Harold Wayne Westra

 Dr. Harold Wayne Westra, 85, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2024. He was born September 12, 1938, in Hull, Iowa to Henry and Tena (Brunsting) Westra and was raised on a farm near Hull Iowa. 

 Harold attended Hull Iowa Public Schools and later farmed with his father before attending Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. He met the love of his life, Lydia Voogd, at Northwestern and they were married June 4, 1959. 

 After earning a degree in elementary education Harold taught 6th grade in Britt, Iowa and Garner, Iowa for 5 years. He continued his education and received his Master's Degree at Mankato State College and a Doctorate Degree in Education from the University of Wyoming. 

 Harold served as Superintendent of Schools in Basin Wyoming, Chariton Iowa, and Oskaloosa Iowa. After serving as a Superintendent for many years he became the Chief Administrator of the Southern Prairie Area Education Agency. 

 Throughout his career Harold belonged to many professional organizations. Notably, he was elected to the Iowa Music Association Executive Board of Directors and served as president from 1976-1986. 

 Harold enjoyed traveling through the United States and Europe with Lydia. They enjoyed attending theater and music events together. Harold loved being a grandpa and spending time with his grandchildren and was thrilled to meet his two great grandsons. 

 Harold and Lydia have two children Jay (Holly) Westra of North Yarmouth, Maine and Jil (Keith) Schneider of Clive, Iowa; grandchildren Nicholas (Rachel) Schneider, Nathan (Lesley) Schneider, Mikayla Schneider, Jake Westra and Sofie Westra. Two great grandsons, Viggo and Quinton. Harold was preceded in death by his mother Tena, his father Henry, his brother Marvin, and his beloved wife Lydia. He is survived by his sisters Mary Tensen and Carol Sterk. 

 A memorial service will be held Saturday August 24, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., followed by refreshments and fellowship with the family at 3:30 p.m., both at Central Church in Oskaloosa, Iowa. 

 The link for streaming the service is: https://vimeo.com/event/4143802

 In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Mahaska County Environmental Learning Center Nature Playscape: Friends of Mahaska County Conservation P.O. Box 632 Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577. 

 Ernst Funeral & Cremation Services of Waukee has been entrusted with Harold's final arrangements.