of New Sharon. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Obituary Written by Roger's daughter, Melissa