Loren Wayne DenBeste, the only son of Bernard “Bernie” and Ruth (Muilenburg) DenBeste, was born on January 8, 1951, in Sheldon, Iowa. He spent his youth in the Archer, Iowa area along with his two sisters: Judy and Brenda. He received his education through the Sheldon school system, graduating with the class of 1969.
Following high school, Loren furthered his education by attending Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa, then decided to pursue agriculture. Around 1972, the family relocated from Archer to the Melvin, Iowa area where Loren and his dad continued farming together, raising cattle and hogs as well as row crops. When his parents retired and moved to Sheldon in 2012, he managed the farm operation on his own.
Loren met Kim Eledge in 2005; they enjoyed the time they spent together whether it was focusing on a project or relaxing after a hard day’s work. Loren’s adopted son, Mason, also helped create a real purpose for each day. They resided in Melvin from 2006 until 2019 before moving to the farmstead west of town on Highway 59. Loren had always found satisfaction in farming; the change of seasons, growing a new crop every spring and the challenges of maintaining it all. Now with Kim and Mason alongside, it turned into a very meaningful endeavor.
On Saturday, July 19, 2025, Loren passed from this life at his home near Melvin at the age of 74 years. Preceding him were his parents, Bernard (2013) and Ruth (2023) DenBeste.
Left to cherish his memory are his best friend and lifemate, Kim; his son, Mason; Linda Ellis (Amanda) of Sioux City, Iowa; Jake Eledge (Kayla) of Ocheyedan, Iowa; one granddaughter, Bridget; sisters: Judi Reed (Roger) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Brenda Timmons (Phil) of Melvin, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A memorial service was held July 26 at Hartley Funeral Home Chapel, Hartley, Iowa with Pastor Paul Van Maaren officiating.
Songs of Praise were “Amazing Grace” and “Rock Of Ages.”
Pallbearers were Mason Eledge, Jake Eledge, Brad Timmons, Michael Raveling, Kevin Strenge and Terry De Graaf
Place of Rest is Baker Township Cemetery, Melvin, Iowa.
Sanborn and Hartley Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements.