Floyd ‘Dutch’ DeVries

Floyd “Dutch” DeVries, 89, of Austin, Minn., died Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at The Cedars of Austin.

Floyd was born Aug. 12, 1926 in Dumont, Franklin County, to John and Helen (Hiktor) DeVries. Jeanette is the only surviving sibling of nine — Jacob, Rebecca, Frieda, Hommo “Onnie,” Harm, Elsena, Ben, Jeanette and Robert. Floyd was raised in the Wesleyan Methodist faith, attended Howard County schools and worked on the family farm. On Oct. 25, 1947, he was united in marriage to Maxine Starry in McIntire. They made their home in Colwell, where Dutch worked at Oliver for several years. They moved to Austin, Minn. in 1954, where he enjoyed a successful sales career with Wearever Cookware, Gordon Electric and A& S Parts. He became a partner with Donald Boe in Ace Auto Body, which expanded to Bo-De Travel Trailers. After his retirement in 1995, Dutch found more time for the things he enjoyed. He loved his family very much and loved his friends. Maxine and Dutch had a large group of friends and spent many wonderful times together making memories, whether it be boating, camping, fishing, traveling or motorcycling. He also spent many hours in the garage doing collision and auto body repair, creating kit cars and refurbishing motor homes. He could fix anything, and if there was not a part, he would make one. Not only did he fix cars, but in his earlier years he handmade a boat which so many enjoyed waterskiing behind. He loved country music and playing his guitar and singing country songs. Dutch loved to laugh and tell jokes.

He always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. His kids would always joke that Dad put a “Bo-De” sticker on anything he owned, so everyone would know who owned it. He was very proud of the businesses he owned. He is missed greatly, but he is at peace and with his family and friends who have passed before him.

Floyd is survived by his wife, Maxine DeVries of Austin, Minn.; daughters, Jane Taylor of Austin and Dixie (Dan) Gilbertson of Austin; a son, John (Rhonda) DeVries of Austin; six grandchildren, Jeremy (Leah) Taylor, Christopher Taylor (fiancée Liz Brown), Nicholas (Kourtney) Gilbertson, Sheila (Ben) Boerger, Lyndsey (Jason) Johnson, Leah (Jordan) Ferch; eight great-grandchildren, Lauren and Lucas Taylor, Peytyn and Josalyn Johnson; Nora and Stella Ferch, Madison and Nathan Brown; his sister, Jeanette Schroeder of Alta Vista;, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers and three sisters; and son in law, Rodney Taylor.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Crane Community Chapel in Austin, Minn. with Pastor Dale Christiansen officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery in Austin. Memorials in Floyd’s memory may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.