Harland Van Valkingburg, 87, of Sioux City passed away Sunday, July 24, 2011, at a Sioux City hospital.

Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, July 28, 2011 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, with the Rev. Leon Pfotenhauer officiating.

Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present at 6 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Online condolences may be offered at www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Harland was born May 21, 1924, to Edward and Ellen (Widner) Van Valkingburg. He was raised by his grandparents, George S. and Mae Elizabeth Widner, and graduated from Central High in Sioux City (post-World War II award).

Harland entered the U.S. 9th Air Force in February 1943, and then transferred to the U.S. 7th Army. He trained in Southampton, England, in preparation for D-Day landing on June 6, 1944, Omaha Beach, Normandy, France.

While in France, Harland was attached to the 3rd Armored Division commanded by Gen. George S. Patton Jr. After being honorably discharged in 1946, he returned to Sioux City.

A few years later, Harland married his beloved wife Lucy on Jan. 15, 1955. To this union, one son, Kurt, was born.

Harland was a craftsman, builder and cement mason, operating his own contracting company, Van's Cement and Tile, retiring at age 80 in 2004.

Harland was a founding member of Calvary Episcopal Church in Sioux City. He attended Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church with his daughter-in-law, Cheri. He was a past member of Woodbury Masonic Lodge, Sioux City Scottish Rite, Abu Bekr Temple and Monahan Post 64.

Survivors include his wife, Lucy of Sioux City; his son, Kurt D. Van Valkingburg and his wife Cheri of Sioux City; three grandchildren, Chase Van Valkingburg and his wife Caryn of Houston, Texas, Ivy Menke and her husband Tyler of Johnston, Iowa, and Audrey Van Valkingburg of Johnston; a great-granddaughter, Carly Grace Van Valkingburg of Houston; several brothers- and sisters-in-law; a grand-puppy, Cooper; and those also close to his heart, Susie Jones, Linda McGlynn and Barbara Henn.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents; a sister, Betty; and a daughter-in-law, Teri Van Valkingburg in 1989.

Memorials may be directed to Sioux City Gospel Mission, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church or St. Thomas Episcopal Church.