By presenting this information we hope to assist those close to these families with planning for their service. If you have questions or comments about any of the information found on this page, please let us know by e-mail or telephone.

Janette Watkins,
December 06, 1927 - July 17, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: Will begin Monday afternoon , at Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home with the family present from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Funeral Service: 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 20, 2010 , at Third Reformed Church in Pella
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery
Janette E. (Van Peursem) Watkins, 82, of Pella, IA, passed away early Saturday morning at Jefferson Place in Pella. Janette, wife of the late Charles O. Watkins, is survived by four children: Mary (Donald) McElderry of New Sharon, IA, Paul Watkins of Tracy, IA, David Watkins and John Watkins both of Pella; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for the activity fund at Jefferson Place or the Sheltering Tree Program at Third Reformed Church in Pella, IA.
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Emma Lou Heusinkveld,
, - July 16, 2010
Formerly of Pella, Iowa
Memorial Service: Saturday, July 17, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. , at Second Reformed Church in Pella.
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery
Emma Lou Heusinkveld , 88 , formerly of Pella, IA, passed away December 5, 2009 in Marietta, GA. She taught English and journalism at Pella High School for 15 years. Emma Lou (Becker), was the wife of the late George R. Heusinkveld, and is survived by three daughters: Dr. Paula Heusinkveld Medina of Seneca, SC, Myra Jager of Roanoke, VA and Ginger White of Marietta, GA; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A pot-luck will follow the memorial service at West Market Park Shelter House.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for the Eastminster Presbyterian Church or Stone Mountain Art Station in Stone Mountain, GA.
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Marjorie Tanis,
March 09, 1927 - July 07, 2010
Visitation: Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday . July 10, 2010 at Second Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa.
Funeral Service: Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. July 10, 2010 at Second Reformed Church.
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Pella, Iowa
Marjorie Mae Greving was born in rural Phillips County, Kansas near Prairie View on March 9, 1927. She was the second oldest child born to Garried and Josie Erickson Greving. Marjorie attended Rock Island Rural School and graduated from Prairie View High School on May 16, 1944. She attended Fort Hays Kansas State College in Kansas for one year, received a 3 year teaching certificate and taught elementary grade school children in Norton, Kansas three years. In the fall of 1948, she enrolled in Central College at Pella, Iowa, where she met Paul Hudson Tanis, Sr. Paul’s college career which began at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, was interrupted during World War II when he was inducted into the U.S. Army. Following his discharge, he enrolled in Central College at Pella and on August 1, 1950, Marjorie and Paul were united in marriage in the Reformed Church of Prairie View, Kansas. To this union four children were born: Cheryl Lynn, Shirley Ann, Paul Hudson Jr. and James Edwin. Responding to God’s call to active ministry, Paul enrolled in Western Theological Seminary at Holland, Michigan. During this time Marjorie taught in the Holland Christian Grade School. In May of 1953, Paul received his divinity degree. Marjorie and Paul were commissioned as missionaries of the Reformed Church of America and their first charge was in Japan. They served as missionaries in Japan for five years. While on a speaking tour during their furlough, Paul became interested in church extension and was called to be the founding pastor of the Church of the Savior Reformed Church in Rochester, Minnesota in 1959. Marjorie and Paul went on to serve churches in Rochester, Minnesota where he was a Chaplain at Mayo Clinic Affiliate Hospitals, Oak Harbor, Washington, Stout, Iowa (near Cedar Falls, establishing the Way Station neighborhood youth ministry), and Sheldon, Iowa. During this time Marjorie taught elementary school children in Oak Harbor, Washington, Dike, Iowa and Sheldon, Iowa. It was while they were serving in Sheldon that Paul suffered a severe stroke in February of 1983. Marjorie and Rev. Tanis retired in 1989 at which time they moved to Pella, Iowa. Marjorie complimented Paul in his ministry and faithfully assisted him with his physical disability for 16 years until he passed away on December 13, 1998 at the age of 71 years. Several years prior to his death Paul established a scholarship for Western Theological seminarians. Paul and Marjorie were committed to helping other seminarians become pastors and saw this scholarship as a living Marjorie was taken home to be with the Lord on Wednesday morning, July 7, 2010, in St. Peter, Minnesota at the age of 83 years. Of utmost importance to Marjorie was her family. She was keenly interested in their education, accomplishments and family life. They are her four children and their spouses and nine grandchildren: Cheryl L. Tanis of Eldora, Iowa and her daughters, Chelsea Welp of Burnsville, Minnesota and Lexsea Stickrod and her husband, Jeff Stickrod of Wichita, Kansas; Shirley A. and her husband, Daryl Heyenga and their children, Bailey and Jordan of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Paul H. Tanis, Jr. and his wife, Maureen and sons, Peter, Patrick and Philip of St.. Peter, Minnesota; James E. Tanis and his wife, Carol and children, Alysa and Jacob of Peachtree City, Georgia. Of her original family Marjorie leaves a sister and two brothers and their spouses: Ila and Dick DeWitt of Prairie View, Kansas, Wayne and Delores Greving of Pella, Iowa, Leland and Shirley Greving of Central City, Nebraska; and the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Marilyn (Tanis) and Rev. Darrell Franken, Dr. Elliot and Elaine Tanis of Holland, Michigan, Wayne and Mary Jane Tanis of Hamilton, Michigan. Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Paul H. Tanis, Sr.; her parents, Garried and Josie Greving; and her parents-in-law, Rev. Edward E. and Agnes Peters Tanis. Marjorie loved to sew and knit and was a member of the Second Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa. memorial extending their mission work and love of Christ.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for the Paul H. Tanis, Sr. Scholarship Fund at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI. or Hospice of Pella, IA.
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Mrs. Elva De Haan,
September 28, 1913 - July 01, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: Will begin after 10:00 a.m. Sunday morning , at Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home with family present from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday
Funeral Service: Monday, July 5, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. , at First Reformed Church in Pella
Interment: Graceland Cemetery
Elva Jennie Brummel was born on September 28, 1913, near Prairie View, Kansas. She was the oldest of two children who were born to Aaron and Laura Hays Brummel. When Elva was 6 months old, her family moved to Iowa on the train. She grew up on her parents’ farm and attended rural schools in Mahaska County, Iowa, graduating from 8th grade in 1926. Elva then attended Oskaloosa High School, graduating with honors in 1930. She attended Central College for 2 years and received the normal degree and teaching certificate in 1932. In fall of 1932 she began teaching at Plainview School east of Pella and taught there two years. In 1934-35 she taught the four lower grades in Leighton School. While a student at Central, Elva met Jacob De Haan, class of 1933, and on May 21, 1935 they were married. Rev. A. Haverkamp performed the double ceremony with Jake’s twin sister Mabel and Lewis Vander Wilt. Elva and Jake were blessed with three children: William, Kenneth, and Lois. Elva was a member of Central College Auxiliary beginning in 1956, and served as Auxiliary President. She and Jake were lifelong supporters of Central College and attended many sports, music, and other events. She was a faithful member of First Reformed Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent of the primary and youth departments, and in the Ladies Circle and Ladies Aid for many years. Elva worked for 6 years at T&D Department Store. She then worked 19 years (1964-1983) at the Carnegie-Viersen Public Library in Pella, and for 9 of those was the head Librarian until her retirement in 1983. She greatly enjoyed the library, particularly meeting and getting to know so many of the community’s children and their families. Jake and Elva traveled extensively, visiting family and vacationing in 48 states, Canada, Holland and Belgium. They were traveling in New England when Jake died as the result of a tragic car accident. After Jake’s death she moved to MidTown apartments where she enjoyed several close friends and tended her lovely flower garden. Elva always enjoyed gardening, canning fruits and vegetables and sharing her beautiful flowers. She loved to sew, knit, crochet and complete the quilts pieced by her mother. She crocheted and knitted beautiful afghans in many different patterns for all her children and grandchildren. She was also an excellent cook who loved to have family dinners and to share her creations with friends and neighbors. Elva always had a welcoming smile for everyone. As she transitioned to assisted living and then long term care, staff frequently remarked how warm and friendly Elva was, ready with a laugh or smile or small joke. Elva passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 1, 2010, at Hearthstone Care Facility in Pella. She attained the age of 96 years, 9 months and 3 days. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jake, in 1983, her grandson David De Haan, daughter-in-law Maureen De Haan, and her sister and parents. Those left to cherish her memory are her surviving family: her children and their spouses, William and Beverly De Haan of Wooster, OH, Kenneth and Darlene De Haan of Pella, Lois and David Smith of Pella; her grandchildren William, Jr., and Cindy De Haan, of San Antonio, TX, Jeffrey and Jill De Haan of Wooster OH, Laurie De Haan of Bay Village, OH, Randall and Barbara Jones of Chula Vista, CA, Daniel De Haan of Des Moines, Justin Smith of Albany, NY, and Elinor Smith of Phoenix, AZ; and 5 great-grandchildren: Nathan, Brittany and Jacob De Haan, Nicholas and Mitchell Jones.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for the Pella Public Library or Central College.
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Mrs. Nieves Marquez,
August 04, 1933 - June 30, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Funeral Mass: Monday, July 5, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. , at St. Mary's Catholic Church
Interment: Inurnment will be made at a later date
Nieves C. Marquez was born on August 4, 1933 in Virac, Catanduanes Philippines. She was the youngest of eight children born to Dionisia Sarmiento and Geronimo Cambonga. She graduated from Fabella Memorial College of Midwifery in Sta. Cruz Manila in March 1954. Then she began her practice in Camalig Rural Health Center as a midwife. Shortly after she met Vicente Marquez and married in November 1, 1957. They had seven children namely Sandy, Rock, Sandra, Vida, Sarah, Marivic, and Eve. Nieves was an excellent mother with a very strong religious background. Her strength and determination was unsurpassed. She valued education and sent all her children to college. Respect and service to other people is of utmost important to her. For forty three (43) years, she served as a midwife providing pre natal care, family planning, health education and immunization in the rural areas of the country. In 1997, she retired and came to United States to visit her daughters in Los Angeles and Iowa. While visiting she took good care of her grandchildren. Later, she briefly worked as certified nursing assistant at Pella Regional Center. Unfortunately, in the early hours of June 30, 2010, she passed away at the age of 76. She is survived by her seven children and their spouses, sixteen grandchildren, three great grandchildren and sister Zosima.
For those desiring, memorials may be made to the Nieves Marquez Memorial Fund.
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Florence Renaud,
April 04, 1921 - June 28, 2010
Visitation: Visitation will begin Wednesday noon June 30, 2010 at Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Funeral services will be Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. July 01, 2010 at Berean Baptist Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Pella, Iowa
Florence Van Der Wilt, a daughter of Henry and Minnie Vande Krol Van Der Wilt, was born on April 4, 1921, on a farm in Jasper County, Iowa, located approximately 2 ½ miles southeast of the town of Sully, Iowa. Florence received her education by attending the Junction Country Grade School through the 8th grade. Upon graduation she worked at home helping her parents on the family farm. When Florence was 20 years of age her parents moved from the farm to Sully and she began to do housework for people in Sully. Florence then met Carrol Gerrit Renaud, a local boy who farmed near Taintor, Iowa. During their courtship Carrol was drafted into the U. S. Army during World War II. Carrol was in the military service for approximately 3 years and upon his discharge he and Florence were united in marriage on October 24, 1945, at Oskaloosa, Iowa. Carrol and Florence lived and farmed near Sully for 44 years. The last 40 years were on her parents farm which adjoins the south side of Sully. In 1989 they retired and moved into Pella, Iowa into the home they had built at 1304 Broadway Street. The Lord took Carrol home on March 13, 1997, at the age of 77 years. Following his death Florence continued living in their home until becoming a resident at Vriendschap Village in Pella. She subsequently was cared for in other facilities while attempting to make all the necessary adjustments of widowhood and aging. On Monday morning, June 28, 2010, she passed away at Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa following a brief stay at the age of 89 years. Florence is survived by her sister, Pauline (David) Kooistra of Pella; her sister-in-law, Luella (Floyd) Van Der Wilt of Sully; and the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Grace (John) Renaud of Pella, James Renaud of Sully, Lydia (Renaud) Roossinck of Fremont, Michigan, Edmund and Miriam Renaud of Iowa Falls, Iowa, Gerrit and Jane Renaud of Pella, Mary and John Verratti of Gasport, New York, Mark and Patricia Renaud of Pella, Leo and Marguerite Renaud of Des Moines, Iowa; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Carrol G. Renaud; her parents, Henry and Minnie Van Der Wilt; her parents-in-law, Paul H. and Lydia Van Der Pol Renaud; her brother, Floyd Van Der Wilt and her brother-in-law, David Kooistra. Florence was a lifelong participant with the saints gathered unto the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in Pella, Iowa. She assumed her role as a homemaker diligently and enjoyed crocheting.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for the Bible Truth Publishers.
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Johanna Honderd,
August 01, 1920 - June 22, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: family present 9:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home, Pella, Iowa
Funeral Service: Saturday, June 26 at 10:30 a.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Sully Cemetery at Sully, Iowa
Johanna Struik, the youngest of six children that were born to Johannes and Sophia Stam Struik, was born on August 1, 1920, at Sully, Iowa. Her father, Johannes, died at a young age when Johanna was just 3 years of age.Johanna attended grade school at Sully where she completed the 8th grade then enrolled at the Reformed Bible Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Johanna subsequently became a missionary and served amongst the Zuni Indians at Rehoboth, New Mexico for 4 ½ years. During this time she had met Johannes Honderd, whose brother, Rev. Peter Honderd, was a member of the staff of missionaries. On February 15, 1957, she and Joe were united in marriage at Aetna, Michigan. Johanna and Joe lived at Story City, Iowa for four years following their marriage where their two children, Joy Patrice and Kevin Jay, were born. The family then moved southof Sully, Iowa where they farmed for two years until moving near Kellogg, Iowa. Joe and Johanna farmed there for six years until moving south of Pella, Iowa. While living south of Pella, Johanna also cleaned homes. In 1975 they moved west of Pella at which time she operated the Otley Lunch in Otley, Iowa and then worked at Hilltop Manor South in Pella. Johanna worked hard her entire working lifetime and was always content in whatever she received and gained. On December 20, 1985, her husband, Joe, passed away at the age of 76 years. Johanna continued to make her home with her daughter, Joy, and at the present time they were residing in Knoxville, Iowa. On Tuesday evening, June 22, 2010, she passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella following a very brief terminal diagnosis at the age of 89 years. Surviving are her daughter, Joy Honderd of Knoxville; her son Kevin Honderd and his wife, Mary of Oskaloosa, Iowa; three grandchildren: Amanda and her husband, Andy Bolton, Joey Honderd and Daniel Honderd; and several nieces and nephews and cousins. Johanna was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Honderd; her parents, Johannes and Sophia Struik, her step-father, Dick Jansen and was the last surviving member of her original family: Hubert and Hendrika Struik, Kryn and Alberta Struik, Wilma and Marion Sjaardema, Cornelia and William Van Norden, Christina and Ben Vander Molen. Johanna was a member of the Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa. She enjoyed watching birds and squirrels, cats and dogs, and will be remembered as an encourager and one who was always content.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for the family of Johanna Honderd.
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Beulah Van Haalen,
February 25, 1929 - June 12, 2010
Visitation: Visitation will begin after noon on Tuesday with the family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. June 15, 2010 at Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. June 16, 2010 at First Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Pella, Iowa
Beulah Van Maaren was born on February 25, 1929, East of Sully, Iowa. She was the seventh of ten children that were born to Gerrit Cornelius and Sarah (Boender) Van Maaren. Beulah attended country grade schools in Jasper County, Iowa and graduated from Pella Public High School in Pella, Iowa in 1948. One evening on the downtown square in Pella she met Donald Glenn Van Haalen. She and Don were ultimately united in marriage on February 24, 1950, at her parents' home in Pella, and to this union two daughters were born: Judith Luann and Phyllis Lea. Following their marriage, Beulah worked at the Overall Factory in Pella for a year. She and Don then moved to his grandparents, Peter and Hattie (Vander Meiden) Van Haalen, farm East of Pella. Beulah and Don enjoyed almost the remaining 59 years of their married life there together where she loved the old farm house. Beulah always worked side by side with Don, whether it was with the field work or the mowing. Beulah was always busy with her hands. She sewed all of the clothes for her daughters when they were young, and quilted relentlessly. Many of these items are still cherished today, as well as their family vacations. Beulah worked jig saw puzzles and enjoyed bowling as long as her health permitted. Then memory changes became evident in her life. Don faithfully cared for and assisted her as long as he possibly could. In July of 2009 she was admitted into the Memory Loss Unit at Jefferson Place in Pella. Don continued his very faithful, multiple visits there daily where she passed away on Saturday afternoon, June 12, 2010, at the age of 81 years. Beulah is survived by her husband, Don; their two daughters and their husbands: Judy and Dennis Willer of Pella, Phyllis and Steve Munger of Prairie City, Iowa; four granddaughters and their families: Erica (Willer) and Michael Groen and their two children, Jaina and Jackson, of Rock Rapids, Iowa, Alayna (Willer) and Chris Hegwood and their daughter, Rowan, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Elizabeth Munger of Des Moines, Iowa and Jennifer Munger of La Crosse, Wisconsin. Of her original family Beulah leaves her sister, Hilda (Arthur) Rus and her brother, Alfred Van Maaren and his wife, Carolyn of Pella;  a sister-in-law, Nellie (Cornelius) Van Maaren of Denver, Colorado and a brother-in-law, Henry ( Esther Van Maaren) Dykstra of Monroe, Iowa. Beulah was preceded in death by her parents, Gerrit and Sarah Van Maaren; her parents-in-law, Gerrit and Bess Van Haalen;  five brothers: Cornelius, Paul, John, Gerald and Elmer Van Maaren; and two sisters: Esther (Van Maaren) Dykstra and Sara Mae Van Maaren. Beulah was a faithful member of the First Reformed Church in Pella. She had served as a 4-H leader and had been active with the Pella Regional Health Center Auxiliary for many years.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for the Alzheimer's Association or the Pella Regional Health Center Auxiliary.
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Shirley Vander Schaaf,
August 28, 1937 - June 11, 2010
Visitation: Visitation will begin after noon on Monday with the family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. June 14, 2010 at Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. June 15, 2010 at Calvary Christian Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Pella, Iowa
Shirley Jean Postma was born at home on a farm near Rock Valley, Iowa to Richard and Cora (Vande Vegte) Postma on August 28, 1937. She was born into a large family, and enjoyed her growing up years on the farm with 13 brothers and sisters. She attended Rock Valley Christian Schools and Western Christian in Hull Iowa, where she received her high school diploma. She then attended summer school in order to qualify to be a teacher. Shirley was proud to obtain a teaching position at the Pella Christian Grade School in Pella, Iowa. A fellow teacher, Miss Ella Vander Schaaf, introduced Shirley to her nephew, Carl Edwin Vander Schaaf. This ultimately led to Shirley and Carl being united in marriage on November 26, 1960, at the First Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley, Iowa. Shirley and Carl spent the first years of their married life living in Pella. In 1964 they moved to Independence Iowa, where they resided for 13 years, while Carl managed the Quality Ready Mix Plant, and Shirley worked as a homemaker and full time mother to their three children: Jack Lee, Sue Ann and Julie Lynn. During this time Shirley was an active volunteer at church and school, she also enjoyed her role as a substitute teacher in the Independence Community Schools. In 1977 they returned to Pella. Carl started his own trucking business and Shirley immediately took on the role of bookkeeper, receptionist and errand runner for his business. She managed to fit in working from home as a lace packager for Heritage Lace, while raising her family and keeping a home during these years. Shirley kept a beautiful vegetable and flower garden and was a member of the Pella Garden Club for many years. Shirley’s passion as a hobby was quilting. While she would never have described herself as “artistic”, she had a special talent for selecting fabrics to meticulously piece together and then patiently and lovingly “quilt”. Shirley was always generous. Most of her textile “works of art” were given to her children, grandchildren and friends as gifts. Shirley was an active member of the Pella Area Quilters Guild. She traveled whenever the opportunity presented itself. She especially looked forward to the trips she and Carl took south every winter. On December 31, 2006, Carl passed away of lung cancer shortly following his 75th birthday. Shirley spent the 10 months of his illness lovingly caring for his every need. In April of 2007, Shirley was diagnosed with gall bladder cancer. She underwent surgery and received treatment for her illness multiple times. On Friday evening, June 11, 2010, she peacefully passed away at the age of 72 years at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella, surrounded by family. Shirley is survived by her three children and their families: Jack L. Vander Schaaf of Pella, grandson Carson Shinn; Sue A. Janssen and her husband Jerry, her three sons: Jake Veenstra, Cole Janssen and Drew Carl Janssen all of Pella and two step-daughters Rahni Janssen of Mitchellville, Iowa and Stevi Janssen of Pleasant Hill, Iowa; Julie L. Reiland and her husband Eric and her stepdaughters: Madelyn and Ally Reiland all of Stewartville, Minnesota. Also surviving Shirley are two sisters: Carol Postma of Oak Hills, California and Marion Altena of Pipestone, Minnesota; six brothers: Robert Postma and Richard Postma, both of Knoxville Iowa, Donald Postma of Rock Valley, Iowa, Stanley Postma of Canby, Oregon, Clarence Postma of Orange City Iowa and Martin Postma of Rock Valley, Iowa; and two sisters-in-law: Shirley (Vander Schaaf) Hoksbergen of Grand Haven Michigan and Merle (Vander Schaaf) Vande Lune of Madison, Wisconsin. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Carl Vander Schaaf; her parents, Richard and Cora Postma; her parents-in-law, Fred and Anna (Stursma) Vander Schaaf; her sisters: Bonnie De Vries, Margaret Bolkema and Henrietta Van Maanen, her brothers, Gerrit Postma and Lawrence Postma and a brother-in-law, Larry Vande Lune. Shirley was baptized and made profession of her faith at the First Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley, Iowa. She was a faithful member of the Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa. She was also a member of the Pella Historical Society and the Pella Area Quilters Guild. Shirley was an avid reader and a fan of the University of Iowa, Hawkeye sports teams. Shirley was a devout and respectful person of faith, who had a special gift for putting her own needs aside to care for others.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for Crossroads of Pella or Hospice of Pella.
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Carrie Breen,
October 25, 1916 - June 03, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: after 1:00 p.m. Friday , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: Visitation with the family present will be from 9:00 a.m. until service time Saturday , at Third Reformed Church in Pella
Funeral Service: Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. , at Third Reformed Church
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery
Carrie Sneller was born on October 25, 1916, at her parents' home in the Sandridge vicinity near Otley, Iowa. Carrie was one of seven children that were born to Gerrit and Kate Van Hemert Sneller. Her parents were farmers in the Porterville area for the first years of her life. As a young girl Carrie always wanted to be a teacher as she was very good at school. But because her family was poor and her mother not well she had to leave school after the 6th grade to help at home. Carrie’s first jobs were cleaning homes and candling eggs. She then took a job at the Rolscreen Company in Pella, Iowa. While working there she began to date Arthur Breen, who was working as a hired man at the time. Carrie and Art loved to tell the story of how they saved money from her paycheck to buy the suit that Art wore on their wedding day, February 23, 1938. For the first few years of their marriage they continued to work on the farm. Then Art worked for the Pella Creamery and because of his work in a critical industry he was deferred from the military service during World War II. Carrie was a homemaker and together they raised three beautiful daughters: Sharon Kay, Janice Sue and Kathy Jo. They owned a restaurant in Knoxville, Iowa for six years and moved back to Pella in 1950 where Art was a partner in the feed and seed business, known as Bakker and Rus. The family vacationed each year at a lodge in Minnesota and after the children were on their own, Carrie and Art enjoyed many wonderful fishing trips with friends. They had also traveled to the west, to Florida and to the Caribbean together. Carrie and Art shared 42 wonderful years of married life together and on March 14, 1978, Art passed away from cancer at the age of 61 years. Following his death Carrie continued to travel with groups to Europe, to Hawaii and various places in the United States. Except for her family and her work, which was as a hostess at the Central Park Café in Pella until she was 83 years of age, Carrie’s life revolved around the Third Reformed Church. She was a member there for 70 years, she read a lot of spiritual books and was very serious about her faith in Jesus Christ. Next to Jesus Christ Carrie’s family was the most important thing in her life. Early Thursday morning, June 3, 2010, she passed away at the age of 93 years in the Long Term Care Unit at the Pella Regional Health Center where she had been cared for since December of 2004. She was known there for her spunk and for her singing. Carrie is survived by her three daughters and their husbands: Sharon and Rollie Vander Zyl of Cherokee Village, Arkansas, Janice and Tom Altman of Roach, Missouri, Kathy and Leuty Schriener of Harvey, Iowa; her grandchildren: Chad Van Waardhuizen and special friend, Kim McNelly, Jason Vander Zyl and his wife, Lori, Thomas Scott Altman; and three great-grandchildren: Payten and Parker Van Waardhuizen and Nicholas Vander Zyl. All were a joy to her and she never failed to tell her family how much she loved them at each visit whether in person or by telephone. Carrie’s original family surviving includes her brother, Gerrit Sneller, Jr. of Pella, a nephew who was raised like a brother, Ed Goemaat of Pella, and a sister-in-law, Jennie (Gerald) Breen presently of Knoxville, Iowa. Carrie was preceded by her husband, Arthur; her parents, Gerrit and Kate Sneller; her parents-in-law, Peter and Freda Marinus Breen; her four sisters: Cornelia Sneller, Evalena Goemaat, Pieternella Leydens, Elizabeth Rozenberg; and her brother, Nicholas Sneller.
For those desiring, memorials may be given to Third Church to be designated for missions work or alleviating hunger.
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Mina Baker-Roelofs,
March 01, 1920 - June 03, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: will be all day Sunday , at Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Monday, June 7, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. , at Second Reformed Church in Pella
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery
Mina Marie Baker was born on March 1, 1920, in Holland, Michigan in a hospital which later became a Hope College fraternity house.  Her father, Thomas Bakker, was a young immigrant from Friesland, the Netherlands who Americanized his name and  her mother, Fannie De Boer, “cooked Dutch.”  Mina enjoyed speaking old-fashioned Dutch at an early age with her grandfather as he taught her from a Sears & Roebuck catalog.    Mina’s father’s career as a minister took the family to Edgerton, Minnesota where Mina graduated from high school.  She started college at Central College in Pella, Iowa but transferred to Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa to pursue Home Economics.  Mina graduated in 1942 with a B.S. Degree in Home Economics Education.            From 1942-1945, Mina was a teacher at a Reformed Church in America mission school in Annville, Kentucky.  During her missionary work, Central College President Irwin Lubbers asked Mina to teach at Central and start a Home Economics program. She returned to Iowa State and earned a Masters in Textiles and Clothing in 1946 and then started her career in Pella that same year.   As the only home economics professor (for many years) at a small liberal arts college, Mina was responsible for many different types of classes in the department.  Rather than pursue a Ph.D. in one area, Mina became a “generalist,” took different types of courses in various areas, and retooled for the demands of her teaching load.  She met each new challenge and continued to be a life-long learner.    Mina participated in numerous study tours, gourmet food tours, and Elderhostels. She visited Europe nineteen times and the Netherlands thirteen times.  She even rode a camel in Egypt with her good friend and traveling companion, Wilma Rempe.  One of Mina’s colleagues stated that Mina was "an international ambassador in the middle of Iowa.”             In addition to fostering home economics through state and national leadership roles as well as annual field trips with students to Chicago, Illinois, Mina’s community involvement over the years included the ISU Ring of Life, Pella Historical Society, PEO Chapter BU, American Association of University Women, Association for the Advancement of Dutch-American Studies, Central College Auxiliary, Reading Circle, Fortnightly Literary Society, Speakers’ Bureau at Central College, judging for the Iowa High School Speech Association, Pella Kiwanis, and the Second Reformed Church in Pella.   Her retirement was marked by a new direction when she married then widower Harold Eugene Roelofs on August 16, 1985. Harold and his first wife, Cecil Elain Howard, had both been missionaries in Kentucky with Mina. In fact, Mina even babysat for Harold and Cecil’s oldest son, Howard Roelofs.  Mina and Harold were married in the Central College Chapel as Harold was a graduate of Central College and also loyal to the college. Besides their connections with Central and Annville, Kentucky, Mina and Harold shared a love for travel and for dining --as Mina always said she was a “student of food."  Service to others also drew them together.  Both Mina and Harold generously gave time and money to many charities and participated in organizations such as Kiwanis. Following their marriage, Mina then celebrated a larger family with Harold’s three children and their families:  Howard J. Roelofs from Albany, New York; Donald G. Roelofs and his wife, Linda (Berchem) of Lake Ozark, Missouri; Ann M. and her husband, Craig Brown of De Forest, Wisconsin.  Mina and Harold also enjoyed their grandchildren: Heather (Brown) and Rick Hudson and great- grandchildren Ana, Caleb, Jonas all of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; Christopher Brown and his wife, Heather and great- granddaughter Hannah of Proctor, Minnesota; Mary (Roelofs) and Jason Van Houten, John Roelofs, Laura Roelofs and Leonard Wilson, and great- granddaughter, Khloe of Lake Ozark, Missouri.  Mina was a former Associate Professor of Home Economics at Central College from 1946-1985. Many awards punctuated her career such as National Register of Prominent Americans, Outstanding Educator of America and inclusion in The World Who’s Who of Women in Education.  She co-edited two Central College Cookbooks with Maxine Huffman and Betty Bergman and compiled Dandy Dutch Recipes with Carol Van Klompenberg.  Most recently, she received the Career Award from Iowa State University’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences in 2003. In October of 2004, she published Mina’s Memories of Dutch Family Life.    Mina also received the Iowa Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Hall of Fame Award for 2005.  Mina clearly lived the description “evidence of advancing the profession throughout career/community involvement.”           Mina continued to contribute and educate. Even twenty years after “retiring” from teaching, Mina continued to research, present, and teach.  In 2003, for instance, Mina joined Maxine Huffman and Eunice Kuyper Folkerts for a soup making course (“Soups of the World”) through Central College's Extension Education..   Mina faithfully visited her husband, Harold Roelofs, when he was in Long Term Care at the Pella Regional Health Center before he passed away on January 30, 2003.  When she came to live at the Pella Regional Health Center Long Term Care Unit in May of 2008, she continued to visit many of the residents and to help when and where she could. As her good friend and Home Economics colleague, Vivian Rippentrop noted, Mina “lived a beautiful life of service to others.” She enjoyed the many visits from family, nurses, doctors, staff and friends, especially her friend, Mary Stark. Mina passed away there on Thursday, June 3, 2010, at the age of 90 years.
Memorials may be designated for Central College or the Second Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa.
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Phyllis Graham,
August 01, 1925 - May 23, 2010
Pella, Iowa
B. Phyllis Graham, 84, of Pella, Iowa, passed away Sunday morning at Hearthstone (Jefferson Place) in Pella where she had resided for the past 2 ½ years. Phyllis had been a longtime piano teacher who gave lessons out of her home to countless students in Pella. She is survived by four children: Gordon Graham and his wife, Jill Crozier of Arlington, Massachusetts, Laurel Graham and her husband, Jim Pingle of Tampa, Florida, Gifford and Sherril Graham of Pella, Leslie and Howard Dugan of Mount Shasta, California. A Memorial Service for family and friends will be held at a later date.
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Esther Van Houweling,
April 13, 1919 - May 13, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: visitation will be Monday from noon until 7:00 pm , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present one hour prior to Funeral , at First Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Funeral Service: Tuesday, May 18 at 11:00 a.m. , at First Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Evergreen Cemetery at Leighton, Iowa
Esther Catherine Van Houweling was born on April 13, 1919, on a farm in Black Oak Township near Leighton, Iowa. Her parents were Gerrit and Kate Van Zante Van Houweling. Esther’s mother, Kate, died very soon at Esther’s birth and when Esther was nine months of age her father, Gerrit, passed away during the influenza epidemic. As very young children, Esther and her older brother, Carl Van Houweling, went to live with and were raised by their Uncle and Aunt, Matthew and Carrie Van Houweling Huyser. Matthew and Carrie had only one child, Francis C. Huyser, and they grew up more like sister and brothers, rather than cousins. Esther received an 8th grade education at a rural country grade school. During World War II she was engaged to marry Geurt Snetselaar and during the war he was inducted into the Armed Services and was killed in action. His death along with the untimely death of her parents had a lasting impact on Esther’s life. She coped with their deaths but never ever forgot them. Esther became a resident of Pella, Iowa and at an early age began working at Jaarsma Bakery on the East side of the square. She then began working at the Ben Franklin Store. Esther was an employee and had a presence there for many, many years until her retirement. Horses and dogs were a special part of her life as she grew up and in later years she enjoyed traveling with family and friends. On Thursday morning, May 13, 2010, Esther passed away at Hearthstone (Jefferson Place) in Pella at the age of 91 years. She is survived by three nieces and a nephew and their spouses: Dorothy and Bob Cage of Calhoun, Louisiana, Carolyn and Tom Bollman of Washington, Iowa, Myron and Susan Van Houweling of Prairie City, Iowa, Linda and Jerry Vande Kieft of Wilton, Iowa; and many cousins. Esther was preceded in death by her parents, Gerrit and Kate Van Houweling; and the parents who raised her, Uncle Matthew and Aunt Carrie Huyser; her brother, Carl A. Van Houweling and his wife, Marie (Brand); and her special cousin, Francis Huyser and his wife, Jeannette (Dekker). Esther was a faithful member of the First Reformed Church of Pella, Iowa.
Memorials may be given for Hearthstone (Jefferson Place) or Hospice of Pella, Iowa.
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Mrs. Kathryn Van Zante,
October 14, 1915 - May 10, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: Begins Thursday noon with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. May 13, 2010 at Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Friday, 11:00 p.m. May 14, 2010 at Newton Christian Reformed Church, Newton, Iowa
Interment: Interment will be in the Newton Memorial Gardens at Newton, Iowa
On October 14, 1915, Rutt and Sibbelina Catharina Sjaardema Kaldenberg gave birth to their second child, a daughter, Kathryn, who was born near Taintor, Iowa. Within the next 20 years the family grew to include 12 siblings. Kathryn grew up near Sully, Iowa where she graduated from the Sully Christian Grade School. Her formal education concluded at that time as she was needed to assist the family in caring for her younger sisters and brothers.  As a young girl she worked in her father's store, the Kaldenberg General Store in Sully, and later lived in Denver, Colorado, Chicago, Illinois and Artesia, California.  On March 6, 1941, she was united in marriage with Harris Van Zante in Sully and to this union two children were born: Fosteene and Fred Dee. The first year of marriage they resided on a farm North of Lynnville, Iowa where Harris worked as a hired hand and Kathryn was a homemaker.  They then moved to Newton, Iowa where Harris was employed at the Maytag Company. Shortly thereafter Harris was drafted into the Armed Services during World War I I and he was the first married man in Jasper County, Iowa to be drafted. Kathryn followed him stateside and during his active military tenure she lived with her brother, Dewey Kaldenberg, while working at the Maytag Company in Newton. Following his discharge in 1945, Kathryn and Harris purchased a farm South of Newton in 1951, where they raised their two children, Fos and Fred. Kathryn remained interested in learning and at the age of 62 years obtained her GED in 1977. She and Harris were active in their church, the Newton Christian Reformed Church in Newton, where she played the organ for years. They were also involved in the organization of the Newton Christian Grade School. Kathryn was active with the Harmony Helpers, sold World Book Encyclopedia and volunteered at the Jasper County Museum. On December 7, 1977, Harris passed away suddenly at the age of 65 years. Following his death Kathryn remained active with bowling, enjoying games and sports, playing cards and checkers and doing handwork. She was an avid reader who read her Bible and the daily newspaper relentlessly and appreciated music. Since 1987 she had made her residence in Pella, Iowa where she became a member of the First Christian Reformed Church and also enjoyed the companionship of her sisters. On Monday evening, May 10, 2010, she passed away suddenly at her residence in Pella at the age of 94 years.        Those who will cherish her memory are her daughter and her husband, her son, five grandsons, one step-grandson, four great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren:Fos and Craig Van Wyngarden of Reasnor, Iowa,Cory and Tafanie Van Wyngarden,Kyle and Allison Van Wyngarden,Drew Van Wyngarden; Fred Van Zante of Newton, Iowa,Tait and Jennifer Van Zante,Morgan, MaKenna Van Zante,Jed Van Zante,Eli and Laura Van Zante,Keragan Van Zante,Garrett Thompson,Aaron and Jennifer Williams,Damon, Chase Williams. Kathryn leaves the following brother and sisters and their spouses: Dewey Kaldenberg of Ankeny, Iowa, Ruth Hannay of Grinnell, Iowa, Agnes Masselink of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sibel Hanson of Tucson, Arizona, Dot and Bob De Ronde, Chic Visser, Darlene and Wayne Klein all of Pella, Iowa; and a sister-in-law, Ruby (Laverne Van Zante) Van Wyk of Sully, Iowa. Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, Harris; her parents, Rutt and Sadie Kaldenberg; her parents-in-law, Andrew and Catherine Vande Krol Van Zante; two brothers and their wives: John and Ada Kaldenberg, George and Lena Kaldenberg; two sisters: Josephine McKenna, Jeanette and her husband, E. Jerry Van Den Berg, brothers-in-law,  Edward Hannay and Buck Visser; her sister-in-law: Minnie Mae(Dewey) Kaldenberg; and the following brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Laverne Van Zante, Leota (Van Zante) and John Blom, Marie (Van Zante) and Harris Beyer, Florence (Van Zante) and Cornelius Jansen.
Memorials may be designated for the Newton Christian Grade School, the Sully Christian Grade School or the Pella Christian High School.
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Donald Dean Pokorney,
November 08, 1944 - April 29, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: One hour prior to service , at Heartland Reformed Church
Funeral Service: Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. , at Heartland Reformed Church in Pella
Donald Dean Pokorney was born on November 8, 1944, in Ainsworth, Nebraska, the son of Williard Eugene and Viola Mae Criss Pokorney. Don had one full brother, Gerald, and he attended Deadwood High School in Deadwood, South Dakota. While Don was growing up he acquired a sister, Sandy and his mother, Viola, then remarried  Donald Kamerick. Viola and Donald Kamerick had three sons: Donald Ray, Daniel and Terry and along with Donald Kamerick's children by a previous marriage: Donna, Judy and Diane they became a blended family. One memorable childhood story Don shared was the family had a police dog called "Mike". If any of the children were missing, they could call "Mike" and he always knew where they were.  On January 13, 1964, Donald was united in marriage with Donna Mae Van Zee and to this union three children were born: Darla Joann, Donald Eugene and Dennis Arthur. Donald fullfilled  his military obligation by serving with the Army National Guard. He served during the Vietnam War and was discharged in March of 1976. Following his discharge Don became a factory worker at the Rolscreen Company in Pella, Iowa. He then owned and operated the Phillips 66 Gas Station in Pella for two years. Truck driving was his main occupation in life. Don trucked for DRS in Oskaloosa, Iowa and worked for Pierson Seed Producers before moving to Gillette, Wyoming in 1980. He worked for Cobra Tire as a tireman for the coal mines and was an assistant branch manager for Brad Ragan Tire. While working for Pierson Seed Producers he and Janice Elaine Van Zee met. While they were both residing in different states at the time Donnie proposed to Janice over the telephone and on April 26, 1980, they were united in marriage at the United Methodist Church in Deadwood, South Dakota. Their marriage was made special by being able to talk anything out and never going to sleep angry. Don and Jan moved back to Pella where he began driving truck for Hawkeye Wood Shavings and Jacobson Transportation in Des Moines, Iowa. Besides mainly pulling for Jacobson's, Don owned his own trucking company at one time starting with three trucks. Before becoming ill and retiring, Don was working for Pella Construction Company driving a ready-mix truck. All his children remember doing things together, whether recreational like fishing and hunting, or working on remodeling rooms in their homes along with a garage and making the grandchildren a sandbox. On Thursday morning, April 29, 2010, he passed away at the Knoxville Hospital & Clinics in Knoxville, Iowa at the age of 65 years. Donnie is survived by his wife, Janice Pokorney; his three children and nine grandchildren: Darla and Kelly Beller of Leighton, Iowa,    Kandace, Kody Beller; Donald and Marla (Betterton) Pokorney of Pleasantville, Iowa,Amanda, Kathryn and Jacob Pokorney;Dennis and Amy (Riordan) Killoren of Otley, Iowa,Alex, Sarah, Tyler and Ryan Killoren. He leaves his brother, Gerald Pokorney and his wife, Phyllis of Deadwood, South Dakota; a sister, Sandy Lubke of Oskaloosa, Iowa; brothers: Donald Ray Kamerick and his wife, Jodi of Pella, Daniel Kamerick of Pella, Terry Beal of Monroe, Iowa;  step-sisters: Judy(Kamerick) Kerr of New Hope, Michigan , Diane (Kamerick) and her husband, Mike Costa of Holly, Michigan and a step-brother-in-law, Gene (Donna Kamerick) Waddell of Leighton, Iowa. Donald was preceded in death by his father, Willard Pokorney and his step-mother, Berniece (Criss) Pokorney; his mother, Viola Kamerick and his step-father, Donald Kamerick; a half-brother who died infancy and his step-sister, Donna (Kamerick) Waddell. Don had some close friends with whom he shared special times, Reuben Buwalda, Darrell Groenendyk, John Hall, Roger Hardy, Steve McCombs, Larry Roorda and Terry Van Steenis. Going to Minnesota on vacations, fishing, camping and hunting; riding 4-wheelers, cutting down trees and clearing brush, or just visiting or messing around in the shop were just a few of these experiences. Don enjoyed strumming on his guitar and appreciated country music. His memories of growing up in the hills and woods of South Dakota were his favorite place to visit. Travels together with family and friends and hunting, fishing, woodworking and tinkering in the garage were his favorite activities. Donald was baptized at the United Methodist Church in Deadwood, South Dakota in March of 1955. At the time of his death he was a member of the Heartland Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa. Donnie was always a very positive person, accepting of what life threw his way, good or bad, even his illness. He would want to be remembered as a simple person who really did not need a lot of material things, as that did not mean as much to him as the love of his loving family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given for Hospice of Central Iowa.
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Jan Nikkel,
March 12, 19 - April 27, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins after noon on Friday , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family will be present Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Services will be held Saturday, May 1 at 11:00 a.m. , at Faith Christian Reformed Church
Graveside Service: Family and friends will meet at 9:00 a.m. followed by the Committal Service , at Faith Christian Reformed Church
Interment: Evergreen Cemetery at Leighton, Iowa
Janice Lorraine Boerefyn was born in Pella, IA March 12, 1938, the daughter of John and Elma Boerefyn. When she was four her family moved to a farm near Leighton. She was the second of five girls born to the Boerefyns. Her sisters are Marlene (Mrs. Virgil) Dykstra of Pella, Carol (Mrs. Glenn) Brickley of Greeley, CO, Donna (Mrs. Chuck) Bogaard of Leighton, IA and Jennifer Hart of Anaheim, CA. The Boerefyns were members of the Ebenezer Reformed Church of Leighton and Jan received her eight grades of elementary school at Leighton Christian School. While growing up her parents encouraged her to study music and she learned to play the piano, the organ, and the trumpet and developed a sweet singing voice. She began giving piano lessons to neighborhood children when she was a teenager and continued teaching piano the rest of her life. Her last student was her grandson Caleb of Pella. Music and people were her passions and she sang in various choirs and other voice groups throughout her life. She also taught music and led choir at Elim School, an Illinois school for mentally challenged and physically disabled students. She sang in church choirs and participated in worship leading wherever she lived. After retirement in Pella she continued to play piano in the retirement centers and for church groups. She attended Pella Christian High School, graduating in 1956. There she met Bruce Nikkel and they were married June 20, 1958. They raised four children and have eleven grandchildren. The oldest is Laurinda Nikkel (Mrs. Arne) Knudsen of San Diego, CA. They have daughters Amanda of San Francisco, CA and Melanie (Mrs. Kyle) Moteberg of Midland, MI. Second daughter is Judi (Mrs. Bill) Byma of Lansing, IL. They have three children, Ben, Jacob and Hannah. Third daughter is Carla (Mrs. Tom) Solle of Sheboygan, WI. Their children are Britta, Kirsten and Caden. Son Bryan Nikkel of Pella, IA is married to Cindy Van Sant and they have Courtney and Caleb. Jan was a very special mother and grandmother to all in her family. After her husband Bruce finished college they lived in various communities in the Midwest and CA. Their home was in Highland, IN 1959-62, in Sanborn, IA 1962-68, in Rock Valley, IA 1968-73, in Pella, IA 1973-76, in Orland Park, IL 1976-87, in Ripon, CA 1987-2006 and in Pella, IA since 2006. After retirement in 2004 Jan and Bruce enjoyed traveling throughout the US and visiting their children and grandchildren. They moved their retirement headquarters from Ripon, CA to Pella in 2006 and have continued to travel as well as enjoy activities in Pella. They joined Faith CRC in Pella and have been active in various church and community groups as volunteers. Jan was a devoted Christian and a prayer warrior and her prayer was that God would be glorified in and through her life. Jan was preceded in death by both her parents. She is survived by her husband Bruce and sisters and spouses named above. She is also survived by brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws. They are Connie Loynachan of Cedar Rapids, IA, John Van Maanen of Newton, IA, Jim and Anna Mae Nikkel of Sully, IA, Harriet Zylstra of Pella, IA, Lucille Nikkel of Grinnell, IA, Louise Nikkel of Pella, IA, Leo and Joanne Nikkel of Pella, IA, Sylvia and Gys Menninga of Oak Park, IL and Nelson and Norma Nikkel of Pella, IA.
Memorials may be given for the Pella Christian High School Music Program
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John W. Brouwer,
June 02, 1927 - April 16, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Sunday , at the funeral home
Visitation: family will be present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. , at the funeral home
Funeral Service: Monday, April 19, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. , at Calvary Christian Reformed Church
Interment: Black Oak Twp. Cemetery
John William Brouwer, son of John William and Aleida Vande Vis Brouwer, was born June 2, 1927, near Otley, Iowa. He was the eighth of ten children and he grew up in Jasper County near Monroe, Iowa where he attended rural grade schools. At the age of 17 years John contracted poliomyelitis. He obtained his high school education via correspondence with the American School of Correspondence in Chicago, Illinois. He obtained a degree in accounting from Capital City Commercial College at Des Moines, Iowa in 1948. On June 2, 1948, he was united in marriage with Bertha Ver Meer, a daughter of Albert T. and Jennie Van Heukelom Ver Meer, at the First Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa. Following their marriage John and Bertha moved to Battle Creek, Michigan where they lived for four years and he used his accounting degree in the credit department of Kellogg Corp. They were then blessed with the birth of a son, Jerry Arlan on 9/7/51. They then returned to Iowa, where he became employed with the Maytag Company in Newton, Iowa. Their next child, a daughter, Becky Luann was born on 3/30/54. At the age of 37 years John suffered a heart attack, and this along with the affects of polio, severely limited his physical activity; however, as a family they enjoyed many vacations. He continued in the employ of the Maytag Company in the parts department for many years until he was forced to quit work due to disability. Following his retirement John and Bertha enjoyed traveling and spent the winters in Melbourne, Florida for nearly 18 years. John enjoyed reading and his main interest was woodworking. John and Bertha were a part of the Iowa Polio Survivors Group, and in the early 1950's he helped organize the Newton Christian Grade School in Newton, Iowa. On Friday morning, April 16, 2010, he passed away in the Long Term Care Unit at the Pella Regional Health Center in Pella at the age of 82 years. John will be remembered by his wife of nearly 62 years, Bertha; his two childen and their spouses, seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. They and their families are: Jerry and Nancy (Meeter) Brouwer of Comstock Park, Michigan; Becky and Gary Vos of Newton, Iowa. Of his original family John leaves a sister, Henrietta (Bastian) Vander Velden of Newton, Iowa; two brothers and their wives: Garrett and Lois Brouwer of Alma, Arkansas, Bill and La Vonne Brouwer of Marion, Iowa; his three sisters-in-law: Charlotte (Henry Brouwer) Le Rette of Knoxville, Iowa, Velma (Arnold) Brouwer of Newton and Darlene (Allan) Brouwer of Prairie City, Iowa; along with the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Ruth (Ver Meer) and Rev. Dick Stravers of Holland, Michigan, Ednabel (Ver Meer) and Dale Vos of Pella and Helene (Bud) Ver Meer of Pella. John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Aleida Brouwer; his parents-in-law, A.T. and Jennie Ver Meer; four brothers: a brother, John, who died in infancy, Henry, Arnold and Allan Brouwer; two sisters and their husbands: Gertrude and Jeff Willemsen, Martha and Joe Willemsen; and two brothers-in-law: Bastian Vander Velden and Rev. Bud Ver Meer. John was baptized as an infant at the Otley Reformed Church in Otley, Iowa and made professon of his faith in the Christian Reformed Church at Battle Creek, Michigan. At the time of his death he was a member of the Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa. In spite of John's health problems, the family gives thanks for God's grace and blessings.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given for the Newton Christian Grade School in Newton, Iowa.
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Bernice Vander Ploeg,
August 22, 1928 - April 16, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Thursday morning , at First Reformed Church in Pella
Visitation: family will be present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at First Reformed Church
Funeral Service: Friday, April 23, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. , at First Reformed Church in Pella
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery
Bernice Heerema was born on August 22nd, 1928, in Pella, Iowa. She was the youngest of six children that were born to Pieter and Jeneke Vander Beek Heerema. Bernice graduated from Pella Public High School with the Class of 1946 and then attended Central College in Pella for one year. On September 2nd, 1949, she married her high school sweetheart, Charles Lee Vander Ploeg, and to this happy marriage three children were born: Carla Jeanne, James Charles and Thomas Lee. Bernice had worked as a secretary in Pella and following her marriage she did the same in Des Moines, Iowa enabling Chuck to attend law school. Chuck enlisted in the Iowa National Guard and was drafted into the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. They lived in Bangor, Maine and resided there until his discharge in June, 1952. They then returned to Des Moines while Chuck finished law school. Their lives then took them to Tama, Iowa and Oskaloosa, Iowa until returning to Pella in 1959. Bernice taught pre-school for 19 years and loved children and children loved her. She also worked part time for De Pelikaan. Chuck thinks she probably spent more money on delft than what she made. Her hobbies included a delft collection, precious moments, angels, a dog collection, playing cards and going on picnics. She joined the First Reformed Church in Pella while in high school and through the years taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, was a Pastoral Care Elder  and many other church activities. Bernice was a member of P.E.O., Chapter ND and in 2008 she and Chuck were chosen and honored by Central College as Mr. and Mrs. Alumni. Bernice was a lifelong friend to everyone for many, many years and in the end could not remember names so she called everyone "SWEETIE". She had a kind and loving spirit and always had a HUG. She was a loving wife for over 60 years and a great and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. On Friday evening, April 16, 2010, she passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella at the age of 81 years. Although her memory faded, Bernice will long be remembered by her faithful husband, Chuck; their  three children and their families. They are:Carla and Paul Thomassen of Pella, Iowa;Vicki and Kevin Rahn,Kathi and Tony Beach,Michelle Thomassen;James and Elizabeth (Seawalt) Vander Ploeg of Highlands Ranch, CO, Amy Vander Ploeg,   Karen Vander Ploeg,Aidan Seawalt,Tristan Seawalt,Quinn Seawalt; Tom and Kim (Bair) Vander Ploeg of Shenandoah, Iowa,Amber and Paul Tompkins,Dougie and Ann Marie McBride,Stacy and Jeremy Bill,Kelly and Jay Reed,Heather and Jake Polsley,Heidi and Charlie Pool,Nick and Erinn Carlson,Kasey and Jolynn Carlson,Annie and Tommy Crimmins, Spencer Carlson. Bernice's family has grown to include 20 great-grandchildren and beside her special friend, Sharon Seekamp of Pella she leaves her sister, Ruth (Darwin) Squibb, her two sisters-in-law: Elva May (Martin) Heerema and Frances (Ralph) Heerema all of Pella; and the following sisters-in-law and brother-in-law: Dorothy (Vander Ploeg) Kallemyn of Des Moines, Iowa, Gertrude (Vander Ploeg) and Harry Goettsch of Jefferson, Iowa and Harriet (John) Vander Ploeg of Pella. Bernice was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Yoli (McBride) Vander Ploeg; her parents, Peter and Jeneke Heerema and her step-mother, Dena (Peter) Heerema; her parents-in-law: Nicholas and Mattie (Van Zee) Vander Ploeg; her four brothers and their wives: Robert and Viola Heerema, Fred and Polly Heerema, Ralph Heerema, Martin J. Heerema; and her brothers-in-law: Darwin J. Squibb, John R. (Bud) Vander Ploeg, Ed Kallemyn and Wayne (Trudy) Durlam.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated for the Hospice of Pella Comfort House or the Alzheimer’s Association.
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Mrs. Theola Van Arkel,
August 09, 1931 - April 15, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Sunday , at Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family will be present from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. , at the funeral home
Funeral Service: Monday, April 19, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. , at First Baptist Church in Pella.
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery
Theola Marie Henrichs was born on August 9 ,1931, in rural Clarke County, near Osceola, Iowa. She was the youngest of three children that were born to Elmer and Bernice (Albert) Henrichs. Theola attended kindergarten through eighth grade at Washington Center Country School, and graduated from Osceola High School in 1949. She attended Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa for two years. Theola started a teaching career in 1951 by teaching fifth grade in Stuart, Iowa. After teaching in Stuart for four years she accepted a teaching position in Knoxville, Iowa. While there, Theola earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education and graduated from the Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar Falls, Iowa in 1959. In 1960 she received a Science Foundation Grant and studied at the University of Kansas and in 1965 Theola obtained her Master’s Degree from Colorado State at Greeley, Colorado. While in college she was inducted into two academic fraternities. Theola met Edgar Van Arkel while they were both teaching elementary school at Knoxville and following 13 years of courtship, they were united in marriage on June 27, 1970, at the new First Baptist Church in Pella, Iowa. Also at that time, Theola began what would be a lifetime membership at the First Baptist Church. Theola started teaching fifth grade at Lincoln Elementary in Pella where she continued her teaching career for many years until her retirement. She loved teaching, and in her leisure time she enjoyed reading, painting, and traveling. She and Ed had many special memories and photos from their trips, Europe was her favorite. Theola was active in many educational organizations, P.E.O. BU Chapter, and church activities. In 2004, Theola and Ed moved to Vriendschap Village in Pella and in December 2007, following a stroke, Ed entered long term care at the Pella Regional Health Center. They remained devoted to each other until Ed passed away on October 11, 2009. While dealing with compounding and life threatening health challenges of her own, Theola met them with strength and grace. Theola passed away on April 15, 2010, at Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella at the age of 78 years. Theola is survived by her brother, Phillip and his wife Evelyn Verlee Henrichs of Osceola, Iowa, and her brother-in-law, Galen Wait of Marshalltown, Iowa; along with nieces and nephews, their families, and a host of friends and former students. Theola was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Edgar Van Arkel, her parents, Elmer and Bernice Henrichs; and her sister Florence Wait.
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Arlie Vander Hoek,
May 11, 1941 - April 10, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins after 1:00 p.m. on Monday , at Federated Fellowship Church in Pella
Visitation: family present Monday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at Federated Fellowship Church in Pella
Funeral Service: Tuesday, April 13 at 2:00 p.m. , at Federated Fellowship Church in Pella
Interment: Portergrove Cemetery near Pella, Iowa
Arlie Jean Vander Hoek was born on May 11, 1941, at Fairmount, Iowa. He was the youngest of four children that were born to Arie and Christina (Vanden Heuvel) Vander Hoek. He graduated from Monroe High School at Monroe, Iowa with the Class of 1959. In August of 1959, Hoekie, as he was known, began working at Vermeer Manufacturing in Pella, Iowa. This begin a career that lasted for 38 years. On April 27, 1962, he was united in marriage with Mary Jane Klein, a daughter of Vernon and Mary (Turner) Klein, at the First Reformed Church in Prairie City, Iowa. They began their married life in Pella and were blessed with two sons: Michael Shane who was born on December 4, 1965 and Joel Scott who was born on May 30, 1968. Hoek retired from Vermeer Manufacturing Company as Vice President of Manufacturing in 1997. Hoekie loved to fish, hunt and spend time with his family and friends. Hunting with his sons, Joel and Mike, and doing fish fries for everyone, were joys of his. He had many fond memories of his fishing and hunting trips and loved to show everyone the mounts from his adventures. He was a fan of NASCAR, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Bears. After he retired, Hoekie built his cabin, Tahoe East, at the quarry north of New Sharon, Iowa. This was his favorite getaway. While at the cabin he enjoyed spending time reading and studying the Bible and of course fishing. Hoekie loved God, his family and friends. On Saturday morning, April 10, 2010, he passed away at the Pella Regional Health Center in Pella at the age of 68 years. His memory is shared by his wife, Janie Vander Hoek; a son, Mike and his wife, Kristy Vander Hoek of Pella; and five grandchildren: Michael Vander Hoek, Ashley Vander Hoek, Jake Vander Hoek, Zak Vander Hoek and Karly Gates. Hoekie is also survived by his brother, William Vander Hoek and his wife, Mildred of Monroe, Iowa; his two sisters: Luella and her husband, Wilbur Van Ryswyk, Pat and her husband, Dr. Kenneth Van Wyk of Pella; and two brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Bob and Bert Klein of Hastings, Minnesota, Judy (Klein) and Carl Wilson of Monroe. On June 28, 2001, Hoekie and Janie lost their youngest son, Joel, at the age of 33 years and he was also preceded in death by his parents, Arie and Christina Vander Hoek and his parents-in-law, Vernon and Mary Klein.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Crossroads of Pella.
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Julia R. Hagens,
June 29, 1919 - April 09, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Monday afternoon , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present, Monday from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Tuesday, April 13 at 10:30 a.m. , at First Baptist Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella, Iowa
Julia Ruth Hagens, a daughter of D. K. and Mary Ruth Hillman Allen, was born on June 29, 1919, in Cascade, Idaho. She was one of four children and her siblings were: Everett (Pat), John Robert (Jack) and Georgina. Her family owned and operated the Bar A Ranch in Long Valley, Idaho. Following Julia’s graduation from high school, she attended business school in Boise, Idaho. While living in Idaho she met Elmer Cornelis Hagens of Pella, Iowa, who had sought employment in the western states. They were united in marriage on November 2, 1941, at Kirkwood, Missouri. Before starting their family Julia worked as a clerk in the ration office in Cascade for a year. She then joined her husband in Tok Junction, Alaska, where he ran a garage for the US Corps of Engineers building the Alcan Highway during World War II. After the war, Julia and Elmer made their home in Pella, Iowa where they raised their three children: John Allen, Betty Joanne and Julia Ruth. They established an auto repair business in Pella where Julia was the bookkeeper for Elmer’s business, Hagens Garage, until 1972. Julia expressed her natural culinary talent and creativity by working as a cake decorator at Jaarsma’s Bakery where she made beautiful wedding cakes, cookies and ginger bread houses, as recently as this year. She also opened the Hagens-Van Willigen House for tours in 2001 and was a delightful host to hundreds of visitors who came through the home. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Pella. On Friday, April 9, 2010, she passed away at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 90 years. Julia is survived by her three children: John A.(Jack) Hagens and Trish of Pella, Iowa, Betty (Elizabeth) J. and her husband, Robin Lindenboom of Iowa City, Iowa, Julia Ruth and her husband, Richard Robinson of Phoenix, Arizona; four grandsons: Patrick Hagens of Gillette, Wyoming, Robert Lindenboom, Mark Lindenboom and Andrew Lindenboom of Iowa City, Iowa; two nephews and a niece: J.R. Allen of Cascade, Idaho, Everett Winsberg of Coupeville, Washington and Sanna (Winsberg) Goins of San Diego, California. Julia was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Hagens on December 1, 1982; her parents, D. K. and Mary Ruth Allen; her parents-in-law: John C. Hagens, Cora (Olivier) Hagens and Maurice Van Willigen; her two brothers: Pat Allen and Jack Allen and her sister, Georgina (Allen) Winsberg. Julia lived her life with selfless generosity, honor, dignity and kindness for all living creatures. Her genuine nurturing warmth, and spirited sense of humor made her a trusted friend, sister, wife and cherished mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all the people whose lives she touched.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for the American Lung Association
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Rich Slings,
October 08, 1947 - April 07, 2010
Pella, IA
Visitation: begins Friday afternoon , at First Baptist Church in Pella
Visitation: family present, Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at First Baptist Church in Pella
Funeral Service: Saturday, April 10 at 10:30 a.m. , at First Baptist Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella, Iowa
Richard Lee Slings, the youngest of three children that were born to Harold and Martha (DeBoer) Slings, was born on October 8, 1947, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He attended the Christian schools in Pella, Iowa and graduated from Pella Christian High School with the Class of 1965. At a young age Rich and Judy Lavonne Klein were united in marriage on October 24, 1967, on the 20th Anniversary of her parents, Elmer and Helen (Stouwie) Klein, at the First Reformed Church in Pella. To this union two children were born: Jody Lynn and Russell Lee. Rich was a self-employed contractor and land developer most of his working life. He pursued a variety of business endeavors and most recently was employed by the Pella Historical Society as a groundskeeper. Rich was an antique dealer and enjoyed raising roses, which he found pleasure in giving away. He found his most fulfillment in singing with the Gospel Singers Male Chorus. Life was meaningful and fulfilling for Rich when God called him to his eternal home on Wednesday evening, April 7, 2010, while being cared for at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House at the age of 62 years. Those who will cherish his memory are his wife, Judy; their two children: Jody and her husband, Robin De Penning and their two children, Robinson and Nicole De Penning of Roland, Iowa, Russell Slings of Pella; his aged parents, Harold and Martha Slings of Pella; his sister, Dorothy and her husband, Howard De Jong of Pella; his brother, Marvin Slings and his wife, Lynda (Van Willigan) of Sully, Iowa; his parents-in-law, Elmer and Helen Klein of Pella; his brother-in-law, Steven Klein and his wife, Peggy (Rus) of Urbandale, Iowa; and two sisters-in-law: Ranita (Klein) and her husband, Lee Goodin of Seattle, Washington, and Tricia (Klein) and Lon Cummings of Oroville, Washington; several nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends. Richard was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Gerrit and Dora (De Vries) De Boer, and his paternal grandparents, Isaac and Adrianna (Boertje) Slings. Rich was baptized at the Second Christian Reformed Church and made profession of his faith at the First Reformed Church in Pella. He was affiliated with the First Reformed Church and the First Baptist Church in Pella at the time of his death. Rich’s faith was evident by how he lived his life and was seen everyday by helping others.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for the Gospel Singers Male Chorus
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Wilma Vos,
January 20, 1913 - April 01, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Sunday morning , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present Sunday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Monday, April 5, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. , at Trinity Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Sully Cemetery at Sully, Iowa
Wilma (Jansen) Vos passed away in the early morning hours of Thursday, April 1, 2010, in Skilled Care at the Pella Regional Health Center in Pella, Iowa at the advanced age of 97 years. Wilma had many titles during her life: daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother are a few. The most important one was a child of God. After being born on January 20, 1913, north of Killduff, Iowa, one of seven children of Gerrit and Gertrude Rozenboom Jansen, she served as a loving wife to James Vos, a son of John A. and Jennie Dykstra Vos. They were married on July 15, 1932, at Sully, Iowa and to this union seven children were born: Lois Arlene, Kenneth Dale, Ronald James, Harris Lloyd, Linda Mae, Gerald Duane and Louise Eileen. The children were raised on a farm near Sully until the Spring of 1965 when Wilma and Jim moved into Sully because of his declining health. Wilma worked at the Sully Locker and on March 19, 1976, James passed away at the age of 68 years. Wilma moved to Pella the next year where she did cleaning in homes and at Fair Haven and was employed in the cafeteria at Central College. She resided at Prairie Village until becoming a resident at Hilltop Manor South and on May 1, 2007, became a resident in the Long Term Care Unit at the Pella Regional Health Center. Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, James, her son Kenneth Vos on May 12, 1997 and her daughter, Lois Stallinga on November 24, 2003. There are five remaining children surviving along with their spouses and 23 grandchildren. They and their families are: (Lois Vos) Wilmer A. Stallinga of Pella, Iowa, Bruce and Sandy Vos,Bonnie Vos, David and Brenda Vos;(Kenneth Vos) Lorena (Roorda Gosselink) Vos of Pella, Iowa,Debra and Lynn Elrod ,Dale and Connie Vos, Darwin and Faye Vos,Douglas and Christine Vos;Ronald and Lucille (Vande Voort) Vos of Pella, Iowa,Michael and Amy Vos,Murray and Virginia Vos,James and Jennifer Vos,Joel and Kay Vos,Justin Vos; Harris and Darlene (Van Wyk ) Vos of Newton, Iowa,Jan and Lisa Vos,Darci and Ed Bogaard,Staci and Dennis Schut,Tawny and Matt Palmiotto;Linda and Gene Vos of Pella, Iowa,Gina and Dave Sietstra,Gary Vos;Jerry and LaVonne (Blom) Vos of Monroe, Iowa, Jeff and Cher’ri Vos,Rusty and Gina Vos,Tim and Jolene Vos,Teresa and Jessie Hopkins; Louise and Edward Conover of Trout Run, Pennsylvania,Crystal and Tim Breon. Wilma’s family has grown to include 37 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren; 6 step-granddaughters: Marcia Werkmen, Diane Baier, Kathy De Zwarte, Linda Cook, Carol Gosselink, and Julie Fouche, 8 step-great-grandchildren and 2 step-great-great-grandchildren. Of her original family she leaves her sister, Gertrude (Jansen) and her husband, Robert Schnell and a sister-in-law, Cora (Henry G.) Jansen of Sully, Iowa. Wilma was preceded in death beside her husband, son and daughter by a daughter-in-law, Jean D. (Kenneth) Vos, a granddaughter, Audrey (Vos) Rindone, her parents, Gerrit and Gertrude Jansen; her parents-in-law, John A. and Jennie Vos; her sister and her husband, Minnie (Jansen) and Cecil Van Rees, and her four brothers and their wives: Henry G. Jansen, Jake Jansen and his wives: Adriana and Esther, Cornelius and Florence Jansen, Everett G. and Nellie Jansen. Wilma baked wonderful pies and enjoyed raising flowers, in particular African violets. She was a former member of the First Reformed Church in Sully, Iowa and at the time of her death was a member of the Trinity Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa where she enjoyed being a part of the quilting group. God provided the necessary means Wilma needed for life and no more and her fulfillment in life was that each of her children and their children’s children would experience the same.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for the Long Term Care Unit at the Pella Regional Health Center or the Christian Opportunity Center.
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Dr. Frank Overman,
January 29, 1931 - March 24, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: Visitation will follow the funeral service , at the Methodist Church
Funeral Service: Saturday, 2:00 p.m. March 27, 2010 at Methodist Church, Pella, Iowa
Frank Henry Overman was born on January 29, 1931, in Dearborn, Michigan. He was the son of Frank and Berthe Klein Overman, who both emigrated from Germany. When Frank was four, his mother, Berthe, died from complications of surgery. Frank was subsequently cared for by his maternal Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Oskar Buschmann, who continued to be his primary caregivers for the rest of his childhood. Frank, “Mom” and Uncle Oskar, lived in Utica, New York, briefly, then eventually settled in Sidney, Ohio. Frank attended grade school, junior high and high school in Sidney, graduating from Sidney High School in 1948. He played cornet in the marching band and orchestra at Sidney High and was often referred to as “legs”. Frank then attended Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois, where he met his future wife, Sonja Monsen. They were married on September 5, 1953. Frank went on to attend the Chicago College of Optometry and graduated in 1955. That was also the year daughter Marcella Anne was born. After graduation, Dr. Overman secured a job in Des Moines, Iowa and moved his young family to Iowa. During his time with a practice there, he found an opportunity to open a practice of his own in Pella, Iowa. Only a few months after second daughter Mary Beth was born in 1957, Frank moved his family to Pella. As Frank established his practice, he recognized the importance of giving back to the community of Pella. To that end, he became a member of the Pella Rotary Club, as well as Rotary International. Frank worked the grills during their annual chicken barbeques; he ad libbed his script as a guide on Rotary’s tour wagons during Tulip Time; and he and Sonja hosted a Rotary foreign exchange student, Miguel Shapiro, from Argentina. The experience proved to be fulfilling for the family and they continued to sponsor foreign students through Central College and AFS. Their AFS daughter was Purita Tejero from Spain. Frank was also a long-standing member of the Pella Chamber of Commerce and the First Baptist Church. He and Sonja, both former life guards, were actively involved in swimming lessons at the community pool. Other volunteer activities during Tulip Time included establishing the Overman Trophy for visiting marching bands, announcing the parades on the north side of the square, securing talent for the evening programs, making wooden shoes at the Historical Village, and escorting daughter Marcey when she was a member of the Tulip Queen’s Court. His children were always important to him. He attended many Pella High football games and concerts supporting them in their instrumental and vocal music endeavors. He spent many hours in the Pella High School parking lot and on the streets of Pella teaching them how to drive. He set the example of good work ethic and customer service and encouraged them as they worked along side him in his practice. Frank enjoyed playing golf and established a regular men’s foursome on Thursday afternoons. He and Sonja played couples golf and participated in two-ball foursomes. They also enjoyed traveling and entertaining friends. On May 6, 1983, Sonja lost her battle with cancer at the age of 50 years. Frank renewed a friendship with his Sidney High School classmate, Barbara (Steinkemper) Kiser, and the two were married on April 21, 1984. Through that marriage, Frank gained another daughter, Patti, and a son, Mike. Frank and Barb enjoyed traveling and playing bridge. He began restoring Packards after retiring and joined several Packard Clubs. He and Barb participated in Packard meets and road trips. They became snowbirds and traveled to Destin, Florida, each winter; and became founding members of the United Methodist Church in Pella. On Wednesday morning, March 24, 2010, Frank passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella at the age of 79 years. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Overman of Pella; his daughters: Marcey and her husband, Glenn Mullins of Bedford, Texas , Mary and her husband, Dale Culver of Shawnee, Kansas; his step-daughter, Patti and her husband, John Saville of Guilford, Connecticut; and his step-son, Mike Kiser of Wapakoneta, Ohio. Frank and Barb enjoyed their four grandchildren: Courtney Mullins, Hayley Mullins, Keith Culver, and Lindsay Bell. Of his original family, Frank leaves his brother, Ted Overman and his wife, Kathie of New Port Richey, Florida. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sonja; his parents, Berthe and Frank Overman; his step-mother, Virginia Overman; his aunt and uncle, Charlotte and Oskar Buschmann who were his guardians; and his brother, Robert Overman. .
For those desiring, memorials may be given for the Pella Regional Health Center to be designated for special equipment or Hospice of Pella in Pella, Iowa.
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Brandon Ray Seekamp,
March 24, 2010 - March 24, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Pella, Iowa
Troy Steven and Jackie Ann Stumme Seekamp were anticipating the birth of their first child, a son, whom they were going to name Brandon Ray. God had different plans and he was stillborn on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at 12:23 p.m. at the Pella Regional Health Center in Pella, Iowa. Jackie and Troy will always remember his due date as will his maternal grandparents, Mark and Becky Brandt Stumme of Forest City, Iowa; his paternal grandparents, Steve and Gail Renaud Seekamp of Otley, Iowa; his maternal great-grandparents: Nancy (Alvin) Brandt of Forest City, Iowa and Howard and Madonna Stumme of Postville, Iowa; his paternal great-grandparents: Mark and Pat Renaud of Pella, Iowa and Katherine (Vernon) Seekamp of Pella, Iowa; along with Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Bryce Steenhoek and their son, Ryan, Uncle James Stumme, Aunt Amber and Uncle Scott Moberg, and Uncle Jeff Seekamp and his friend, Amy Parish. “It’s hard to say good-bye when you haven’t had a chance to say hello…” Private family services will be held at the Third Reformed Church in Pella on Saturday, March 27, 2010.
For those desiring, memorials may be given to Hospice of Pella for the Empty Cradle Program.
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Myron H. Beerends,
October 17, 1931 - March 16, 2010
Visitation: Friday 9:00 a.m. , at Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: Family present from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. , at Calvary Christian Reformed Church
Funeral Service: Saturday, 1:00 p.m. March 20, 2010 at Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella
Interment: Committal Services will be at the Sully Cemetery in Sully, IA with military honors followed by a luncheon at the Sully Community Building.
Myron Howard Beerends was born on October 17, 1931, at his parents home near Otley, Iowa. He was the youngest of six children that were born to Louis T. and Dirkie Van Zomeren Beerends, who originated from the Netherlands. Myron attended country grade school near Prairie City, Iowa. During a 4th of July celebration in Pella, Iowa , Myron met Junella Grace Vink, a daughter of John and Anna Schuring Vink, Jr., and on June 27, 1952, they were united in marriage in Pella. To this union four children were born: Harlan Glen, Darlene Faye, Duane Owen and Larry Lavern. Soon after their marriage, in September of 1952 , Myron was drafted into the United States Army and he served during the Korean War until his discharge in September of 1954. Following his discharge they lived in Pella until 1956 when they moved to Sully, Iowa. Myron bought and operated Sully Auto Body and together they built and managed this successful business for almost 50 years. Collision repair and towing service was not only a lifelong occupation for Myron, but associated with it , he had a passion for collectible tow trucks. He also developed an interest in painted saw blades and belt buckles. Myron had been an active member of the Sully Business Men's Association for many years and took great pride in the community of Sully. He helped plan and organize the Sully 4th of July parade for many years and was very proud of the success of this annual event. He had also served as a board member of the Sully Health Foundation which ensured health service availability to Sully. After their children were grown, Myron and Junella belonged to a motorcycle club and spent many memorable weekends riding their Gold Wing. Myron's days began with a trip to Casey's to meet with his buddies for coffee and to solve the world's problems while sitting on the tailgate of their pickups. Most enjoyable to Myron was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In 2009 Myron and Junella moved to Pella and, in Oct of the same year, his health condition required more assistance and supervision and he became a resident at Pleasant Care Living Center in Pleasantville, Ia. On Tuesday evening, March 16, 2010, he passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella at the age of 78 years, 4 months and 27 days. Myron was a loving husband to his wife, Junella, for almost 58 years, a father to his four children and their spouses and grandfather to his 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. They are Harlan and Norma (Van Wyk) Beerends of Sully, Iowa, Darlene and Loren Van Zanten of Pella, Iowa, Duane and Trisha ( Benson) Beerends of New Sharon, Iowa and Larry Beerends of Pella, Iowa. Of his original family Myron leaves his brother-in-law, Ray Ryerkerk of Mitchellville, Iowa and a sister-in-law, Anna Mae (Vink) Slycord presently of Knoxville, Iowa. Myron was the last surviving member of his originalfamily and was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Dirkie Beerends; his parents-in-law, John and Anna Vink; a sister, Lenora Beerends who was stillborn, a brother, Roy Beerends who died during his childhood, his brother, Donald and his wife, Aletta Beerends, his two sisters, Louise Ryerkerk and Evelyn and her husband, Clifford Jackson; and a brother-in-law, Peter Slycord. Myron had been a member of the Sully Christian Reformed Church in Sully for 50 years and at the present time was a member of the Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for the Sully Business Association to be designated for the 4th of July Celebration or the Hospice of Pella Comfort House.
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Verniece Ter Louw,
September 03, 1926 - March 14, 2010
Religious Service: Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. March 17, 2010 at the First Baptist Church, Pella, Iowa
Visitation: Tuesday, after 11:00 a.m. with the family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. March 16, 2010 at Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home
Interment: Cedar Township Cemetery, Fremont, Iowa
Verniece Vroom was born on September 3, 1926, near Leighton, Iowa. She was the second of four children that were born to Catherines J. and Jennie Dykstra Vroom on the family farm and she and her siblings, Mary Jane, Margaret and John, maintained a close relationship as they were very close in age and spent much time together. Verniece began her education in a two-room schoolhouse on their family farm and following the Depression the family lived on several different farms before settling in Oskaloosa, Iowa where she graduated from Oskaloosa High School. The family spent a lot of time with the Dykstra side of the family and one of their favorite activities was roller skating. It was while roller skating that Verniece first met a young man named Henry Grootveld. Verniece and Hank were married on January 17, 1946, and to this union three children were born: Larry Duane, Cynthia Jane and Mark Eugene. Verniece and Hank began their marriage on a farm southwest of Fremont, Iowa and 10 years later built a house on a farm south of Fremont where they raised their three children. They lived on the farm until 1977 and soon thereafter built a new home in Fremont. Verniece loved to stay busy and among her many interests were gardening, canning vegetables from her garden, caring for her houseplants and sewing. She pursued a wide variety of favorite hobbies, many of which are now shared by children and grandchildren. Verniece appreciated music, sang in the choir at the Fremont Methodist Church for many years, and passed her appreciation for music down to her family as well. Following their retirement, Verniece and Hank spent 16 winters in their trailer in Florida swimming, meeting people and playing cards. They were avid card players and their favorite card games were bridge and pitch. Verniece also loved the outdoors as did Hank. Fishing and camping in their camper were among their favorite activities. She and Hank fished locally, on the Skunk River, as well as in Minnesota and Canada. Then in 1993, her husband for 47 years, Hank, passed away. While on a church mission trip to Kansas City, Missouri with Habitat for Humanity, Verniece caught the eye of Paul C. Ter Louw of Pella, Iowa. Their relationship developed and they were married on October 28, 1995. Verniece moved to Paul's farm just outside of Pella and was able to continue her interests in having a large vegetable and flower garden as well as her appreciation for the outdoors. Together they participated in several church mission trips to Mexico and were thrilled to instantly double their extended family. The Grootveld family and the Ter Louw families welcomed one another wholeheartedly into their lives and were important fixtures in her life over the 15 years she was able to share with them. Verniece enjoyed many activities and hobbies, but her greatest joy was in seeing their blended family of children and grandchildren following, loving, and serving God. Cancer was a part of Verniece's life as well as a long and painful journey and on Sunday morning, March 14, 2010, she was called home to her Lord for eternal life at the age of 83 years while being cared for at the Hospice of Pella Comort House in Pella. She will be dearly missed by her husband, Paul, their seven children, 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. They and their families are: Larry and Karen Grootveld of Ottumwa, Iowa, Cindy and Byron Loomans of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mark and Patricia Grootveld of Ames, Iowa, (James Ter Louw) Helen Dykstra of Pella, Iowa, Connie (Ter Louw) and Carl Duinink of Knoxville, Iowa, Mary (Ter Louw) and Barry Sparks of Newton, Iowa and Steve and Kathy Ter Louw of Pella, Iowa. Of her original family Verniece leaves her brother, John Vroom and his wife, Muriel, of Pella; her brother-in-law, Wayne Pitman, and his wife, Shirley of Barnes City, Iowa; and a sister-in-law, Lucille (Grootveld) Triplett of St. Paul, Minnesota, and two brothers-in-law: William Day of Waterloo, Iowa and Ralph Lewis of Mount Pleasant, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Grootveld; a daughter-in-law, Barbara (Larry) Grootveld; a step-son, James Ter Louw and a step-son-law, Kenneth Dykstra; a step-great-granddaughter, Olivia Mikota; her parents, C.J. (Rene) and Jennie Vroom; her sisters: Margaret ( Wayne) Pitman and Mary Jane Blom and her husband, Ernest; and the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Evelyn (Grootveld) Day, Helen (Grootveld) Lewis, and Paul Triplett. Verniece had attended the Fremont Methodist Church in Fremont, Iowa and received adult baptism while attending the Calvary Bible Church in Oskaloosa, Iowa. At the time of her death she was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Pella, Iowa. Verniece loved having family and friends come together in her homes, filling it with laughter and lively conversation. She had a great sense of humor.
Memorials may be designated for the Hospice of Pella Comfort House.
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Jacob B. Dahm,
December 06, 1918 - March 08, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: family present, Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Saturday, March 13 at 11:00 a.m. , at First Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery prior to the funeral.
Jacob Dahm was born on December 6, 1918, near Peoria, Iowa. He was the son of Bert and Marie Van Genderen Dahm and spent the early years of his life on their farm near Peoria. Jacob attended the Peoria Christian Grade School. In 1946, when soil conservation practices were being introduced and a farm to market road system was being established, he bought his first bulldozer. On March 9, 1949, he was united in marriage with Arvena Huyser, a daughter of M.W. and Antoinette Verros Huyser, at Pella, Iowa. To this union three children were born: Ann Marie, Bryce Jay and Mary Beth. J.B.Dahm organized a full construction crew in 1949 when secondary roads were being built all over Southern Iowa. Later in life he and his son, Bryce, and long time employees did reclamation projects and operated a strip coal mine. Among other activities, J.B. served as a charter member of the Pella Community Hospital Board of Trustees and for 15 years served on the Pella Community School Board. He had also been active as a consistory member of the First Reformed Church. On Monday, March, 8, 2010, he passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House at the age of 91 years. J. B. is survived by his wife of 61 years, Arvena; his three children and their spouses: Ann and Robert Buckheister of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Bryce and Marla Dahm of Pella, Mary and Charles Freet of Highland Village,Texas;five grandchildren:Tom Buckheister and his wife, Dawn, Susan ( Buckheister) and her husband, Karl Hanson, Jasen Dahm, Amy Freet and Austin Freet; and two great-grandchildren: Slader Jacob Buckheister and Chase Marie Buckheister. Jacob also leaves his sister, Stella (Harold) Pothoven of Pella. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Braden J. Dahm; his parents, Bert and Marie Dahm; and his sister,Christina (Vernon) Van Ee. J.B. pursued researching his families Dutch heritage and published a genelogical account for them. He enjoyed traveling and was an avid reader.
For those desiring, memorials may be designated for the Carnegie Viersen Public Library or Hospice of Pella, Iowa.
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Vivian Vander Pol,
March 15, 1924 - March 07, 2010
Lynnville, Iowa
Visitation: will be Thursday , at Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family will be present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Friday, March 12, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. , at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, Sully, Iowa
Interment: St. Andrew's Cemetery
Vivian Almetta Shutts was born on March 15, 1924, on the family farm southwest of Sully, Iowa. Vivian, the daughter of Elwood and Edna Mae (Youngkin) Shutts, was the youngest of two children. She attended the Dairy Grove Country Grade School and graduated from the Sully High School in 1942. After high school Vivian worked at the Sully Creamery. On September 29, 1943, she was united in marriage to Delmar Vander Pol, son of Guy and Maggie (Eysink) Vander Pol. They were married at the St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church and to this union two daughters were born: Marilyn Mae and Peggy Lee. Delmar and Vivian operated a Massey Ferguson dealership in the Lynnville area for 50 years and a farm tiling operation for 40 years. Vivian was very busy as a partner with Delmar in the business and as a homemaker to her family. She maintained this balance with ambition that remained with her the rest of her lifetime. On January 20, 2000, Delmar passed away at the age of 78. Vivian remained at the farm and took pride in maintaining her home and acreage. We can believe she was doing just that when she died suddenly on March 7, 2010, at the Pella Regional Health Center in Pella, Iowa. Vivian attained the age of 85 years, just 8 days before her 86th birthday. Vivian is survived by two daughters, 4 grandchildren and 10 special great-grandchildren. They and their families are: Marilyn and Bob Van Soelen of Lynnville, Iowa,Greg and Kathy Van Soelen of Pittsburgh, CA,Madeline, Keaton, Ava and Eden,Becky and Kevin Roose of Urbandale, IA,Harrison, Kennedy; Peggy Huyser of Sully, Iowa,Chad and Valerie Huyser of Pella, Iowa,Camryn, Gage and Cor,Suzanne and Patrick Jensen of Waukee, Iowa,Catherine Vivian. Vivian leaves just her sister-in-law, Maxine (Wayne) Shutts of Montezuma, Iowa. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, Delmar on January 20, 2000; her father, Elwood Shutts in 1938 and her mother, Edna in 1974, her step father, Thomas Earl Coakley in 1966,her great grandson, Christian Van Soelen on March 19, 1996; and her brother, Wayne Shutts on April 11, 1999. She was a member of the St. Andrews Lutheran Church and was involved in many activities, including WELCA of St. Andrews Church, a women’s group. Vivian loved the outdoors, whether it was watching birds, sitting under the tree by the pond or tending to her flower beds. She especially enjoyed mowing her own yard, just the way she liked it. Vivian was an independent and kind lady. She was very much loved by her entire family and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given for the St. Andrew's Lutheran Church.
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Sara Olsthoorn,
March 03, 1927 - March 06, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: visitation begins Tuesday morning , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Wednesday, March 10 at 1:30 p.m. , at Trinity Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella
Sara Mae Rempe was born on March 3, 1927, on the family farm near Leighton, Iowa. Sara, the daughter of Gerrit and Rena Menninga Rempe, had two younger brothers, Johnny Robert, who died as an infant, and Wilfred Gene Rempe. Sara attended the Else Country Grade School and graduated from the Pleasant Ridge Country Grade School. On September 28, 1951, she was united in marriage to Marion John Olsthoorn, son of Arie and Hattie Bruxvoort Olsthoorn. Sara and Marion were married on her parent’s family farm near Leighton and to this union four children were born: John Robert, Linda Kay, Larry Dean and Harlan Ray. Sara and Marion farmed near Leighton until 1959, when they moved into Pella, Iowa. They lovingly raised their four children. Marion was always a hard worker providing for the needs of their family. In addition to be a loving wife and mother, Sara loved to read. On February 24, 2002, her husband, Marion, passed away at the age of 72 years, having just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Then 3 days following Sara’s 83rd birthday she passed away on Saturday, March 6, 2010, at the Pella Regional Health Center. Sara is survived by three children, 8 grandchildren and one very special great- granddaughter, Cameron Rozendaal. They and their families are: John R. and Cheryl Olsthoorn of Wichita, Kansas; Linda K. and Karl Rozendaal of Pella, Iowa, James and Beth Rozendaal of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Jason, Nichole, and Cameron Rozendaal of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Joey Rozendaal of Pella, Iowa, Josh Rozendaal of Cedar Falls, Iowa; Larry D. (Marlene) Olsthoorn of Newburgh, Indiana, Sara Olsthoorn of Newburgh, Indiana, Maria Olsthoorn of Newburgh, Indiana;(Harlan R.) Brenda Olsthoorn of Pella, Iowa, David Olsthoorn of Pella, Iowa, Derek Olsthoorn of Pella, Iowa. Sara leaves her sister-in-law, Dorothy (Wilfred) Rempe and her nephew, Duane Rempe of Pella, Iowa; along with the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Dorothy (Olsthoorn) and Joe Waiksnis of Bozeman, Montana, Gerald and Patsy Olsthoorn of Haysville, Kansas, Ardella (Olsthoorn) and John Burr of Newton,Iowa, Ruth(Olsthoorn)and Ron Graham , Harvey and Sandy Olsthoorn all of Kellogg, Iowa. Sara was preceded in death by her husband, Marion; her son, Harlan R. Olsthoorn in 2004; her daughter-in-law, Marlene (Larry) Olsthoorn in 2007; her parents, Gerrit and Rena Rempe; her parents-in-law, Arie and Hattie Olsthoorn; her infant brother, Johnny Robert Rempe and her brother, Wilfred G. Rempe who died in 2000. Sara was baptized and made profession of her faith as a young girl at the Ebenezer Reformed Church in Leighton, Iowa. At the time of her death she was a member of the Trinity Reformed Church in Pella where she had been a member for over 50 years. Sara loved EVERYONE! She was a special lady with a big heart. She was very much loved by her entire family and many friends.
For those desiring, memorials may be designated for the American Cancer Society or the Trinity Reformed Church.
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Pastor Jack Boerigter,
March 31, 1926 - March 03, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Sunday morning , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present, Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Monday, March 8 at 10:30 a.m. , at Heartland Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella with military honors.
Jack Oliver Boerigter was born on March 31, 1926, in Holland, Michigan. His parents, Edward and Julia Boeve Boerigter, raised two sets of sons, of which Jack was the oldest. Jack was educated in the Holland Public Schools and immediately upon his high school graduation enlisted in the armed services. Jack had aspirations of becoming an Air Force pilot but circumstances did not allow for that and he was assigned to the Army Air Forces as a light truck driver after World War II. Due to health issues he was honorably discharged in May, 1946. Following his discharge he returned to Holland and enrolled at Hope College. On June 6, 1947, he was united in marriage with Mildred Kaat and to that union three children were born: Robert Jack, Barbara Jo and Jan Louise. Jack dropped out of college after he started his family and was involved in a number of business endeavors including farming and appliance sales with his father. He eventually returned to college and graduated from Hope College in 1954 and Western Theological Seminary in Holland as a non-traditional seminary student in 1957. Rev. Boerigter faithfully served as the senior pastor in Reformed Church of America congregations in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Oostburg, Wisconsin, Sioux Center Iowa, DeMotte, Indiana and Pella Iowa. As part of his ministry for 40 years he served for many years on the General Program Council of the Reformed Church of America. In addition he was a former member of the Board of Trustees of Northwestern College at Orange City, Iowa and Central College in Pella, Iowa. Jack married Delores( Van Vark) Vande Noord on February 14, 1985. They made their residences in Waseca, Minnesota and Reddick, Florida and recently celebrated 25 happy years of married life together. Prior to his full time retirement, Jack served some years as a professional fund raiser including development work with the University of Minnesota- Waseca. He and Delores attended the First Congregational Church when residing at Waseca. While spending winters in Florida, Pastor Boerigter served for many years as the preaching pastor of the Deer Creek Camper’s Church in Davenport, Florida where his weekly sermons and singing were an inspiration to many. Besides the ministry, he and Delores, had an avid interest in Belgian horses. Together they owned and showed Belgian horses beginning in 1986 and operated “A Touch of Country Class Boutique” on their farm near Waseca until the present time. On Wednesday morning, March 3, 2010, Jack passed away near Pella, Iowa at the age of 83 years. Jack is survived by his three children and their families: a son, Dr. Robert Boerigter and his wife Mary of Maryville, Missouri and their sons: Marc Boerigter and his wife, Petra of Olathe, Kansas and John Boerigter of Kansas City, Missouri, a daughter, Barbara and her husband Rev. David Schutt of Ripon, California and their daughters: Kara and her husband, Matt Boekenhauer of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and Kendra and her husband, Gabe Carlson of Clive, Iowa and a daughter, Jan and her husband Verl Van Riessen of DeMotte, Indiana and their children: Chad Van Riessen of Maryville, Missouri and Candice Van Riessen of Indianapolis, Indiana. Jack was proud that each of his grandchildren were college graduates with a degree in four years and he witnessed all of their commencement ceremonies. Jack is survived by his wife, Delores, and her three sons and their wives: Michael and Sharon Vande Noord and their two sons: Josh and Jake, Marc and Jennifer Vande Noord and their two children: Alec and Bianca, Matthew and Maria Vande Noord and their two children: Aubrey and Braden all of Pella, Iowa; and seven great-grandchildren: Macie and Lincoln Boerigter, Ethan, Jenna, Ryan Boekenhauer, Kaylee and Elyse Carlson. In addition he is survived by his three younger brothers and their wives: Paul and Doris Boerigter of Holland, Michigan, David and Barbara Boerigter of Squim, Washington and George and Sibilla Boerigter of Albuquerque, New Mexico; as well as many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Julia Boeve Boerigter.
For those desiring, memorials may be designated for Hospice of Central Iowa.
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Irene V. Harder,
June 11, 1924 - March 03, 2010
Visitation: Saturday from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm March 20, 2010 at Berean Baptist Church, Pella, Iowa
Graveside Service: Friday, March 19, 2010 at
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Pella, Iowa
Irene V. (Van Rheenen) Harder, 85, formerly of Tipton, IA, passed away March 3, 2010, in Lima, OH. Irene, a minister's wife, co-counselor and substitute teacher, is survived by her husband, Harold M. Harder and five children: H. Dwight Harder of Chandler, AZ, Franklin H. Harder of Des Moines, IA, Daniel V. Harder of Plainfield. IL, Merlin L. Harder of Mount Pleasant, IA and Jewell V. Wilkinson of Lima, OH.
For those desiring, memorials may be designated for the Gideons International or Slavic Gospel Association, Inc., 6151 Commomwealth Dr., Loves Park, IL, 61111
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Dorothy Bosch,
, - February 20, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Funeral Service: Friday, April 23, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. , at Second Reformed Church in Pella
Interment: Inurnment will be at the Oakwood Cemetery
Dorothy M. (Kranendonk) Bosch, 81, of Pella, IA, passed away February 20, 2010, in Ft. Myers, Florida. Dorothy, a former Professor of Biology and Developmental Reading at Central College in Pella, is survived by her husband, Dr. Arthur J. Bosch and four children: Dr. Robert Bosch of Madison, WI, Dr. Barbara Bosch of Plymouth, MI, Dr. Ronald Bosch of Boston, MA and Dr. Rebecca Sikand of Libertyville, IL.
For those desiring, memorials can support the Arthur J. and Dorothy K. Bosch Scholarship at Central College in Pella, Iowa.
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Makayla Beth Roberts,
January 21, 2010 - February 19, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: Monday from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Graveside Service: Private family services Tuesday , at Oakwood Cemetery at Pella
Makayla Beth Roberts, 29 day old daughter of Jill (Dohrmann) and Brian Roberts of Pella, Iowa, passed away early Friday morning at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. Makayla leaves her parents, Jill and Brian, a 6 year old brother, Cael; maternal grandparents, Boyd and Irene Dohrmann of Hampton, IA and paternal grandparents, Lloyd and Sharon Roberts of Atlantic, IA.
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Robert L. Van Zante,
November 25, 1926 - February 18, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: Visitation will be Monday , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Tuesday, February 23 at 11:00 a.m. , at Second Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Robert Lee Van Zante was born on November 25, 1926, at Pella, Iowa. He was the oldest of three sons that were born to Dick Cornelius and Corinne Lee Van Zante, who later adopted a daughter, LaVerne Lee, a niece of Corinne’s. His father, Dick, was the son of immigrants from Holland and eventually practiced law in Pella for over 50 years. His mother, Corinne Lee, was a native of Bedford, Kentucky near Louisville. Robert graduated from Pella Public High School with the Class of 1946 and then attended Central College in Pella. During the Korean War he served in the U.S. Army with the allied occupation forces in Germany, from 1950 to 1952. It was in Germany, at Idar-Oberstein, that he met his future wife, Thekla Bindel. Robert and Thekla were married in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1953, where his adopted sister, LaVerne Lee, was living at the time. Robert and Thekla returned to Pella and to this union one son, Gary August, was born in 1954. Robert held a position in human resources at the Rolscreen Company, now the Pella Corporation. He was employed at Pella Corp. for 33 years and retired in 1985. Like his father, Dick, Robert had been active with the Pella Junior Chamber of Commerce and remained active with the Van Veen- Van Hemert American Legion Post No. 89 of Pella, of which his wife, Thekla, was also active with the American Legion Auxiliary. He was a member of the Second Reformed Church for many years. Robert’s great avocation was photography. He took his first photographs in high school, but it was in Europe during his military service that he was most active with the camera. He continued to photograph for the next 50 years. An exhibition of his photographs was held at the Pella Community Center in the 1980’s. He was also an avid swimmer for most of his life. Robert struggled with Parkinson’s Disease for the last decade of his life. As this disease progressed he was cared for in various facilities near Pella and passed away early Thursday morning, February 18, 2010, at the Griffin Nursing Center in Knoxville, Iowa at the age of 83 years. Robert is survived by his wife, Thekla; his son, Gary August Van Zante and his wife, Leslie Myers of Providence, Rhode Island; his sister-in-law, Shirley Borland (Mrs. Dirk) Van Zante of Des Moines, Iowa; brothers-in-law:Rolf Bindel of Riegelsberg, Germany and Gerd Bindel of Wadern, Germany; and sisters-in-law: Iise Laubenheimer and Inge Leonardy both of Saarbrücken, Germany. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his mother, Corinne Lee Van Zante, who died January 15, 1971, his father, Dick C. Van Zante, who died October 15, 1981; his step-mother, Francis Mansfield Van Zante; a brother, who died in infancy, his brother, Dirk C. Van Zante, who died March 24, 2009; and his adopted sister, LaVerne Lee Rappazzo.
Donations in Robert’s memory may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, Inc., 1501 N.W.9th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33136.
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Wilma G. Brand,
September 17, 1922 - February 13, 2010
Lynnville, Iowa
Visitation: begin Tuesday after 2:00 p.m. , at First Reformed Church in Sully
Visitation: family present ,Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at First Reformed Church in Sully
Funeral Service: Wednesday, February 17 at 1:30 p.m. , at First Reformed Church, Sully, Iowa
Interment: Sully Cemetery
Wilma Grace Van Roekel was born on September 17, 1922, on a farm near Sully, Iowa. She was an only child born to Henry B. and Nellie De Penning Van Roekel. Wilma began her formal education in a one room school house close to the farm and attended Sully High School at Sully, Iowa for one year. On January 26, 1943, she was united in marriage with Roscoe Charles Brand, a son of Jacob H. and Mabel F. Renaud Brand, by the Rev. Ralph Menning at the home of her parents. During the early years of their marriage they lived on an Army base at Raleigh, North Carolina while Roscoe served his country during World War II, and to this union three children were born: Verlan Wayne, Eileen Fern and Roland Dean. In 1947, they moved to a farm North of Lynnville, Iowa where they farmed all their married life. Wilma enjoyed working the soil along side her husband, Roscoe, and watching the Lord bless the fruits of their labors. She also enjoyed gardening, working with flowers and serving others in need. Service was Wilma's personality until her health failed. In November of 2006, she moved to Seeland Park in Grinnell, Iowa and in September of 2007, she moved into St. Francis Manor where she was cared for the remainder of her life. Wilma passed away there late Saturday evening, February 13, 2010 at the age of 87 years, 4 months and 26 days. Those left to honor her memory are three children and their spouses, 9 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. They and their families are: Verlan and Helen (Van Wyk) Brand of Grinnell, Iowa,Joni and Duane Collins of Lynnville, Iowa, Cayla, Coltin, Cheyanne Collins, Julie and Eric Jones of Sully, Iowa,       Lucas Jones,  Jamie and Natalie Brand of Grimes, Iowa,Benjamin, Zachary Brand,Jason and Wanda Brand of Pella, Iowa,Allison, Aidan, Kylie Brand; Eileen and Ronald Gruver of Lynnville, Iowa,Michael and April Gruver of Pella, Iowa, Quinn, Drake Gruver,Timothy Gruver and Karri Dunn of Plainfield, Illinois,Brittany, Gabrielle, Jacob Gruver,Douglas and Janise Gruver of Sully, Iowa,Abigail, James Gruver; Roland and Thelma (Van Sant ) Brand of Taylor Ridge, Illinois,Mark and Christine Brand of Lexington, Kentucky, Elijah, Jacob, Joshua Brand,Karla Brand of Dallas, Texas. Wilma enjoyed watching, teaching, and nurturing her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Wilma's extended family surviving are the following brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Lloyd and Arlene Brand of Sully, Iowa, Dorothy (Brand) and Ervin Loder of Golden, Colorado; along with several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roscoe Brand, who died on June 15, 1995; her parents, Henry B. and Nellie Van Roekel; and her parents-in-law, Jacob H. and Mabel Brand. Wilma made profession of her faith at a young age at the First Reformed Church in Sully, Iowa. She was an active member there serving as a Sunday School teacher, catechism teacher, daily vacation Bible school teacher and a longtime member of the Martha Circle. In later years she and her late husband, Roscoe, became active with The Gideon's International and one of their greatest joys was spreading the news of the gospel by passing out Bibles and New Testaments. Wilma found great satisfaction in serving the Lord and will always be remembered as a loving, caring, hardworking Christian mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
For those desiring, memorials may be designated for the Gideon’s and Grinnell Regional Hospice.
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Ron Newendorp,
October 14, 1958 - February 10, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Sunday morning , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home in Pella
Visitation: Family present Sunday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home in Pella
Funeral Service: Monday, February 15 at 10:30 a.m. , at First Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Evergreen Cemetery at Leighton, Iowa
Ronald Gene Newendorp was born on October 14, 1958, at Mercy Hospital in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Ron grew up on the family farm near Leighton, Iowa as the youngest of four sons that were born to Raymond Isaac and Clara Ruth Roorda Newendorp. Ron began his schooling at the Leighton Grade School in Leighton and graduated from Pella Community High School in Pella, Iowa with the Class of 1978. During high school Ron was honored and recognized as a manager for the boys varsity basketball team. The Newendorp family continued to live on the family farm near Leighton for 20 years during which time Ron had received 4-H recognition for his cattle showing and the boys recalled their pony riding experiences. In 1980, Ray, Clara and Ron moved into Pella, Iowa. Ron began working at Vermeer Manufacturing Company in 1979 and continued employment there until 1989. Soon thereafter he began working for Midwest Sanitation Service. This employment gave him responsibility and fulfillment and when the work day was completed Ron found enjoyment in riding a bicycle, watching sports and listening to C.D.’s in his room at home with his caring parents, his devoted mother, Clara and his late father, Ray. Ron was on the job on Tuesday, February 9, 2010, when he sustained an industrial injury and passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2010, at Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Ron will always be fondly remembered in the minds and hearts of his family, his mother, Clara, and his three older brothers and their families: Robert Dale and Cindy (Wanders) Newendorp of Pella, IA, Josiah Newendorp of West Des Moines, IA,Lisa Newendorp of Germantown, WI, Lyla Dean Becker. Keith Edwin and Cheryl (Vander Plaats) Newendorp of Pella, IA,Eric and Allison Newendorp of Anthem, AZ, Haven Rae Newendorp,David and Vicki Newendorp of Burnsville, MN,James Isaac Newendorp,Emilie Elizabeth Newendorp,Jaclyn and Brian Visser of Iowa City, IA. Bruce Craig and Jan (Hauber) Newendorp of Cedar Falls, IA,Brandon Newendorp of Cedar Falls, IA,Amanda Newendorp of Cedar Falls, IA. Ron’s extended family includes the following Uncles and Aunts: R. Walter and Wilma Roorda, Erma (Roorda) De Haan, Carl Roorda, Eva Mae (Paul) Roorda, Freda (Newendorp) and Alvin Goemaat, Elva (Newendorp) and Donald Roorda; along with numerous cousins. Ron was preceded in death by his dad, Ray Newendorp, on June 29, 2007; his maternal grandparents, Wiggert A. and Reino Borgman Roorda; his paternal grandparents, Harry L. and Harriet Van Zee Newendorp; and two Uncles, Paul Roorda and Adrian De Haan. Ron was a lifelong, faithful member of the First Reformed Church in Pella. To be content in whatever state I am, was a virtue of Ron’s entire life of 51 years, 3 months and 26 days.
For those desiring, memorials may be designated for the missions support of the First Reformed Church.
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Mrs. Beulah Groenendyk,
May 11, 1926 - February 07, 2010
Tracy, Iowa
Beulah Jane Van De Wall was born on May 11th, 1926, at Leighton, Iowa. She was the second of four children born to Peter and Gertrude Steenhoek Van De Wall. Beulah attended school at Monroe through the 8th grade and then left home to seek a life of her own. Through the years her many adventures led her to the love of her life, Charley Paul Groenendyk. Beulah and C.P.(Bud) Groenendyk “borrowed” the family car and where united in marriage on December 25th, 1946, in Hernando, Mississippi. After spending a month ”honeymooning” in Florida, they returned to Iowa to make their home in Tracy, Iowa. To this union three children were born: Susan Faye on February 8, 1948, Betty Jane on February 24, 1950 and Kenneth Paul on May 12, 1951. Through the years Beulah acquired a passion for the great outdoors. She enjoyed fishing, her many flower beds, gardening and her “pride and joy”, her strawberry bed where she spent many, many hours caring and weeding the bed. She spent most of the summers mowing her big yard on her 8 H.P. wheel horse riding lawn mower. Beulah also loved to make quilts of many colors but her greatest love of all was when she became “Grandma”. Grandma Jane spent many hours with her six granddaughters spoiling and teaching them all she could. During one of her many baking sessions the question was asked which comes first, the chicken or the egg? Grandma’s answer was the chicken, so from that point on Grandma collected tons of chickens in all shapes and sizes and displayed them in her kitchen. As more years went by Grandma Jane earned the beloved title of “Great-grandma”. In July of 2007, Beulah suffered a stroke and fought with many set backs and complications. On February 7th, 2010, God called Beulah home at the age of 83 years, 9 months and 7 days with Sue, Kelli, Mark, Kris, Knicy Paul and Koli J. by her side in New Sharon, Iowa. Those left to cherish her memory is one daughter, Susan F. Kersbergen, presently of New Sharon; 6 granddaughters, 8 great-grandchildren and 3 step-great-grandchildren. They are:Kelli Renae and Mark Doty of New Sharon, Iowa,Kristopher Ryan Chamberlain, Knicolas, Paul Chamberlain,Kalleen Jordan Chamberlain,Bret Allen, Nicole Jean and Jacob Allen Doty; Brenda Joy and Gary Dabb of Pleasantville, Iowa; Sherrie Lynn and Stephen Kelly of Ripon, California,Liam Michael Kelly; Jolene Marie and Brian Veach of Urbandale, Iowa; Esther Ann and Brett Trotter of Ames, Iowa,Kieran Trotter;Evelyn Amber Van Hal of Knoxville, Iowa,Olivia Jane Van Hal, Ethan James Van Hal,Mackenzie Van Hal. Of Beulah’s original family she leaves her sister, Dorothy and her husband, Dale Lund of Slater, Iowa, her brother, Marion Van De Wall and his wife, Beverly, of Pleasant Hill, Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Anna Pauline (Groenendyk) Nikkel and Thelma Hazel(Dutch) Groenendyk both of Tracy, Iowa; along with many nieces and nephews. Those waiting for her in heaven are her parents, Peter and Gertrude Van De Wall; her parents-in-law, Eldert and Sarah Johnson Groenendyk; her husband, Charley Paul (Bud) Groenendyk; her son, Kenneth Paul, her daughter Betty Jane and her husband, Edward Arthur Van Hal; her sister, Bernice and her husband, Cecil Aldrich; and two brothers-in-law, Willem Harlan (Dutch) Groenendyk and Albert H. Nikkel.
Visitation will begin Thursday, February 11, 2010, at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home in Pella. Family will be present Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. with a Scripture Service at 6:00 p.m. Interment will be made in the Sandridge Cemetery at Tracy, Iowa, Friday, at 10:00 a.m.
For those desiring, memorials may be designated for the Clay Twp. Rescue and Fire Unit at Tracy, Iowa or Hospice of Pella, Iowa.
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Mrs. Rua Vander Linden,
August 23, 1931 - February 04, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Sunday morning , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present, Sunday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Monday, February 8 at 11:00 a.m. , at Second Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella
Rua Anita Alban was born on August 23, 1931 in Pilot Mound, Iowa to Neil Alban and Grace (Benson) Alban. She lost her father when she was very young and was raised by her mother and, for a time, her paternal grandparents. After graduating from Ogden High School at Ogden, Iowa in 1949, she attended nursing school at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa and the University of Chicago in Illinois. Rua began her work as a registered nurse and instructor in Des Moines. She trained as an obstetrics nurse and loved working with mothers and babies. Rua met Lee Marvin Vander Linden of Pella, Iowa, a son of Martin and Lulu (Schakel) Vander Linden, in the late 1950’s and was married to him on January 10, 1960 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Des Moines. Upon marriage, she left her nursing position and moved to the Vander Linden farm south of Pella, Iowa. She and Lee had two children, Keith Neil, born February 7, 1961, and Ann Kathryn, born April 9, 1964. In 1968 she moved with her family to 1431 Broadway Street in Pella. Rua’s husband, Lee, died on March 29, 1976, at the age of just 46 years. With two children in secondary school, she returned to nursing at Mahaska County Hospital in Oskaloosa, Iowa and worked there until 1993. Upon retirement, she remained active as a volunteer at the Pella Regional Health Center, at her church, Second Reformed Church in Pella, and elsewhere in the community. A long-time diabetic, she faced health-related issues throughout her life, but met with more serious health problems in the summer of 2009. After several months in assisted living and nursing care, she died suddenly, but peacefully, at the Pella Regional Health Center, on Thursday, February 4, 2010, at the age of 78 years, attended by compassionate staff whom she knew and cared about. She was preceded in death by her parents, her parents-in-law, her beloved husband, Lee, and two brothers, Keith and James Alban. She is survived by two brothers and their families, Ron and Carla Alban of Orland, California and Gary and Sharon Alban of Odgen, Iowa; and her two children and their families: Keith and Brenda (Roorda )Vander Linden of Grand Rapids, MI, Lukas and Christian; Ann and Grant Fee of Melcher/Dallas, IA, Natasha, Andrew and Lacey. She was acquainted with sorrow, but also joy. She was a quiet but active Christian throughout her life and laid her faith in things eternal. She doted on her five beloved grandchildren, loved her family and friends, and gave of herself to the community. She will be greatly missed.
The family prefers memorials for Second Reformed Church or the Pella Regional Health Center.
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Dr. Maxine Huffman,
August 18, 1928 - February 03, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Dr. Maxine C. (Fish) Huffman, 81, of Pella, Iowa passed away Wednesday evening at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House. Dr. Huffman was a former Professor of Biology and English at Central College and is survived by her husband, Dr. Donald M. Huffman; two children: James D. Huffman of Pleasant Hill, IA, Kimberley L. Huffman of Pella; and two brothers: John Fish of Raleigh, N.C. and Lance D. Fish of Des Moines, IA.
An Informal Gathering will be Sunday, February 28, 2010 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Graham Conference Center at Central College in Pella, Iowa. There will be no formal visitation or services.
For those desiring, memorials may be designated for Central College
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Rev. Henry Vermeer,
March 01, 1913 - January 24, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Thursday morning , at First Reformed Church
Visitation: family present ,Thursday from 3:00 to 5: 00 p.m. , at First Reformed Church
Funeral Service: Thursday, January 28 at 6:30 p.m. , at First Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Graveside Service: Saturday, January 30, 2010 , at Hull, Iowa
Henry J. Vermeer, a Servant of God, was taken to be with his Lord on Sunday morning, January 24, 2010, at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella, Iowa. The legacy of this faithful man of the covenant began on March 1, 1913 in Sioux Center , Iowa. He was the eldest of three children born to Jacob and Anna(Huitink) Vermeer. His formal education began in various schools in Sioux County, Iowa continuing at Northwestern Junior College in Orange City, Iowa, and Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Answering God’s call into Christian ministry, he began his training at Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. On August 10, 1939, he married Alberta Kooiker, daughter of Lubert and Pearl (DeWild) Kooiker. To this union, two children, Lorna Joy and James Henry were born. Henry and Alberta faithfully served in Falmouth and Moddersville, Michigan, Central Park Reformed Church, Holland, Michigan, First Reformed Church of Roseland, Chicago, Illinois, Hope Reformed Church, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Hope Reformed, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Reformed Church, Denver, Colorado, First Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa, and First Reformed Church, Hospers, Iowa, from where he retired in 1977. Henry was honored as “Minister Emeritus” from First Reformed Church in Pella. Henry and Alberta made additional places of residence were in Hull, Iowa, Bradenton, Florida and Vriendschap Village in Pella following their retirement. While in active pastorate, Rev. Vermeer served his denomination, the Reformed Church of America, and the kingdom of God on the following boards and agencies: RCA Board of Domestic Missions, Editorial Council of the Church Herald, Executive Council of the World Home Bible League, General Synod Executive Committee, Central College Board of Trustees, and Northwestern College Board of Trustees. Upon retirement he and his wife, Alberta, also served as senior pastor for retired ministers, spouses and missionaries in the Midwest region of the denomination. His love for Christ reflected Henry’s desire to preach and teach God’s Word and manifest his pastoral heart and love for people world wide. Those left to cherish his memory are his two children and their families: daughter, Lorna and Mike Schrier of Montgomery, Alabama,and their two children: Marc and Nancy Schrier and their daughter, Macie, of Carrollton, Georgia, Marylynn and Bruce Williams and their daughter, Holland Joy, of Prattville, Alabama; son, Jim and Pam (Menninga) Vermeer of Pella and their three children: Nicole and Brad Chiafos and their two children, Lily and Cooper, of Waukee, Iowa, Molly and Dustin Hugen of Chicago, Illinois, and Jonathan Vermeer of Pella; along with his sister-in-law, Johanna (Harvey) Vermeer, Sioux Center, Iowa and several nieces and nephews. Henry also leaves a loving friend and companion, Valda Vander Waal, of Pella. Henry was preceded in death by Alberta, his wife of 65 years, on October 10, 2004; his parents, Jacob and Anna Vermeer, his parents-in-law, Lubert and Pearl Kooiker, his sister ,Dorothy, and her husband George Addison, his brother, Harvey Vermeer, a brother-in-law, Arthur Kooiker and his wife, Billie, and a brother-in-law, Dr. Anthony Kooiker. Henry lived a full and active life of almost 97 years and was ready to (his quote) “Go to glory”. His witness can be found in II Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”.
For those desiring, memorials may be designated for the Rev. Henry J. and Alberta Vermeer Scholarship Fund at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI, the Hospice of Pella Comfort House, or KCWN Christian radio station in Pella, IA.
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Doris Geels,
, 1932 - January 23, 2010
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Tuesday afternoon , at Sully Christian Reformed Church, Sully, Iowa
Visitation: family present, Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at Sully Christian Reformed Church, Sully, Iowa
Funeral Service: Wednesday, January 27 at 1:30 p.m. , at Sully Christian Reformed Church, Sully, Iowa
Interment: Sully Cemetery
Alberta Doris Jansen, a daughter of Evert and Gertie Fopma Jansen, was born on May 30, 1932, near Killduff, Iowa. She grew up on the farm near Killduff and attended a country school until 7th grade and finished the 8th grade at the Sully Christian Grade School in Sully, Iowa. She was baptized and made profession of her faith at the Sully Christian Reformed Church where she was a faithful, lifelong member. On December 29, 1953, she was united in marriage with Nelson Geels, a son of Rev. John and Betty Kempers Geels, at the Sully Christian Reformed Church in Sully, Iowa, and to this union five children were born: Gary Eugene, Beverly Jean, Norma Diane, Beth Joan and Bruce Nelson. Doris and Nelson lived near Lynnville and Kellogg, Iowa for a short time following their marriage and then moved into Sully where they raised their family. She held various jobs throughout her life which included daycare, housecleaning, and she was on the cleaning staff at the Central College Library. Then in January, 2009, Doris was diagnosed with a re occurrence of her colon cancer. Doris faced this diagnosis with the same quiet grace and courage that was evident throughout her life. On Saturday morning, January 23, 2010, at her home in Sully, at the age of 77 years, she completed her journey here on earth and met her Lord and Savior face to face. Those who will cherish her memory are her faithful husband of almost 57 years, Nelson; their five children and their spouses, 11 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren. They and their families are: Gary and Susan Geels of Panora, Iowa; Beverly and Mike Van Genderen of Lynnville, Iowa; Norma and Karl Bultsma of Waterloo, Iowa; Beth and David Van Maanen of Pella, Iowa; Bruce and Brenda Geels of Pella, Iowa.Of her original family Doris leaves the following brothers and sisters and their spouses: Charlie W. and Cornelia Jansen of Cutlerville, Michigan, Guysbert C. and Janet Jansen of Pella, Berdena E. and Junior Vos of Sully, Edwin E. and Arlyn Jansen of Cutlerville, Michigan, Wilma P. and Delmer Van Kooten of Pella, Melvin L. and Marilyn Jansen of Newton, Iowa; along with the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Lillian (Geels) and William Nikkel of Pella, Chester and Gretta Geels of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Barbara (Geels) and Stan Cole of Whittier, California, Betty (Geels) Lee LeFebre of Denver, Colorado, John and Linda Geels of Littleton, Colorado. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Evert and Gertie Jansen; her parents-in-law, Rev. John and Betty Geels; her twin brothers, Edwin James and Earl Lester Jansen, who died at a young age, and her brother, Dick Rutford Jansen who died during World War II, and his wife Wilma Sparks. She was a loving and caring daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. Doris was a great cook and enjoyed collecting dolls and reading. She loved sports and proudly followed her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting activities, as well as the Iowa Hawkeyes. Doris had a strong and simple faith and will always be cherished by those who loved her.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for ‘The Back to Hour’ radio ministry broadcast or Hospice of Pella, Iowa
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Dale D. Randol,
February 20, 1925 - December 31, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Monday morning , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present, Monday 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Tuesday, January 5 at 1:00 p.m. , at Pella Church of the Nazarene, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery with military honors
Dale Drew Randol was born on February 20, 1925, in Knoxville, Iowa. He was the youngest of two children born to Wilbur Cecil and Rea May (Pope) Randol. Dale attended the Knoxville Community Schools through the eighth grade.  As a young man he worked at the hammermill in Des Moines, Iowa grinding feed and loading sacks for delivery.  This work ethic remained with him.  Dale enlisted in the Army and served his country during World War II.  Dale was a surviving member of the Battle of the Bulge.   After the war, Dale returned to Knoxville and worked at the VA Hospital until the time of his marriage.  On May 29, 1946 he was united in marriage to Betty Miedema at Troy, Kansas.  Betty was a homemaker who made her home a happy one for her husband and two sons, Michael and Eric.  After marriage, Dale took advantage of the GI Bill and learned the carpentry trade.  Later he joined Robert F. Van Vark and formed Van Vark and Randol Construction.  They were both successful in this venture and were responsible for building many of the homes around Pella.  Dale retired at the age of 42, but didn’t quit working.  He would offer his assistance and advice, helping friends and neighbors with various building projects.  Betty died on March 15, 1972 at the University Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.  On June 13, 1972, Dale and Grace Leola Knight were married at Pella, Iowa.  Grace’s two daughters, Shirley and Diane became a blended family with Michael and Eric.  After a life of retirement together, enjoying each others company and love, Grace fell ill and passed away on December 29, 2003 at the Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 80 years.  Dale later in life married Connie DeVries in 2004 and remained together until both of their health issues needed more attention. Dale became a resident of Hilltop Manor in Pella until moving to Griffin Nursing Home in Knoxville in 2007.  On New Year’s Eve of 2009, Dale passed away at the Knoxville Community Area Hospital at the age of 84 years.  Those left to cherish his memory are his two sons, two step daughters, and their families.  Mike and Kendra (Wineland) Randol of Pella, Iowa,Kelly and Dan Schakel,Brandon Schakel, Devin Pushor, Jordan Pushor,Chad and Tricia Randol,Tanner Randol, Brynn Randol; Eric and Debbie (See) Randol of Pella, Iowa,Pete Randol and Drew; Shirley and Ronald McCombs of Reasnor, Iowa, Ron Jr. and Macy McCombs,Don McCombs,Matt and Lisa McCombs,Mike and Julie McCombs; S. Diane and Mike Vos of Des Moines, Iowa,Dustin Dixon and Simon Vos. Dale was the last surviving member of his original family.  He was preceded in death by his three wives, Betty (Miedema) Randol, Grace (Long) Randol and Connie DeVries who died in 2009, three sons, Jimmy and Jerry Randol (twins) and Curtis Dale Randol, his brother Herbert Randol  and his parents.  Dale was a member of the Pella Church of the Nazarene and The Gideon’s.  Dale will be remembered for his Love and Devotion to his family and friends.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for The Gideon’s.
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Harold Den Besten,
June 25, 1920 - December 25, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: Monday, after 11:00 a.m. December 28, 2009 at Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. December 29, 2009 at Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Pella, Iowa, with Military Honors
Harold Den Besten was born on June 25, 1920, in Corsica, South Dakota. He was the third of five children of Gerrit and Fredreka Van Zee Den Besten. During the first years of his life Harold moved with his family to Holland, Michigan where his father founded the Holland Hitch Company, which is still in business. In 1929 the family returned to South Dakota and in 1937 moved to Pella, Iowa where Harold enrolled in the Pella Public Schools. He graduated from Pella High School with the Class of 1938. Harold served his country during World War II as a radio operator in the United States Army. His military commitment remained a very vital part of Harold’s life. Following his discharge he was visable and remained active with the Van Veen- Van Hemert American Legion Post No. 89 of Pella and had served as Commander in 1977 and 1978. In 1946, an only child, Timothy Den Besten, was born to Harold and Betty Vriezelaar Den Besten. After entering school at the age of 5 years, Tim suffered an attack of Polio-Encephalitis which changed his life forever. He is now a resident at the Marion County Care Facility at Knoxville, Iowa and has been a client at the Christian Opportunity Center in Pella for over 30 years. Most notably, Harold was widely known for establishing a Pella food route where as a jobber he sold Pella food products along with Hiland Potato Chips in the area. In 1960 he and Wilma Marie Van Dort, a daughter of Willem and Emma Branderhorst Van Dort, were married. Harold retired from his business in 1974 at which time he sold the business to Adrian Rozeboom. Harold and Wilma enjoyed many happy retirement years together and in 1973 they built an apartment house at 832 Franklin Street which they owned and operated the remainder of their married life. Upon his retirement Harold busied himself in a large variety of programs and projects to which he often was heard to comment he didn’t know how he ever had time to work. Some of these involved politics, the Pella Historical Society and the Pella Historical Trust. On Christmas Day, December 25, 2009, he passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella at the age of 89 years. Harold is survived by his wife, Wilma; his son, Timothy Den Besten of Knoxville, Iowa; his sister, Jeannette Jansen presently of Pella; a brother, Ivan Den Besten and his wife, Myrl of Bowling Green, Ohio; a sister-in-law, Alice (Fred) Den Besten of Holland, Michigan; along with 10 nieces and nephews. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Gerrit and Fredreka Den Besten; and two brothers: Cornelius Den Besten and Fred Den Besten. Harold was a charter member of the Covenant Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa that was established in 1998 after a lifetime membership in Christian Reformed Churches and cherished his return to the church worship his parents knew and in which he grew up.
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Arletta Baarda,
June 04, 1915 - December 21, 2009
Formerly of Sully and Pella, Iowa
Visitation: one hour prior to the funeral service on Saturday , at Sully Community Church, Sully, Iowa
Funeral Service: Saturday, December 26 at 11:00 a.m. , at Sully Community Church, Sully, Iowa
Interment: Sully Cemetery
Arletta Mae Terlouw was born on June 4, 1915, north of Sully, Iowa in rural Jasper County, Iowa. She was the oldest of nine children that were born to John O. Terlouw and Phoebe Ann (Renaud) Terlouw. Arletta attended the Iron Clad country grade school through the eighth grade. In December of 1940 she moved into town and lived with her grandmother, Mrs. Charles Renaud, and cared for her in her home at 204 6th Ave. in Sully until her death in 1947. On January 13, 1953, Arletta was united in marriage to William Baarda in Sully. William’s first wife Almeda (Elscott) Baarda had died the previous year at the age of 45 years. Soon after their marriage they decided to reside in the house Arletta had maintained for her grandmother. Bill’s son, Marvin Lowell, then took over the farm and resides there still today. Arletta and Bill were faithful members of the Sully Community Church, where Arletta was active in the women’s service guild, conducted nursing home service meetings, and were active in the Senior Citizens group in Sully. Bible Camps and church mission work were especially important to both of them. Arletta was a seamstress for over 50 years. Bill passed away on June 16, 1994 at the age of 88 years. After Bill’s death, Arletta continued to live in Sully until moving to Hilltop Manor in Pella, Iowa in 2002. She resided there until she became a resident of Friendship Manor in Grinnell, Iowa in 2007. Arletta passed away peacefully on Monday evening, December 21, 2009, at the advanced age of 94 years, at the Grinnell Regional Health Center. Those left to honor her memory are her surviving family, they are: Marvin and Iva Baarda of Sully, Iowa, Craig and Sheryl Baarda, Ryan and Gina Baarda,Shykira, Camden, Logan,Shaun and Kristy Baarda,and Brooke; Melanie and Dennis Renaud, Sheila and Kyle Punt,and Chloe and Caleb, Tasha Renaud and fiancé Jared Yepsen; Rick and Debra Baarda, Clint and Michelle Crawford,Ben, Luke, Jordan and Jennifer Dean,and Emma, Tristan, Amanda and Lance De Vries and Hunter. Of her original family Arletta leaves a sister, Theda (Bernie) Fopma of Grinnell; her brother, Louis and his wife, Joan Terlouw of Pella, and two sisters-in-law: Marie (Henry C.)Terlouw of Pella and Barbara (Marion) Terlouw of Prairie City, Iowa. Arletta was preceded in death by her husband, William, a great- grand daughter, Keisha Dawn Renaud, her parents, her sisters: Martha (Fred) Willemsen, Jennie Marie (Clyde) Hurst, Isabelle (Garrit) Vander Weerdt, and her brothers: Henry C. Terlouw, Lloyd Terlouw and Marion Terlouw. Arletta was a loving and devoted wife, sister, mother and grandmother to William’s family, and faithfully witnessed for the Lord.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for Sully Community Church or the Bible League.
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Ernie Blom,
June 09, 1916 - December 19, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Monday , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present Monday, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at Trinity Reformed Church
Funeral Service: Tuesday, December 22 at 1:30 p.m. , at Trinity Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella
Ernest Engle Blom was born on June 9, 1916, near Pella, Iowa, a son of Antonie M. and Josie Ver Ploeg Blom. As a young man Ernie worked on the family farm and when they were finished worked with the neighbors helping them finish picking their corn by hand. For a short time he worked for Maasdam Sorghum Company and also worked for Leonard Gosselink at South Woods Dairy. Ernie started 4-H at the age of 10 years showing dairy and beef cattle and swine at county and state fairs. In 1932 he received the Champion Milk Production Cow Award, milking his cow 4 times a day, winning him a trip to Wisconsin. Later in life he was a 4-H leader working with young people for several years. Ernie operated and owned South Woods Dairy farm south of Pella where he milked 50 cows by hand, bottled the milk and delivered it with a horse and wagon. He had one hired man and one college student part time. Ernie met Mary Jane Vroom at the Central Park Café in Pella where she was a waitress and he was selling milk at the time. Mary Jane later took a job in Oskaloosa, Iowa working for a lawyer as a housekeeper. After dating for 2 years they were united in marriage on May 8, 1940, at the home of her parents, Catherines J. and Jennie Dykstra Vroom, near Oskaloosa. Ernie and Mary Jane went to Missouri for their honeymoon and to this union four children were born: Eugene Ernest who was stillborn in 1941, Betty Jean in 1942, James Anthony in 1946 and Phillip Ernest in 1956. Ernie and Mary Jane farmed south of Pella and continued operating the South Woods Dairy until moving south of Monroe, Iowa. In 1966 they purchased a farm south of Otley, Iowa and 2 years later he started with the Carnation Cattle Breeding Company. After a couple of years it became a fulltime position so he sold the farm and they moved to Pella. After 10 years in the cattle breeding business he trained farmers to artificially inseminate their own herd. His son, Phil, eventually took over the business and Ernie worked as a salesman for Pella Feed & Grain. At the age of 65 years Ernie took up golfing as a hobby along with his playing cards and fishing. He and Mary Jane took a trip to Holland, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. For several years during the winter months they lived in Arizona. In 1995 Ernie started selling Bovine Genetic Products and Sweet Pro Cattle Feed with his son, Phil, up until a few years ago. In year 2000 Mary Jane’s health necessitated additional supervision and care due to signs of dementia. Ernie entered the hospital in 2001 and Mary Jane became a resident at the Westridge Nursing & Rehab Center in Knoxville, Iowa. Ernie kept busy selling feed, golfing, fishing and playing cards, living a very active life. They had worked hard together all their married life, first in their dairy business, then farming and agricultural sales. Mary Jane passed away on January 5, 2008, at the age of 87 years. They were privileged to enjoy 67 years of married life together and on Saturday morning, December 19, 2009, Ernie passed away at the Pella Regional Health Center in Pella at the age of 93 years. Those who will cherish his memory are 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. They and their families are: Betty and her husband, Howard Van Der Pol of Monroe, IA; Douglas and Joni Van Der Pol of Ledyard, IA, Kristina,Jenna,and Olivia Van Der Pol; Julie and Dave Harrington of Ankeny, IA, Ashley,Brooke, and Ryan Harrington;Jim Blom of Otley, IA,Stuart Blom of Colorado Springs, CO, Jason and Michelle Blom of Moro, IL, Jake and Kayleigh Blom, and Matthew Blom of Knoxville, IA; Phil Blom of Columbia, MO, Cody Blom Kerr of Florida, Jessie Blom of Columbia, MO. Of his original family Ernie leaves his two sisters and a brother: Helen (Elmer) Vander Waal, Lawrence Blom and his wife, Irene all of Pella, Lenora and her husband, Albert Pleima of Leighton, Iowa; and the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Vernice (Vroom) and Paul Ter Louw, John and Muriel Vroom all of Pella, Wayne and Shirley Pitman of Barnes City, Iowa. Ernie was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane, his stillborn son, Eugene; a granddaughter, Debbie J. Van Der Pol who died of burn injuries at the age of 2 years in 1972, a grandson, Donald L. Van Der Pol who died of injuries received in an industrial accident in 1987 at the age of 20 years; his parents, A. M. and Josie Blom; his parents-in-law, C. J. and Jennie Vroom; his brother-in-law, Elmer Vander Waal; a sister-in-law, Margaret (Vroom) Pitman; and a brother-in-law, Henry Grootveld. Ernie was baptized and made profession of his faith at the First Christian Reformed Church in Pella. He and Mary Jane were members of the Prairie City Christian Reformed Church at Prairie City, Iowa, the Otley Christian Reformed Church in Otley and the Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella before becoming members of the Trinity Reformed Church in Pella where they were members at the time of their deaths.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for the Building Fund of the Trinity Reformed Church
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Jan Van Wyk,
October 15, 1943 - December 19, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Tuesday after 2:00 p.m. , at First Baptist Church
Visitation: family present, Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at First Baptist Church
Funeral Service: Wednesday, December 23 at 1:30 p.m. , at First Baptist Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella
Janet Kay Shill was born on October 15, 1943, at Marshalltown, Iowa. Her mother was the former Wilma Lorene Hoover and her father was Leonard Earl Shill. While Jan’s mother was pregnant with her, her father passed away and Jan remembered being spoiled by her paternal grandparents, Grandpa Pete and Grama Mabel Shill. Harley Ray Van Wyk had moved to Gilman, Iowa and Jan wrote him a note on his first day of school. Soon they went on a double date and on September 8, 1961, they were united in marriage at Gilman. A special memory of their wedding day was a friend had written ‘help’ on the bottom of Harley’s shoes so when he knelt it would be seen. Jan and Harley’s marriage was made strong by always making-up after disagreements and special by raising four children: Sandra Renae, who was born on February 13, 1962, Jeffery Todd born on February 12, 1963, Teresa Dawn born on July 2, 1964 and Connie Lea, who was born on April 6, 1966; and eventually a granddaughter, Kassondra Marie Van Wyk, who was born on November 27, 1983. Jan had numerous outside employment, as well as being a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She had worked at various locations including the Rolscreen Company, the Pella Motor Inn and Super 8 in Pella, Iowa and was a distributor of Avon and Tupperware Products. Her most recent position was as the Secretary for the First Baptist Church in Pella from which she retired and for the past 40 years was a co-owner of Van’s Outboard. Jan was a talented cake decorator and enjoyed spending time with her family, attending church and community functions and watching for wildlife. She and Harley’s friends went on many motorcycle and snowmobile trips together. Their family vacations and family get-togethers were a special memory of Jan’s. Her faith only became stronger with the untimely deaths of two of their children: Jeff Van Wyk, who was killed in a motorcycle/truck accident on September 1, 1984 and Sandi Hansen, who passed away of colon cancer on November 2, 1991. On Saturday, December 19, 2009, she passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella at the age of 66 years due to liver and kidney failure. Those who will cherish her memory are her faithful husband, Harley; two daughters and their husbands: Terri and Merlin Rozenboom and their two sons, Todd and James of Centennial, Colorado, Connie and Keith Hoksbergen and their five children: Brandi, Susan, Brittney, Taylor and Wesley of Pella, Iowa; and a granddaughter, Kassi Van Wyk, who was raised like a daughter. Of her original family Jan leaves her half- sister, Marge Coppock, a half-brother, Dale McGrew and his wife, Sue, and her sister-in-law and her husband, Christine (McGrew) and George Nash all of Marshalltown, Iowa; along with the following brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Jerald and Dorothy Van Wyk of Pella, Sylvan and Gina Van Wyk of Rapid City, South Dakota and Dennis Van Wyk of Lomita, California; her step-mother-in-law, Marjorie (Herbert) Van Wyk of Pella; and many nieces and nephews. Jan was preceded in death by two children, Jeff Van Wyk and Sandi Hansen; her father and mother, Leonard Shill and Wilma (Shill) McGrew; her step-father, Elbert McGrew; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Herbert and Marie De Kock Van Wyk; two half-brothers: Keith McGrew, who died as an infant and Gary McGrew; and a brother-in-law, Marvin Van Wyk. Jan became a baptized member of the First Baptist Church in Pella on Easter Sunday, April 19, 1992, where she remained an active, faithful member. She will always be remembered as a warm, caring person.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred for the Jan Van Wyk Memorial Fund in honor of her needs and wishes.
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George Carson,
November 11, 1926 - December 18, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Monday morning , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: Visitation with the family present , Monday from 5 :30 to 7:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Tuesday, December 22 at 10:30 a.m. , at First Baptist Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella with military honors
George William Carson was born on November 11, 1926, at Pella, Iowa. He was the youngest of three children that were born to Henry and Dora Junella Van Vark Carson. George received his formal education at the Pella Community Schools in Pella and graduated from Pella High School with the Class of 1944. George enlisted in the United States Air Force during World War II and was discharged in January, 1947. On May 5, 1951, he was united in marriage with Louise Maxine Rysdam at the home of her parents, Gerald and Artie Gaass Rysdam in Pella. To this union two children were born: Steven George and Mary Patricia. George and Louise made their home in Pella their entire married lifetime. George worked briefly for the Rolscreen Company in Pella and then started with the City of Pella. He continued working in the electrical department for the City of Pella for 50 years. He became a volunteer with the Pella Volunteer Fire Department and for 12 years served as Fire Chief. George was a member of the Pella Amateur Radio Club and was a storm spotter for the National Weather Service. He was a member of the Van Veen-Van Hemert American Legion Post No. 89 of Pella, the Pella Masonic Lodge No. 55 A.F. & A. M. and the First Baptist Church. During his retirement George thoroughly enjoyed driving out by Lake Red Rock and watching eagles and other wildlife. George never stopped tinkering and during his entire lifetime he was an innovator. On Friday, December 18, 2009, he passed away at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 83 years. George is survived by his son, Steve and his wife, Laurie Paschal Carson of Boulder, Colorado, his daughter, Mary Carson, who made her home with George and a special granddaughter, Alyssa Louise Carson. Of his original family George leaves just a brother-in-law, Harold E. Vos of Inverness, Florida. He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise M. Carson, who passed on November 24, 1976 at the age of just 45 years; his parents, Henry “Skillet” and Dora Carson; his parents-in-law, Gerald and Artie Rysdam; his two older sisters and their husbands: Carol and Bert Van Dusseldorp, Bertha and Harold (Brown) Vande Noord; and a sister-in-law, Patricia (Rysdam) Vos. George appreciated music and liked Dixieland. He will be remembered for his quick wit and humor and enjoyed chatting with everyone he met.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for the Pella Community Foundation or the First Baptist Church in Pella, IA.
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Neoma Ruffridge,
July 24, 1927 - December 09, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: visitation will start Sunday morning December 13, 2009 at the funeral home where the family will be present from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Funeral Service: Monday, 1:00 p.m. December 14, 2009 at Peace Lutheran Church in Pella.
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery
Neoma Marie Anderson was born at Decorah, Iowa on July 24, 1927. She was the youngest of six children that were born to Theodore and Clara Helgeson Anderson. Her grandparents immigrated from Norway and when the story about the settlement of Iowa was aired on television during the Bicentennial, they were featured on the film. Neoma received her grade school education at the Winneshiek Country Grade School and graduated from Decorah High School. Neoma attended Luther College to obtain enough credits to teach school. She taught in a one-room country school near Highlandville, Iowa for four years. Neoma was introduced to Norman Sylvester Ruffridge, a Pearl Harbor survivor who had just been discharged from the United States Navy, by his brother, Orville Ruffridge. Neoma and Norman were united in marriage on May 30, 1948, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. To this union two children were born: Rhonda Louise and Rodney Lee. Following their marriage Norm began managing the Veterans of Foreign Wars Club in Decorah. In 1952 they moved to Moline, Illinois where he was employed at the arsenal and later for Illinois Gas and Electric and Neoma worked in the office of Deere and Company. They returned to Decorah in 1959 where Norm did construction work with Neoma’s brother, Gerhard Anderson. Neoma and Norm then ventured to Pella, Iowa and purchased an A & W franchise. Neoma and Norm built their restaurant in 1961 and continued to own and operate the A & W Family Restaurant in Pella until 1997. During this time, Neoma and Norm spent the winters in Arizona and would always return in the spring, ready to serve some good home-cooked meals. Neoma and Norm enjoyed traveling together and were privileged to travel to England, Spain (three times), Hawaii and Rio De Janiero. Their last trip to Arizona together was in 1999. Upon their return Norm was admitted to the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Knoxville, Iowa where he passed away on September 22, 2002 at the age of 83 years. Neoma enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of the Pella Golf & Country Club. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and had been a member of the Iowa A & W Association. She was baptized as an infant at the Burr Oak Lutheran Church and made profession of her faith at the Ridgeway Lutheran Church as a teenager. At the time of her death she was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Pella, Iowa. On Wednesday, December 9, 2009, she passed away the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella at the age of 82 years. Neoma is survived by her two children: Rhonda and her husband, Jaime Perez of Dover, Pennsylvania and Rodney Ruffridge of Otley, Iowa. Neoma was the last surviving member of her original family. She leaves a brother-in-law, Jerome Soukup of Moline, Illinois; two sisters-in-law, Fern (Ruffridge) Dungey of New Hampton, Iowa and Virginia (Ruffridge) Nelson of Portage, Wisconsin, and a brother-in-law, Palmer Ruffridge of Decorah. Neoma was preceded in death by her husband, Norman; her parents, Theodore and Clara Anderson; her parents-in-law, Frank and Cora Barth Ruffridge; and all brothers and sisters: Gerhard Anderson, Joseph Anderson, June (Jacob) Gallagher, Beatrice (Wallace) Halse and Ceceil Soukup.
Memorials may be given for the Peace Lutheran Church in Pella.
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Tena Dykstra,
August 15, 1921 - December 05, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Monday afternoon , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Tuesday, December 8 at 1:00 p.m. , at First Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Pella, Iowa
Tena Tolsma was born on August 15, 1921 in Stickney, South Dakota, as the seventh child of Dick and Sipke De Boer Tolsma. Her parents both emigrated from Friesland in the Netherlands and made their living by combining farming with her father’s work in a butcher shop. Although most would view the farmhouse that lodged their large family as tiny and humble, her father always proclaimed that it was Paradise! His enthusiasm and great sense of humor transferred to each of his children so although life was hard and frugality was a necessity as the family worked to survive especially during the Great Depression, the Tolsmas was a close fun-loving family. The family faithfully attended the Reformed Church in Stickney as did neighboring families and relatives many of whom had also immigrated to this area from Holland. Tena was a bright and enthusiastic student at their little country school where she especially excelled in reading and spelling. She often shared stories of the fun they had walking the long distance to school and how it was sometimes necessary to have the horse pull the sled in the winter. With her family unable to afford schooling beyond the 8th grade, she began doing housework for others; she also helped her older sisters care for their children. When her fiancé was killed in World War II, she decided to join her older sister Jessie in Denver, Colorado. The two worked for the Samsonite luggage company and roomed with a family from the First Reformed Church there. It was at the church youth group gatherings that she met John James Bandsma. The two were married on June 26, 1946. Although he’d just graduated from the University of Denver, Jim was working with his father doing construction work. When they learned they were expecting their first child, Jim used the hours after work and weekends to build their first home and completed it just before Beverly was born in 1948. They added two other daughters: Nancy in 1949 and Peggy in 1953 and Tena delighted in being a housewife and mother. The family was active in the First Reformed Church and most of their social life revolved around activities and friendships there. She was a wonderful hostess and friends and family always enjoyed warm hospitality and meals at her house. She was a skilled seamstress and her house was always immaculate. With a growing family to support, Jim began a varied career in human resources and once her daughters were in school, Tena also worked part-time at a J.C. Penney store and then later at the Bethesda Hospital in the dietary department. The family spent a lot of time enjoying the mountains; most weekends found them enjoying picnics there. Summer vacations found them in South Dakota, traveling throughout the western states, or in Colorado mountain resorts. It was Jim’s desire that all their daughters graduate from college and Tena supported this goal especially in light of her own shortened education. All three daughters began their college educations at Central College, met their husbands there, and somewhat to Jim and Tena’s dismay, ended up living in Iowa rather than returning to Denver. As each of their daughters’ families made their way to Denver both in the summer and each Christmas special times were spent shopping, enjoying the mountains, and cheering for the Broncos. In 1980, Jim accepted a job in Boise, Idaho a city they soon loved. While with this company, they also lived in San Francisco and Astoria, Oregon. They moved to Pella, Iowa, in 1986 to be close to their daughters following Jim’s cancer diagnosis. The couple enjoyed activities at the First Reformed Church and Tena quickly became an active member of both the Central College and Pella Hospital Auxiliaries. Jim passed away on May 23, 1988. Tena married Rev. Kenneth A. Dykstra in 1990 and quickly became his helpmate in ministry as he served as a minister of calling at the First Reformed Church in Pella and the First Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa, Iowa as well as many other churches as a guest pastor. They enjoyed winter stays in Arizona and Texas until their health began to decline. In recent months, Tena battled many health issues but her sense of humor stayed intact. Everyone who met her or was a part of her care commented on what a sweet person she was. A victim of multiple health issues that could not be resolved, she was admitted to the Hospice of Pella Comfort House on December 1, 2009 and passed away there peacefully on December 5, 2009 at the age of 88 years. Left to mourn her passing are her three daughters and their spouses: Bev and Dennis Brass in Pella, Nancy and Ken Borgman in Indianola, Iowa and Peggy and Mac Smith in Huxley, Iowa. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren: Jory (Amy) Brass, Lisa (Rick) Ross; Brad (Sandi) Borgman, Jeff (Tsinia) Borgman, and Steve Borgman; Kent (Madelaine) Smith, Lindsay (Kyle) Mann, Kelsey (Austin) Williamson. She also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren: Owen Ross; Cate, Finn, and Nolan Borgman; Emmett Borgman; Grant Smith; and Carter and Grady Mann. Her sister Jessie Refnes in Sacramento, CA as well as three sisters-in-law, Shirley Tolsma in Mitchell, SD, Pauline Tolsma in Stickney, SD and Virginia Josephson in Homedale, ID and numerous nieces and nephews also survive her. Also surviving her is her husband Rev. Kenneth Dykstra presently of Urbandale, IA and his three children Mark Dykstra, Lois Gates, and Paul (Nancy) Dykstra and their families. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Jim, her brothers Ray, Gerben, and Lawrence, and her sisters Emma VandenHoek, Jennie Van Genderen and Minnie Jansen.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for Ames Christian School, Ames,IA, or AIDS orphan fund at Peace Lutheran Church, Pella, IA or Hospice of Pella Comfort House, Pella, IA.
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Emma Lou Heusinkveld,
, - December 05, 2009
Formerly of Pella, Iowa
Memorial Service: Saturday, July 17, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. , at Second Reformed Church in Pella.
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery
Emma Lou Heusinkveld , 88 , formerly of Pella, IA, passed away December 5, 2009 in Marietta, GA. She taught English and journalism at Pella High School for 15 years. Emma Lou (Becker), was the wife of the late George R. Heusinkveld, and is survived by three daughters: Dr. Paula Heusinkveld Medina of Seneca, SC, Myra Jager of Roanoke, VA and Ginger White of Marietta, GA; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for the Eastminster Presbyterian Church or Stone Mountain Art Station in Stone Mountain, GA.
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Emma Lou Heusinkveld,
, - December 05, 2009
Formerly of Pella, Iowa
Memorial Service: Saturday, July 17, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. , at Second Reformed Church in Pella.
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery
Emma Lou Heusinkveld , 88 , formerly of Pella, IA, passed away December 5, 2009 in Marietta, GA. She taught English and journalism at Pella High School for 15 years. Emma Lou (Becker), was the wife of the late George R. Heusinkveld, and is survived by three daughters: Dr. Paula Heusinkveld Medina of Seneca, SC, Myra Jager of Roanoke, VA and Ginger White of Marietta, GA; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A pot-luck will follow the memorial service at West Market Park Shelter House.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for the Eastminster Presbyterian Church or Stone Mountain Art Station in Stone Mountain, GA.
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Carol "Vee" Van Vark,
June 21, 1918 - December 04, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: Public visitation will be Sunday afternoon , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: Family visitation, one hour prior to the funeral , at Second Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Funeral Service: Monday, December 7, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. , at Second Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella
Carol Vee Van Vark was born on June 21, 1918, at Pella, Iowa. She was the first of two children that were born to Clarence W. and Hazel Marguerite Veenstra Van Vark. Vee, as she was known, attended the Pella Public Schools and graduated from Pella High School. She attended the University of Iowa at Iowa City, Iowa for one year where she obtained her teaching certificate. Vee taught school at North English, Iowa for two years and then at Woodrow Wilson in Des Moines, Iowa. She then worked in the insurance industry as a secretary in Los Angeles, California. Vee was employed with Marsh McLennan for 38 years. She retired in December of 1983, after residing in the Los Angeles area and returned to her hometown, Pella, Iowa. Vee became a resident in the Long Term Care Unit at the Pella Regional Health Center in February of 2007 where she resided the remainder of her lifetime. She passed away there on Friday morning, December 4, 2009, at the age of 91 years, 5 months and 13 days. Vee is survived by a sister-in-law, Margaret (Allen) Van Vark; and a nephew and his wife, Greg and Lynn (Bokelmann) Van Vark and their family: Teresa and Todd Cummings and their two children, Sydney and Clayton Cummings and Jonathan (J.R.) Van Vark all of Pella, Iowa. Vee was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence W. and Hazel Van Vark; her brother, Robert C. Van Vark and his first wife, Betty (Stevenson) Van Vark; and a niece, Diane Van Vark. Vee was baptized and made profession of her faith at the First Reformed Church in Pella. At the time of her death she was a member of the Second Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa.
For those desiring, memorials may be given to the charity of choice.
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Bob Glendening,
October 07, 1934 - December 03, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: Visitation will follow memorial service December 05, 2009 at Third Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Funeral Service: 1:00 p.m. December 05, 2009 at Third Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Robert Riley Glendening was born on October 7, 1934, in University Park, Iowa. He was  one of twelve children that were born to William Riley and Florence Magerkurth Glendening. Bob, as he was known, graduated from high school at Burlington, Iowa and received his Masters Degree in Engineering from Northwestern in Evanston, Illinois.  Following his graduation he proudly served in the United States Navy. On October 23, 1954, he was united in marriage with Dolores Elaine Frueh at Park Ridge, Illinois. To this union twin daughters were born on July 6, 1955, Marjorie Anne and Martha Lynne. Bob and Dolores continued to live in Park Ridge where Bob was a salesman in the Chicago area. He and his family moved to Pella, Iowa for the first time in 1980 and returned to Pella in 1986 where Bob was self-employed in the Pella area.  On April 23, 1992, Dolores passed away at the age of 61 years. In May of 1993 he was united in marriage with Vivian Marie (De Heus) Van Maanen. Bob continued in sales and in 2005 became  the commercial sales manager for Stravers Hardware. He loved working on his computer and was an avid reader who used the Pella Public Library extensively. Late Wednesday evening, December 2, 2009, he passed away at the Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 75 years. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Vivian, and their blended family. They are: Marjorie Moore of  Riverside, Iowa,Katie and Joey Conrad, Alyssa, Landon Conrad, and Dustin Moore,Taylor Moore, Jackie Moore Martha and Jerry  Knickerbocker of Auburn, Michigan, Kelly Beelman,  Jeremy Knickerbocker,Matthew Knickerbocker;(Curtis Van Maanen) Cathy  Soroka of Huxley, Iowa, Alex, Erica and Anna Van Maanen; Tim and Lucia Van Maanen of Leighton, Iowa, Jesse, Keegan, Tanner, Haylie and Noah Van Maanen; Sam and Lisa Van Maanen of Pella, Iowa,  Sarah, Aaron and Ryan Van Maanen; Russell and Amy Van Maanen of Cambridge, Iowa,Max, Mollie Van Maanen; Ben and Cheri Van Maanen of Coppell, Texas,Shelby, Peyton Van Maanen; Martin and Julie Van Maanen of San Luis Obisco, California, Seth Van Maanen, Ensley, Zack and  Abby Allmon; Andrew and Shiela Van Maanen of Parker, Colorado, Preston Carda, Drew and  Rhiley Van Maanen; Matthew  Van Maanen of Cedar Rapids, Iowa Of his original family Bob leaves  four sisters: Dorothea (Fred) Rehling of Abingdon, Illinois, Juanita and her husband, Clarence Den Adel of Pella,  Arlene Rossetti and John Postma, and Shirley (Don) Wilkins all of Galesburg, Illinois; a step-sister, Martha Ruth and her husband, Edward Calkins of Advance, North Carolina; a sister-in-law, Connie (Jerry) Frueh of Pella; and a host of nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores Glendening; a step-son, Curtis Van Maanen; his father and mother, Riley and Florence Glendening; his step-mother, Flossie Glendening; his father-in-law and mother-in-law,  Herbert Henry and Emma Marjorie Matlock Frueh; a brother, Edward Glendening who died in infancy, his brother and his wife, Howard and Helen Glendening;  and the following sisters and their husbands: June and Newton Barnes, Lucille and R. E. Riceman, Bobbie and Hal Williams, Marguerite and  Carl Hoambrecker, Betty and Gail Bowlyow; and three brothers-in-law: Fred Rehling, Donald Wilkins and  J. Gerald (Jerry) Frueh. Bob loved his family.
Memorials may be given for the Carnegie- Viersen Public Library in Pella, Iowa
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Greta Mount,
June 14, 1914 - December 03, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: Public visitation will be Thursday afternoon , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family visitation, one hour prior to the funeral on Friday , at Second Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Funeral Service: Friday, December 11 at 11:00 a.m. , at Second Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella
Greta (Korver) Carver, the only child of Garrett and Estella (Carpenter) Korver, was born on June 14, 1914, in East Peru, Iowa. Greta’s father, Garrett, was the son of Dutch immigrants, (Simon Korver and Gertrude Vander Myde), who came to Pella, Iowa around 1850 and her mother Estella’s parents and family (George and Minerva Carpenter) had lived in the Pella area and had been active in farming since the early 1800’s. Greta grew up spending time in Pella and had many fond memories of Pella then and in more recent years. Greta’s parents were motivated by religious convictions and always acted with kindness and generosity to others. They loved Greta very much and had high aspirations for her life. When it was time to start school, Greta’s parents felt that the best opportunity would be in Des Moines, Iowa. So, the family moved there and Greta attended grade school and graduated from North High School as a member of the National Honor Society in 1931. Greta’s family felt that education was an important tool and so with the goal of becoming a teacher, Greta obtained a B.S. in Education from Drake University in 1934, (Kappa Delta Pi honorary society), a M.S. in Education from Drake University in 1940. She also pursued additional graduate study over the years at Columbia University, University of Wisconsin, Northwestern University and Northern Illinois University. Greta majored in English and Latin and later in Business Education. She taught in Hamilton, Iowa, Panora, Iowa and Davenport, Iowa, Moline, Illinois and later in Highland Park, Illinois. While attending Drake University, Greta met her future husband, Roy Edgar Mount, in an English class. After a lengthy friendship and courtship, Greta and Roy married on July 25, 1944, in Prescott, Arizona, where he was serving as a Staff Sergeant with the United States Army Air Corps and later with the Iowa National Guard. After Roy completed his active service to his country in 1945, Greta and Roy moved to the Davenport, IA/Moline, IL area where Roy was an advertising account executive for John Deere and Greta was Dean of Girls at John Deere Junior High School. When their family started with the birth of Margaret Adelle they moved to Des Plaines, Illinois so that Roy could pursue his career in advertising in Chicago, Illinois, where he was very successful and retired as vice president and creative director in 1976. Meanwhile, when Roy Edgar Mount, Jr. was born, the family moved to Highland Park, Illinois so that the best possible school opportunities for their children would be available. Greta went back to teaching in 1956 at Highland Park High School. This time she taught business education subjects. Greta was a master teacher who loved to teach and took special interest in her students. She was very determined to be the best she could be as a teacher and mentor for her students, gave tirelessly of her time and support for them, and helped them to turn her high expectations for them into their own. From 1971 to 1973 she served as Secretary and Vice President of the Chicago Area Business Education Association. She retired from teaching in 1976 after thirty-three years of dedicated service. Greta and Roy moved to the Pella Manor in Pella, Iowa in 1978. They maintained this Pella residence as well as other homes in Vail, Colorado and Mesa, Arizona and enjoyed their retirement and the splendor of the seasons by spending time in each of these places throughout the year. On November 20, 2000, Greta and Roy moved into the Long Term Care Unit of the Pella Regional Health Center. Greta was a loving wife and shared a mutually committed marriage with Roy for fifty-six years until his death on December 9, 2000. Greta continued to live in the Long Term Care Unit on Team 4 for nine years during which time she took a genuine interest in and felt great affection for the staff. In return for the kind care they gave to her, it was important to her to give encouragement and goodwill back to them. Although she grew weak over the last few months, she still managed a smile and a kind word until she passed away to be with her Lord on December 3, 2009, at the advanced age of 95 years. As a mother, Greta directed all of her love and energy to providing the best for her children, Peggy and Ed. She was an inspirational role model to her children in her determination, in spite of health challenges, and dedication to her family as well as her concern for and interest in all those with whom she came in touch. But most of all, they are grateful for her consistent demonstration of love and selflessness in her actions. She also loved her four granddaughters, Lindsay Kay, Melissa Estelle, Elizabeth Ann Mount and Jera Alexandra Davis, and always encouraged them to be the best they can be. Left to honor and be inspired by Greta’s memory are her daughter, Margaret and her husband, Jerrell K. Davis and their daughter, Jera Alexandra of Taos, New Mexico and her son, Roy Edgar (Ed) Mount and his wife, Janet (Mauk) of Newton, Iowa and their three daughters, Lindsay Kay, Melissa Estelle, and Elizabeth Ann. Greta was preceded in death by her father, Garrett, who passed away in 1943, and her mother, Estella, who passed away in 1971, by her husband, Roy, who passed away in 2000, and her father-in-law, Edgar Alexander Mount in 1951 and her mother-in-law, Ada Levinia (Wright) Mount in 1978. All of us will miss her very much. Greta was a remarkable wife, mother, grandmother and human being who gave of herself and her love selflessly and endlessly. We have been truly blessed to have been part of her life.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for Hospice of Pella, Iowa.
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Gary Matice,
August 20, 1942 - November 26, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Sunday after 12:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present Sunday from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Monday, November 30 at 1:30 p.m. , at First Baptist Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella
Gary Gene Matice was born on August 20, 1942, at Keokuk, Iowa. He was an only child born to Maxwell Joseph and Hazel Lee Dunsworth Matice. Gary graduated from Hamilton Elementary School at Hamilton, Illinois and Hamilton High School. While in high school he was a pitcher on the baseball team and played a coronet in the high school jazz band. Gary then continued his schooling at Davenport Barber College in Davenport, Iowa from where he graduated in 1961. Through a mutual friend Gary met Nancy Karen Hanan and on September 3, 1961, they were united in marriage at Keokuk. Gary and Karen made it through the early lean years of their marriage raising their two children, Sheri Lynn and Troy Alan, and enjoyed sharing their activities together as a family. Gary was a barber at Tulip City Barber Shop for Henry Roush in Pella, Iowa from 1962 until 1973. In 1973 he became a mechanic for Vermeer Sales of Iowa and later worked in the parts department until he retired in August of 2004. Gary and Karen made the decision together to enjoy life while they could even before they retired. Mechanics was more than a way of living for Gary. For several years he ran Enduro Go-Kart Racing with Charles Koopman, Howard Duinink, Dale Coop and Sid De Haan. Gary had run several marathons at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa and they enjoyed snowmobiling and camping at Roberts Creek near Pella. They began boating at Lake Red Rock on the Des Moines River, at the Lake of the Ozarks, and with friends on the Ohio River. Gary had begun studying and playing golf in the early 60's. Since 2005 Gary had worked in golf cart maintenance as well being a golf ball retriever at Dogwood Hills Golf Resort at Osage Beach, Missouri. He enjoyed the friendships made there as much as playing in the golf league. Gary and Karen thoroughly enjoyed the time they spent together and by themselves at Osage Beach. They were planning to travel there on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2009, when Gary passed away unexpectedly at the age of 67 years enroute to the Pella Regional Health Center that morning. Gary leaves behind his wife, Karen of Pella; his daughter, Sheri L. Matice of Otley, Iowa; his son Troy A. Matice and his wife, Jami (Johnson) of Pella and their two children: Kayla Renee Matice of Cedar Falls, Iowa and Lane Alan Matice at home; his father, Max Matice, a resident in the Long Term Care Unit at the Pella Regional Health Center; a sister-in-law: Vicki (Hanan) Roller of Pella and a brother-in-law, Jim Hanan and his wife, Glenda of Keokuk .Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Hazel Matice, who passed away June 13, 1997 and a brother-in-law, Rey Roller. Gary was baptized at the First Christian Church in Hamilton, Illinois and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Pella, Iowa.
Memorials may be designated for the First Baptist Church in Pella, Iowa
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Verle Ver Dught,
October 12, 1911 - November 23, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Tuesday afternoon , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present Tuesday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Wednesday, November 25 at 10:30 a.m. , at Second Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella
Verle Frank Ver Dught was an only child born to David and Cora DeBruyn Ver Dught. He was born on October 12, 1911, at Pella, Iowa. He attended the Pella Public Schools and graduated from Pella High School with the Class of 1929. While in high school he played basketball, baseball, football and participated in track, earning a varsity letter in each sport all four years. Verle enrolled at Central College in Pella where he attended for 3 ½ years. While at Central College he also participated in all four sports and lettered in each sport all three years except for basketball; he was, however, a member of the “Wonder Squad” in basketball for four years. Verle’s father, a double amputee below the hips due to diabetes passed away in 1933, and his death prohibited Verle from continuing his education at Central College. He then entered his insurance business, known as Lautenbach and Ver Dught Insurance. On March 7, 1935, he was united in marriage with Hilda Valida Chrisman, whom had met on a blind date. They were married at Historic Valley Junction in Des Moines, Iowa; trust, honest and good communication were attributes of their special marriage. Verle and Hilda became the parents of two daughters: Sally Jo, who was born on May 31, 1936 and Margaret Kay, who died soon after birth on September 8, 1940. In April of 1944 Verle enlisted in the United States Navy. Verle served in the Pacific as a landing craft operator aboard the USS Haskell and made three landings on the enemy held islands, in Okinawa, Leyle Gulf and the Philippines. After serving in the Pacific, he was transferred back to the United States to Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts where he took a course in disposal of war surplus goods. Lt. Verle Ver Dught was honorably discharged at Minneapolis, Minnesota in March of 1946. Following his discharge Verle returned to Pella and continued in the insurance business. Verle ultimately purchased the business which became his life’s work and continued to own the business until his retirement in 1974. During this tenure Verna Van Dyk was a significant contributor to the success of the business. Verle was dedicated to his country and devoted to the community of Pella. He served as a Commander of the Pella American Legion of World War II and continued to be a member of the Van Veen-Van Hemert American Legion Post No. 89 for over 60 years. He was the oldest, living member of the Pella Masonic Lodge No. 55 A.F. and A. M. and was also a member of the Des Moines Lodge where he attained the rank of 32nd Degree Mason. Verle was a charter member of the Pella Noon Kiwanis Club and a charter member of the Pella Community Hospital Board of Directors. At the age of 12 Verle began playing golf. He solicited door to door to make the Pella Golf & Country Club a reality and ultimately became a charter member of the present country club. Verle, along with his wife, Hilda, were both past golf champions at the Pella Golf & Country Club. Verle continued to enjoy the sport until he quit at the age of 92 years. Verle had been a faithful, loyal member of the Second Reformed Church in Pella where he was baptized and made profession of his faith in March of 1926 and supporter and contributor to Central College. Verle contributed to the new cross country course at Central College that was dedicated to his wife, Hilda, his great-grandsons and him. Verle was also responsible for starting a scholarship fund at Central College for students in the Science Department to aid students in their studies. Verle and Hilda enjoyed traveling together to Holland, France and Germany and loyal to their heritage; following their retirement they enjoyed a winter home in Mission, Texas, where they could pursue their favorite sport, golf, and a ‘happy hour’ in Mexico. Hilda passed away on July 20, 2006, at the age of 91 years. Verle was able to continue to reside in his residence in Pella until he passed away early Monday morning, November 23, 2009, following a short stay at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella. He attained the advanced age of 98 years, one month and 11 days. He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Hilda, his two daughters, Margaret Kay in 1940 and Sally Jo Cook, who died on July 8, 1991 at the age of just 54 years; his parents, David and Cora Ver Dught, and his parents-in-law, James and Hattie Johnson Chrisman. Those who will cherish his memory and remember his genuine and generous spirit are his four grandchildren: Cristi Elaine and her husband, Charles Puyear, of Pella, Iowa; Dr. Rory Lee of Denver, Colorado; Rhonda Linn Kincaid of Springfield, Missouri; Laura Jo Cook of Jefferson City, Missouri; twin great-grandsons: Micah Puyear of Pella and Joshua Puyear and his wife, Linnae of Boulder, Colorado; a great-grandson, Jeremiah Casada of Springfield, Missouri; and one great-great-granddaughter, Madison Casada. Family, institutions and the community of Pella, Iowa were lifetime recipients of Verle’s generosity.
Memorials may be designated for the Hospice of Pella Comfort House
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Sally Stice,
April 25, 1939 - November 14, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Graveside Service: 2:30 p.m. November 17, 2009 at Oakwood Cemetery
Sally Ann Hugen was born on April 25, 1939, at Oskaloosa, Iowa. She was one of two daughters that were born to Ray Earl and Anne Lucille Bloom Hugen. Sally graduated from Pella Public High School in Pella, Iowa with the Class of 1957. Following graduation she was employed at Bankers Life in Des Moines, Iowa for a short time and then began working at the Rolscreen Company in Pella. Sally was united in marriage with Robert Stice and to this union one son, Brian Dean, was born. Sally lived the remainder of her life in Pella and for 22 years was employed in the kitchen at the Pella Community Hospital. An early retirement found Sally reading, doing crossword puzzles and attending garage sales. On Saturday morning, November 14, 2009, she passed away at the Pella Regional Health Center in Pella at the age of 70 years. Sally is survived by her son, Brian, and her sister, Marlene Hugen of Pella. She was preceded in death by her parents, her father, Ray Hugen, who passed away in July of 1977 and her mother, Anne Hugen, who passed away   in August of 1996. Sally had a sweet and caring way about  her and will be remembered for her giving spirit.
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Charlotte Beyer,
August 30, 1920 - November 14, 2009
Zeeland, Michigan
Visitation: Friday, November 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. , at First Christian Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Funeral Service: Friday, November 20 at 1:00 p.m. , at First Christian Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Waveland Cemetery at Prairie City, Iowa
Goodyk was born on August 30, 1920. She was the daughter of Johannes and Sadie Spoelstra Goodyk. Charlotte married Albert Beyer on February 14, 1940 at Sully, Iowa. This union produced five children: Gene Edwin, an infant son, Mary Ann, John Rolland and Julie Elyn. Following their marriage Charlotte and Albert farmed near Prairie City, Iowa. In 1950 they moved to Pella, Iowa and in 1960 they moved to Oskaloosa, Iowa where Albert operated service stations. Eleven years later they moved to Michigan. They resided in Grand Rapids until moving to Muskegon. Albert passed away in 1985. Following his death Charlotte moved to Jenison, Michigan where she lived until moving to Zeeland. Zeeland, Michigan was her residence the remainder of her lifetime where she was cared for until the time of her death. She passed away on Saturday morning, November 14, 2009, at the age of 89 years. Charlotte is survived by her children: Gene and Bonnie Beyer of Benson, Arizona, Philip Kinnisten who lives in North Carolina, John and Stephanie Beyer of Holland, Michigan, and Julie Aumueller of Grand Rapids, Michigan; as well as her grandchildren: Sandra (Beyer) Nederveld, Gary Beyer, Matthew Kinnisten, Andrew Kinnisten, Jonathan Beyer, Claire Beyer, Jessica Aumueller, Christopher Aumueller; and ten great-grandchildren. Three sisters : Adrianna (Gerrit) Roose of Pella, Iowa, Johanna Spykerman of Holland, Michigan and Louise (Wilbur) Nikkel of Pella survive her along with a brother-in-law: Joel Spykerman of Holland, and three sisters-in-law: Freda (Wiebe) Goodyk and Esther (Case) Goodyk both of Pella, and Gertrude (Peter) Goodyk of Newton, Iowa; as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Charlotte was the last remaining member of her generation in her late husband Albert’s family. She was preceded in death by him, an infant son, her daughter, Mary Kinnisten, who died in 2003, a daughter-in-law, Joyce (Gene) Beyer who died in 2002; her parents, Johannes and Sadie Goodyk; her five brothers: Wiebe Goodyk, Cornelius Goodyk, Peter Goodyk, Henry Goodyk and his wife, Betty, Jacob Goodyk and his wife, Wilma; a sister, Tena (Gerrit) Roose; and two brothers-in-law: Gerrit Roose and Wilbur Nikkel.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Holland, Michigan
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Grace De Hamer,
May 31, 1913 - November 12, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Sunday morning , at Van Dyk -Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. , at Van Dyk -Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Monday, November 16, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. , at First Christian Reformed Church in Pella
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery in Pella
Grace Bertha De Jong was born on May 31, 1913, near Pella, Iowa. She was the fourth of nine children that were born to Peter G. and Antonetta Dykstra De Jong. In 1921 the family moved to a farm north of Leighton, Iowa. Grace attended the Black Oak No. 6 Country Grade School from which she graduated. On August 27, 1935, she was united in marriage with Peter J. De Hamer at the First Christian Reformed Church in Pella. To this union three children were born: Marilyn Jean, John Leroy and Ronald Eugene, who was stillborn on April 14, 1950. Grace and Peter farmed all their married life in the Pella, Harvey and Eddyville, Iowa areas. Grace enjoyed cooking and doing yard work and together she and Peter enjoyed camping and traveling. Following their retirement, they moved into Oskaloosa, Iowa in 1962. During this time Grace was employed in the food department at the Camair Convalescent Home for 13 years. In June of 2001, they moved to Pella for their assisted living needs. Peter became a patient at the Pleasant Park Estates in Oskaloosa in October, 2001, and passed away there on February 12, 2002, at the age of 90 years. Following his death Grace became a patient at the New Sharon Nursing Home in New Sharon, Iowa and in 2007 was transferred to the Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa. Grace was cared for the remainder of her life and passed away on Thursday afternoon, November 12, 2009, at the advanced age of 96 years, 5 months and 11 days. Those who will cherish her memory are her daughter, her son and daughter-in-law and their families. They are: Marilyn J. (Gerald J.) De Jong of Pella, Iowa;Cyndi and John Keen of Scottsdale, Arizona, Carissa, Lauren, Ryan and Sarah Keen; Scott and Leann De Jong of Ankeny, Iowa,Emily, Brittany and Zachary De Jong; Renee and Kent Ferguson of New Sharon, Iowa,Nolan, Hannah and Maggie Ferguson:John J. and Marjorie (Bokhoven) De Hamer of Eddyville, Iowa; Mary Lou and Rick Doty of Oskaloosa, Iowa,Leasa Doty,Emma, Savanna Simmons; Kristin and Sherwin Plate,Natalie Plate;Arlene and Randy Vonk of Oskaloosa, Iowa,Greg, Brandon, Amber and Jennifer Vonk; Teresa and Dan Augustine of Rose Hill, Iowa,Emily, Ryan Augustine: Larry and Barb De Hamer of Eddyville, Iowa,Megan, Joslyn De Hamer. Of her original family Grace leaves two sisters: Charlotte De Jong and Esther (Leonard) Vande Lune both of Pella; her only brother, Gilbert De Jong of Leighton, Iowa; and a sister-in-law, Cornelia (De Hamer), Mrs. Henry Van Whye of Oskaloosa, Iowa. Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Peter J. De Hamer; her stillborn son, Ronald Eugene De Hamer; her son-in-law, Gerald J. De Jong; her parents, Peter G. and Antonetta De Jong; her parents-in-law, John K. and Janna De Ruiter De Hamer; five sisters: Pearl (De Jong), Mrs. Merle Van Steenis, Clara De Jong, Nina De Jong, Mabelle (De Jong) and her husband, Russell Van Arkel, and Ada De Jong; her sisters-in-law: Dorothy (Gilbert) De Jong and Mary Lou, Mrs. Merle Van Steenis; her brothers-in-law: Merle Van Steenis and Leonard Vande Lune; and the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Lavina (De Hamer), Mrs. Henry Van Whye, Jennie (De Hamer) and Gerrit Wielard, Mary (De Hamer) and Robert Vande Kamp, Margaret (De Hamer) and Floyd Uitermarkt, and Henry Van Whye. Grace was baptized and made profession of her faith at the Ebenezer Reformed Church in Leighton, Iowa. In later years she became a member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa where she was a member at the time of her death.
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Peter Slycord,
September 25, 1924 - November 09, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Wednesday morning , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present, Wednesday 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Thursday, November 12 at 11:00 a.m. , at First Christian Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella
Peter James Slycord was born on September 25, 1924. He was one of nine children that were born to Leonard and Elizabeth (De Koning) Slycord. On September 2, 1948, he was united in marriage with Anna Mae Vink, a daughter of John and Anna (Schuring) Vink Jr., and they were blessed with four sons: John Lee, William Jay, Ronald Alan and Donald Wayne. Pete and Anna Mae lived east of Pella, Iowa near her parents home place for 42 years. During this time Pete farmed and operated a tree service. They later built a new home there and had lived there for the past 20 years while Pete was employed as a night watchman for Vermeer Manufacturing Company. Pete always had a good sense of humor and had an appreciation for the simple things in life, a lifestyle he and Anna Mae observed all their 61 years of married life. Pete and Anna Mae made the vow of living together until death do us part. They were privileged to do just that in their own home until just this past October. On October 26, 2009, they became residents at the Westridge Nursing & Rehab Center in Knoxville, Iowa where Pete passed away on Monday morning, November 9, 2009. He attained the age of 85 years, one month and 14 days. Those who will cherish his memory are his loving and faithful wife, Anna Mae Slycord, three sons and their wives, four granddaughters, one grandson and two great-grandchildren: John and Marie Slycord of Pella, Iowa; Bill and Florence Slycord of Pella, Iowa; Don and Marcia Slycord of Pella, Iowa. Of his original family Pete leaves one brother, Andrew Slycord of Marshalltown, Iowa , a sister, Magolena and her husband, Bob Fuerst of Newburg, Iowa; and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Junella (Vink) and Myron Beerends of Pella, Iowa. Pete was preceded in death by his son Ronald Slycord and his wife, Deb; his parents, Leonard and Elizabeth Slycord; his parents-in-law, John and Anna Vink; and the following sisters and brothers: Johanna Slycord and Mary Jane Slycord who both died at a young age, Annie (Bert) Hol, Katie (Petersma) Vander Horst, Cornie (Dorothy) Slycord and Walter (Dorothy) Slycord. Pete was a longtime member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa. He will be remembered as a loving and faithful husband and dad and a No. 1 grandpa.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for Hospice of Pella.
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Dr. Suzanne Wallace,
June 01, 1946 - November 04, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Memorial Service: Sunday, November 8 at 3:00 p. m. , at Central College Chapel, Pella, Iowa
Dr. Suzanne Marie (Brown) Wallace, PhD, 63, of Pella, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon at her residence in Pella. Dr. Wallace, a former Professor of Economics at Central College in Pella, is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Wallace and her partner, Anastasia Karson, and her son, Richard Wallace and his wife, Darlene, all of Spokane, Washington. .
For those desiring, memorials are preferred for ACLU or Doctors Without Borders.
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Sarah Mathes,
December 15, 1907 - October 20, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: Friday morning , at Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: 1:30 p.m. October 23, 2009 at First Reformed Church
Interment: Graceland Cemetery
Sarah Mathes was born on December 15, 1907, north of Pella, Iowa. She was the second of ten children that were born to John N. and Jeannette Vos Mathes. Sarah graduated from the European No. III Country Grade School and spent her days as a youth on the family farm north of Pella. Being the oldest daughter in this large family, Sarah patiently spent time caring for her younger siblings. This virtue was evident the remainder of Sarah’s life. Sarah worked at several country homes around the Pella area and for many years she and her sister, Agnes Mathes, were employed at the Home for the Aged. Sarah was also the receptionist in the offices of Dr. H. C. Vander Meulen, a physician and Dr. Wormhoudt, a dentist in Pella. Following her retirement she and sister Agnes continued living in Pella and in 1993 they moved into Fair Haven East. During her retirement Sarah spent many hours making quilts for Missions. She also enjoyed sewing, doing handwork, as well as crocheting afghans. Sarah was a lifelong member of the First Reformed Church in Pella and attended church services faithfully as long as her health permitted. On Tuesday afternoon, October 20, 2009, she passed away at the Oskaloosa Care Center in Oskaloosa, Iowa at the advanced age of 101 years, 10 months and 5 days. Those who will cherish her long life are her brother, Ervin Mathes and four sisters: Esther Slykhuis, Mable De Vries, Evelyn Beyer, Edith Huyser and her husband, Irvin, all of Pella, Iowa; along with several nieces and nephews. Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, John and Jeannette Mathes; and the following brothers and sister, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Valentine and Jennie Mathes, William and Beulah Mathes, Harold and Pauline Mathes, Agnes Mathes, Johanna (Ervin) Mathes, Herman Slykhuis, Edward De Vries and Arie Beyer. Sarah was a gentle, kind and caring person and will be forever cherished in the hearts of her family.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for the First Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa
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Pat Zylstra,
December 28, 1938 - October 20, 2009
Sully, Iowa
Visitation: begins Friday after 11:00 a.m. , at Sully Christian Reformed Church
Visitation: Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at Sully Christian Reformed Church
Funeral Service: Saturday, October 24 at 10:30 a. m. , at Sully Christian Reformed Church, Sully, Iowa
Interment: Sully Cemetery at Sully, Iowa
Patricia Ann Bandstra was born on December 28, 1938, at home near Knoxville, Iowa. She was the first of four daughters that were born to Paul P. and Bertha Heyveld Bandstra. Pat was six years of age when her parents moved to Sully, Iowa where she attended the Sully Christian Grade School. Pat graduated from Pella Christian High School in Pella, Iowa with the Class of 1957. On March 4, 1958, she was united in marriage with Rolland Duco Zylstra at the Sully Christian Reformed Church in Sully where she and “Duke”, as he was known, made profession of their faith together that year. Pat and Duke spent two years of their marriage in El Paso, Texas while Duke served with the U.S. Army and during this time they were blessed with a son, Timothy Paul, who was born on February 2, 1961. Duke owned and operated Zylstra Express in Sully where Pat was the secretary for many years. At the present time she was semi-retired. Pat loved raising and tending her flowers. She and Duke loved to travel and going to places to enjoy Southern Gospel music. Her semi-retirement was abruptly brought to an end when she underwent major brain surgery on September 11, 2009, and their plans for subsequent treatments were not to be. Pat passed away on Tuesday afternoon, October 20, 2009, at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella, Iowa at the age of 70 years. Pat’s first love was God, her family and grandchildren. Her family includes her husband, Rolland “Duke” Zylstra, their son, Tim Zylstra and his wife, Lori (Sward); three grandchildren: Benjamin Zylstra and his wife, Jennifer ( Floden) and their three children: Maddison, Mackenzie and Kyliee, Bethany Zylstra and her fiancé, Chase Tanke, and Bartholomew Zylstra all of Sully. Pat enjoyed watching her grandchildren play sports. Pat leaves two sisters and their husbands: Karen K. and Stanley Witzenburg of Sebring, Florida, Velma R. and Stanley Bogaard of Pella, and a brother-in-law, Lester Klyn and his wife, Linda, of Pella. The following brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law are also surviving: Rev. Martin G. (Carol) Zylstra of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Johanna (Ludolph) Zylstra of Sully, Evelyn (Ivan) Zylstra of Grand Rapids, Harriet (Robert) Zylstra, Quintin and Alice Zylstra of Pella, Seymour “Zeke” and Carla Zylstra of Sully, Joan “Joey” and John Bandstra of Pella, Bertha “Berts” and Jim Talsma of Colfax, Iowa, Revena and Frank Gritters, Linda and Donald Rus, Art and Verna Zylstra all of Pella; along with many nieces and nephews. Pat was preceded in death by her parents: her father, Paul P. Bandstra, who died on May 22, 1971, at the age of 56 years, her mother, Bertha Bandstra, who died on March 23, 1991, at the age of 76 years; her sister, A. Joyce Klyn, who died on October 31, 1996, at the age of 56 years; her parents-in-law, Reink and Johanna Rolffs Zylstra; three brothers-in-law: Ludolph, Ivan and Robert Zylstra; and a sister-in-law, Carol (Martin) Zylstra. Pat was baptized at the Second Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa and since making profession of her faith had been a faithful member of the Sully Christian Reformed Church in Sully, Iowa. She helped teach Sunday School and Gems and was a past member of the Sully Christian School Circle. Pat will be remembered as a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister.
For those desiring, memorials are preferred for Hospice of Pella, Iowa
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Keith Vande Krol,
June 24, 1944 - October 15, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Sunday morning until noon , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. , at Liberty Evangelical Free Church, Pella, Iowa
Funeral Service: Monday, October 19 at 1:30 p. m. , at Liberty Evangelical Free Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella with military honors
On June 24, 1944, Keith Dwayne Vande Krol was born on a farm at New Sharon, Iowa, to Glen and Nola Fern (Monsma) Vande Krol. Keith began his education at the Lynn Grove No. 7 Country School near Taintor, Iowa, and graduated from Lynnville-Sully High School in Sully, Iowa, with the Class of 1962. At the young age of just 16, his life was changed when his father, Glen, passed away suddenly at the age of 43 years. Keith loved the farm and loved being outdoors, but living on the farm ended when his father passed away. In 1965, Keith enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served as a communication specialist at the Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska during the Vietnam War and was discharged in March of 1967. He later enrolled at Central College in Pella, Iowa, where he attended for two years and pursued a mortuary science degree. On May 17, 1968, Keith and Nellie Joan Verhoef were united in marriage at the First Christian Reformed Church in Pella. Keith and Joan were blessed with two children, Keith Dwayne on October 9, 1970, and Teresa Lanell on August 25, 1972. Dwayne and Teri's fondest memories of their dad was his devoted support for them and his pride in their accomplishments, as well as his sense of humor. Keith had a magnetic personality that augmented a successful career in sales. He was a salesman for Van Gorp Manufacturing in Pella and then became the first employee for Precision Pulley. Keith saw Precision Pulley grow and enhanced its growth from its beginning in 1978. He became the sales manager and helped build the company to its present level of success. Keith's last employment was with Superior Equipment in Morris, Minnesota. In October of 1998, Keith was diagnosed with brain cancer. This diagnosis forced an early retirement. Keith was the master of one liners, stories, and jokes, and coped with his diagnosis by writing a booklet which was an inspiration to others. He was also an inspiration by visiting those who were sick and in the nursing home. He would often provide pet therapy by taking his golden retriever, Baily, to visit in the Long Term Care Unit at the Pella Regional Health Center in Pella where his faithful wife, Joan, was a Director of Nursing. Keith strongly believed that to get through the hard times in life, you had to have four things: 1. Faith in God, 2. Positive attitude, 3. Sense of humor, 4. Support of family and friends. He enjoyed reading, Southern gospel music, and spending time with family and friends. Special times were spent with his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jeanette and Roger Jansen, and friends, Tim and Joan Lucas. Keith loved the Lord and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior as a youth while attending the Sully Gospel Chapel and was baptized at Rock Creek Lake. He cherished his dad's Bible and devotional books. Keith was a member of the Liberty Evangelical Free Church at Pella. On Thursday morning, October 15, 2009, Keith passed away at his residence at the age of 65 years. Keith was dutifully and lovingly cared for by his wife of 41 years, Joan, and leaves his two wonderful children, their spouses and four beautiful granddaughters: K. Dwayne and Lori (Mattusch) Vande Krol and Emma Kay and Josie Grace of Clive, Iowa; Teri and Jason Petrin and Elizabeth Katherine and Gabrielle Marie of Woodbury, Minnesota. Keith is survived by his mother, Nola, and step-father Keith Emmert of Pella; his older special sister, Dorothy (Vande Krol) and her husband, Merlyn Vander Leest of Pella; a younger twin sister and brother, Judy (Vande Krol) and her husband, David Minnick of Nevada, Iowa and Jerry Vande Krol of Manson, Iowa. He also leaves his father-in-law, William Verhoef of Pella and the following brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Bill and Shirley Verhoef of Otley, Iowa; Jeanette (Verhoef) and Roger Jansen of Pella; Harry and Linda Verhoef of Pella; Marjorie (Verhoef) and Mark Van Haaften of Otley. In addition, Keith is survived by the following step-sisters and step-brothers: Jan (Emmert) and Rich Yost living in Florida; Jo (Emmert) and Joe Julian living in Colorado; Jim and Karen Emmert living in Pella; Jeff and Susan Emmert living in Texas. There are many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles and a host of friends. Keith was preceded in death by his father, Glen Vande Krol, on July 10, 1960, and his mother-in-law, Nellie (Griffioen) Verhoef on March 16, 1993. Keith's life was marked by his strong faith, sense of humor, and courageous battle against his illness. Keith will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred for the Pella Regional Health Center for staff education programs.
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Jo Van Ekeren,
May 05, 1923 - October 12, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: Beginning at Noon on Thursday with the family present from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. October 15, 2009 at Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Friday 11:00 a.m. October 16, 2009 at First Baptist Church
Interment: Graceland Cemetery, Pella, Iowa
Mildred Josephine Reeg was born May 5, 1923, to Ed L. and Nellie (Morrison) Reeg in Glover, North Dakota. Early in her life her family moved to Iowa where her childhood schooling began in Catholic schools and later attended Oskaloosa High School in Oskaloosa, Iowa. On October 27, 1940, she was joined in marriage to Alvin Van Ekeren in Lancaster, Missouri. The reminder of her life was spent in Pella, Iowa. In 1941, a son, Ronald Alvin, was born. Alvin served his country on a Naval Ship in the Pacific during World War II. During this time Jo, as she became known, was expecting their second child, a daughter, Gloria Jean. Jo managed herself and the children alone until his return. She was an ambitious and practical young woman and soon she became a working wife and mother. Her first employment was as a seamstress in the Overall Factory in Pella. When an office job became open at the Rolscreen Company (Pella Corp), she borrowed an old typewriter, practiced her high school typing skills, interviewed and secured what would be her lifetime career. She continued working, growing and improving her skills. When Pella Corp formed distributors through out the country, Jo was the contact person for ordering windows for the Western United States territory. She prided herself in her service and her association with Pella Corp during her 33 year career and retired in 1988. Upon retirement Jo decided to learn how to golf and play bridge. While she progressed with her desires to learn, she also acquired many dear friends. With these friends, she later traveled across the globe as well as the United States. Near to her 80th birthday, Jo survived a bout with lymphoma. This was a shock to her as she had never had a serious illness and she was proud of her health when compared with those younger then she. In retirement she volunteered, supported and was active in the Pella Business Women’s Club. Jo especially enjoyed working at the Tulip Time Craft Market that was held in the West Market and was sponsored by the Business Women’s Club. The last ten years she shared her and her family’s lives with a trusted friend and companion, Dick D. Van Zante. They spent many winters in Texas and other travels, as well as sports, activities and playing bridge. She was a hard working lady and despite the efforts of her family to make life easier for her, she insisted that she could stay in her own home in the country, continuing to care for her flowers and lawn. In November of 2008, however, she reluctantly allowed her family to move her into an apartment at 212 Idaho Drive, closer to her activities and family. Jo spent her remaining days on her own until she succumbed to the second bout of a different type of cancer. Early Monday morning, October 12, 2009, she passed away at the Pella Regional Health Center at the age of 86. The memory of Jo will remain forever with her family. Those that she leaves behind include her son and his wife, her daughter and her husband, five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. They are: Ron and Linda (Steenhoek) Van Ekeren of Laramie, Wyoming; Jeane and Larry Nossaman of Pella, Iowa. She is survived by a sister and brother- in- law, Helen and Lee Deck and a half sister, Muriel Gualco of Warsaw, Missouri; a sister-in-law, Darlene (Van Ekeren) Hamilton of Oskaloosa, Iowa and several special nieces and nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Van Ekeren, on January 29, 1986, her father and mother, Ed and Nellie Reeg, and a half-brother, Logan Stoudt .
Hospice of Pella
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Edgar Van Arkel,
September 15, 1922 - October 11, 2009
Visitation: Beginning Wednesday Noon with family present from 5:30 -7:00 p.m. October 14, 2009 at Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Thursday 10:30 a.m. October 15, 2009 at First Baptist Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Pella, Iowa
Edgar Van Arkel was born on September 15, 1922, on a farm south of Pella, Iowa. He was the youngest of six children that were born to John and Gertrude Koopman Van Arkel. Ed’s mother passed away on October 24, 1924 and he and his siblings then went to live with uncles and aunts. Ed lived with Uncle Jim and Aunt Elizabeth Van Dusseldorp until he was 13 years of age. As a young lad Ed helped his “Daddy” Van Dusseldorp in his General Merchandise Store and when his Aunt Elizabeth Van Dusseldorp passed away he went to live with his Aunt Mary Koopman. Ed spent lots of time playing with neighbors and they even built a bicycle and tree house. The tree house was truly a disaster and his Aunt Mary Koopman said “Eddie, you’ll never be a builder unless someone teaches you to build a house neater that yours.” He always had very fond memories of the days he lived with Aunt Mary. Ed graduated from Pella High School in 1940 and then attended Central College in Pella for two years where he received his teaching certificate. He received his Elementary Education Degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. His first teaching assignment was at Union School west of Tracy, Iowa. He continued teaching at various country schools, Barnes City, New Sharon and Knoxville, Iowa. In 1952, Ed was married to Eva Mae Van Wyngarden at the old First Baptist Church in Pella and she passed away on April 18, 1957. Following 13 years of courtship, on June 27, 1970, he was united in marriage with Theola Marie Henrichs at the new First Baptist Church in Pella. Ed and Theola met while they were both teaching elementary education at Knoxville. Their relationship remained strong while they each pursued their respective careers. They were each independent yet did most things together and maintained a strong personal connection. Ed and a friend then opened the Checkerboard Café on the east side of the square in Pella and later operated the Holland House Restaurant. After a few years he went back to teaching for the North Mahaska Schools. Teaching was always in his blood; students and parents would often say, “Mr. Van Arkel made learning fun.” In 1980 he retired from teaching and opened a small business called, DeWinkeL op De Hoek (The Store on the Corner), a consignment shop selling all homemade items. Theola often helped in the shop when she was not teaching. They eventually closed the shop and he retired again in 1986. Ed then became a fulltime volunteer and continued to enjoy all kinds of volunteer work. He volunteered as a greeter at the Information Windmill, as a host at the Pella Historical Village in the Delft Room, in honor of his high school English teacher, Mr. Maurice Birdsall, clerking at Work of Our Hands, and working at the snack bar at the Pella Regional Health Center. Ed had Central College students stay with him for several years and for many years sold tickets at various athletic events for the Pella Community Schools, particularly basketball games. Ed was truly a devoted member of the First Baptist Church following his baptism. He sang in the church choir for 65 years. He was often in charge of clean-up following ice cream socials and the Harvest Supper. He was faithful in addressing and mailing birthday cards to every member of the church for many years. Ed enjoyed traveling and had fond memories of his trips to Europe. Another pastime for Ed was crocheting and gardening. He grew up having flowers and plants around him. Ed was admitted into the Long Term Care Unit at the Pella Regional Health Center in December of 2007. He spent lots of his time there outside in the flower garden and patio. Last fall Theola arrived at the Long Term Care Center to find dirt all over the bed, the floor and him. He was found holding a straggly petunia plant he had “rescued” from the garden at the care center. He was afraid the plant would not survive the upcoming frost. Ed was very proud of living in Pella and treasured any article of clothing with the Pella insignia printed on it. Late Sunday night, October 11, 2009, he passed away there at the age of 87 years. Ed is survived by his faithful and devoted wife of 39 years, Theola, several nieces and nephews and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude and John Van Arkel; his Uncle and Aunt Jim and Elizabeth Van Dusseldorp and Aunt Mary Koopman; and all of his brothers and sister and their spouses: OlaMae and Dale Messamaker, Case and Inez Van Arkel, Joe and Ruth Van Arkel, Gerald and Betty Van Arkel, Robert and Robinette Van Arkel.
First Baptist Church or Hospice of Pella
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Mrs. Jennie Ver Meer,
April 07, 1923 - October 08, 2009
Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m. October 12, 2009 at Calvary Christian Reformed Church
Interment: Pella, Iowa
Jennie De Ronde Ver Meer was born April 7, 1923, the youngest daughter of Arie and Hendrieke De Ronde. She grew up on their family farm near Galesburg and was baptized and attended Galesburg CRC as a child. Growing up Jennie loved riding the horses that her brothers trained. She was known to have the fastest gaited horse in the neighborhood. Later the family joined the First CRC of Pella. It was there she met and fell in love with Harold Ver Meer. They were married January 1, 1942. They moved to Plain View Farm in the spring of 1945, here they raised their children Mary, Andrea, David and Ann. Jennie and Harold became charter members of Calvary Christian Reformed Church. She was active in the Willing Workers Society and taught 1st grade Sunday school for many years. She and Harold, John and Edna Boender, and Dale and Ruth Gosselink were member of the committee that started the outdoor worship services at the North Overlook area of Red Rock Lake. Every summer these services drew hundreds of worshipers. 4-H was important to the family and she served on the Marion County Extension council while her children were members of the Lake Prairie Club. She enjoyed helping them with their projects and brought home blue ribbons herself with baking and knitting exhibits in the open class. A highlight of her life was standing at the baptismal font at the church in Auds Losdrect, Holland, where her father was dedicated to the Lord, and finding his name in the church registry. After struggling to understand the Dutch of the rest of the country she understood perfectly the dialect of this village. It was the same as she heard from her father as he read her the Dutch newspaper that came to their home every week. Jennie loved interior and dress design, often staying up sewing till the wee hours of the night. Her daughters would wake up in the morning and find a beautiful prom dress hanging in the doorway. She was an associate teacher for seven years in the preschool department during the initial years of Christian Opportunity Center. At the time she worked there, it was a school for special need children, a passion of hers for she loved children. Working with dear friends Betty Hovey, Judi Menninga and Ruth Santee. After her retirement she had more time to concentrate on her flower gardens. She especially enjoyed raising roses & lilies and so appreciated Derek Groendyk helping her with her yard and flowerbeds. She loved to read and instilled that love in her family. She researched and ordered books for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always finding the book that personally interested them and encouraged their faith in Jesus. Harold and Jennie were avid campers. The favorite location was area 7, lot 20 at the Iowa State fair. Never missing the event for 50 years, they enjoyed having the grown children camp beside them, watching them compete at the horse show and sharing food and laughter with state fair neighbors as well as all the family. After 65 years of marriage Harold passed away at the Comfort House on July 19, 2007. Jennie continued to live in her home, enjoying her beautiful garden. She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by her 4 children; 12 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; one brother, Bob De Ronde and wife Dorothy of Pella and 1 brother-in-law, Peter Rus. Jennie’s family: Mary and Lyle Borg – Pella, Iowa, Andrea and Jim Balmer - Iowa City, Iowa, Dave and Debbie Ver Meer – Columbus, Ohio, Ann and Dave Oglesby - Iowa City, Iowa. Jennie was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, an infant grandson Andrew Oglesby, parents, Arie & Hendrieke De Ronde and the following brothers and sisters: Jacob and Nick De Ronde, Johanna (Raymond) Van Heukelom, Dora (Peter) Rus, Neal and John De Ronde.
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Louise Sabin,
February 16, 1921 - October 02, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: visitation begins Monday afternoon , at Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present Monday from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. , at Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Tuesday, October 6 at 11:00 a.m. , at First Baptist Church, Pella, Iowa
Graveside Service: Wednesday, October 7 , 2009 , at
Interment: Armstrong Grove Cemetery at Armstrong, Iowa
Louise Gezel was the youngest of seven children that were born to George and Edith Lillian (Porter) Gezel. She was born on February 16, 1921, at Pella, Iowa. Louise was educated in the Pella Public Schools where she graduated from Pella High School. During her academic years she learned to play the violin and began whistling at different events in Pella and the surrounding area. Her Grandmother Porter really didn’t care for her whistling and often said, “a whistling girl and a crowing hen always come to a bad end.” Louise and Luverne Ellis Sabin were introduced to each other by a cousin of his and on February 23, 1950, they were united in marriage at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa on a cold and snowy day. To this union three children were born: Miles Eugene, Duane Ellis and Vesta Louise. Louise and Luverne began raising their children together near Armstrong, Iowa. Luverne worked as a welder and then at the very young age of just 42 years he passed away of cancer in 1957. Luverne served his family well as a father and provider and his country honorably during World War II. Louise became a single parent and the sole provider for the family. Soon thereafter they returned to Pella where she began cleaning houses and ironing shirts. Although it was basic work it provided for their needs and enabled her to be at home when her children returned home from school. Her last gainfull employment was with the Rolscreen Company where she was employed for 18 years until her retirement in 1985. Louise always operated under basic principles and was truly a fun loving person. She enjoyed dressing up as a clown for parades, birthday parties and at the hospital. Louise lived the remaining years of her life in Pella. On Friday evening, October 2, 2009, she passed away at the Good Samaritan Center in Ottumwa, Iowa at the age of 88 years, 7 months and 16 days where she had been cared for since July. Louise’s family will be indebted to her for always being there for them. They are her three children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren: Miles Sabin of Pella and his son, Matthew Sabin; Duane Sabin of Pella and his two daughters: Jacquelyn Kay Sabin and her two children, Ashley and Lindsay Willemsen and Jennifer Lynn Sabin; Vesta (Sabin) and her husband, Mark L.Frahm of Ottumwa, Iowa and their four children: Leah (Frahm) and Steven Knipfer and their two sons, Ashton Mark and Spencer Steven Knipfer, Emily L. Frahm, Andrew M. Frahm and Hope J.(Frahm) and Mark Reinier and their daughter, Madison Elizabeth Reinier. Louise was the last surviving member of her original family and leaves a sister-in-law and closest friend, Doris (Sabin) Rezac of Armstrong, Iowa.She was preceded in death by her husband, Luverne; her parents, George and Edith Gezel; and all her sisters and brothers: Mildred Gezel who died in infancy, Bernice Gezel, Emeline (Edward) Vos, Frieda (Virgil) Ten Hagen, George Gezel and Ivan Gezel. Special memories of the sisters and brothers growing up, was when they rolled up the rugs and had square dances on Saturday nights in their home. Already then Louise enjoyed fun times. Louise was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Pella as a high school student and remained a faithful member there the remainder of her lifetime. She had also been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and always active with Poppy Day and the Pella Historical Society. WHISTLING and FUN will be two of the words that Louise will be remembered for.
Memorials may be given for the Carnegie-Viersen Public Library in Pella or Hospice of Iowa.
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Roger Olson,
August 19, 1939 - October 02, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: Visitation will begin Monday morning , at Peace Lutheran Church, Pella, Iowa
Visitation: family present, Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at Peace Lutheran Church, Pella, Iowa
Funeral Service: Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 2:00 p. m. , at Peace Lutheran Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella, Iowa
The journey of life for Roger Gene Olson began on August 19, 1939, in Manly, Iowa. Roger was the youngest of four children born to Clarence George and Alice Marie (Grefe) Olson. He attended Township Central Heights for his elementary schooling and graduated from Mason City High School in Mason City, Iowa. Wrestling was a big part of Roger's high school experience. He was a State Wrestling Champion in his weight division in 1957. Being a caddy at the golf course in Mason City was a favorite past time during his youth. He played golf for the high school golf team for three years and he dreamed about being a professional golfer someday. Roger attended Mason City Junior College for one year and then the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska for one year. While at the University of Nebraska Roger took an Assistant Manager Program through the Bishop’s Buffet restaurant chain. This program enabled him to have a summer job and ultimately proved to him that he would like this kind of work. The program required him to learn all the positions in the food service business. During high school Roger had met Shirley Kaye Shipman. Roger and Shirley began to date while he was working at Bishop's in downtown Des Moines, Iowa and on May 5, 1962 they were united in marriage. In June of that year Roger was drafted into the military service. Roger was stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas when their first daughter, Lori Lynn, was born. Roger was stationed in Germany for a period of time and in June of 1964 was discharged from the military. He returned to Bishop's in Des Moines and was later transferred to a Bishop's in Lincoln, Nebraska as the manager. While living there their second daughter, Stephanie Kristin, was born in 1966. The family next moved back to Des Moines for about three years, this time working at a Bishop’s on Fleur Drive. A highlight of this experience was the privilege he had of serving Arnold Palmer. Roger and Shirley then took a short detour back to Mason City where they explored the idea of owning their own restaurant, soon to realize this was not right for them and moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and eventually Chicago, Illinois area exploring this same venture. The journey next brought Roger to interview in Pella, Iowa. The historic Strawtown Inn and Restaurant was looking for a manager. Roger managed this thriving business until October 1, 1991. During this experience he had the privilege of meeting dignitaries and serving many other notable people. In 1991, the greens and fairways were calling to Roger and he decided to take the position as manager of the Pella Golf and Country Club. Roger enjoyed working for Bishop’s, Strawtown and the Golf & Country Club, but his overall favorite experience was with Strawtown Inn. Roger and Shirley enjoyed vacationing. Their favorite vacations were to Hawaii, cruises and PARTIES.  On October 2, 2009, his journey on earth was completed and a new and better journey began when he passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House having just celebrated his 70th birthday. Memories will live forever in the minds and hearts of his two daughters and their husbands and five grandchildren. They and their families are: Lori and Dr. Russell Bandstra and their three children: Stephen Andrew, Elizabeth Laine and Christopher Evan Bandstra, 1721 West 4th. Street in Pella; Stephanie and Michael De Jong and their two sons: Nicholas Michael and Matthew Joel De Jong, 312 Central Drive in Pella. Roger leaves his brother, Richard Olson and his wife, Delores, his sister-in-law, LaVonne (Clarence) Olson; his mother-in-law, Gladys A. (Johnson) Shipman, a brother-in-law, Scott Shipman and his fiance, Tracy Boehmer all of Mason City, Iowa; along with two sisters-in-law: Jeanie (Vance) Shipman of Tampa, Florida and Toni (Vance Shipman) Levering of Minneapolis, Minnesota; many nieces and nephews; and a host of many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, on February 5, 2008; his parents, Clarence and Alice Olson;  his father-in-law, Carroll E. Shipman; his brother, Clarence J. Olson; his sister, Alice Ann and her husband, Harold Ditch; and a brother-in-law, Vance Shipman. Roger was baptized in the Lutheran Church and remained a faithful member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Pella, Iowa. Passing on his Christian faith was important to Roger and he strived to teach his family to continue to grow in their faith. Roger will be remembered as being sensitive to others, quiet, conservative and a hard worker. Through his experiences in life he learned that "you have to work for what you are going to get, you need to be fair and to work hard". Roger believed that if more people would "do unto others as they would like others to do to them,” we'd have a better world.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials for Peace Lutheran Church or the Hospice of Pella Comfort House.
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Garrit Vander Weerdt,
October 23, 1922 - September 27, 2009
Grinnell, Iowa
Visitation: begins after 12:30 p.m. , at Sully Christian Reformed Church
Visitation: family present, Tuesday evening from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at Sully Christian Reformed Church
Funeral Service: Wednesday, September 30 at 10:30 a.m. , at Sully Christian Reformed Church
Interment: Sully Cemetery
Garrit Vander Weerdt, 86, of Grinnell, Iowa, formerly of Lynnville, Iowa, passed away Sept. 27, 2009, at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell. The son of Gerrit and Josie (Runia) Vander Weerdt Sr., he was born on Oct. 23, 1922, in Jasper County northwest of Lynnville. Garrit graduated from Taylor Country School, northeast of Sully on June 16, 1936. He worked for various farmers as a hired man until he was drafted into the U. S. Army on Jan. 5, 1943. A proud veteran of World War II, he served in signal airwarning (radar) in Atlantic City, NJ; Drewfield, FL; Camp Stoneman, CA; Australia, New Guinea, Philippines, Okinawa, and Japan until honorably discharged on Dec. 15, 1945. On March 14, 1949, he was united in marriage to Isabelle Mathilda Terlouw at the Sully Christian Reformed Church parsonage. They lived northwest of Lynnville where he was born on the farm bought by his father in 1919. They moved into Lynnville in 1982 and lived there until they moved to St. Francis Manor in 2003. He was a farmer, a part-time carpenter, and a retired Lynnville rural mail carrier, serving 1967 to 1990. He remained a faithful longtime member of Sully Christian Reformed Church where he had served as a Deacon. Garrit’s faith was evident and he professed to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Survivors are his five children: Twyla Vander Weerdt of Coon Rapids, MN, Leon (Margaret) Vander Weerdt of Sully, Lois (Bruce) Rypkema of Danbury, WI, James (Jane) Vander Weerdt of Sully, and Kelvin (Diane) Vander Weerdt of Sully; 11 grandchildren: Faye (Eric) Brand of Lynnville; Gwyn (Jake) Ferguson of Norwalk; Kyra (Peter) Smith of Killduff; Kristy (Derek) Johnson of Mora, MN; Todd (Lindsay) Rypkema of Rochester, MN; Andrew Rypkema of Tulsa, OK; Kody (Karina) Vander Weerdt of Pella; Tanner, Betsy, Darci, and Grace Vander Weerdt, all of Sully; four great-grandsons, Nathan Johnson, Grant and Trent Johnson of Mora, MN, and Carter Brand of Lynnville; two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth and Cornelia Vander Weerdt of Pella; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Isabelle on June 6, 2005; one sister, Anna Hardeman in 1988; and three brothers, Brandt in 1994, and twins, Henry and John in 2001.
For those desiring, memorials may be designated for the Lynnville Historical Society or Christian Worship Hour of Aberdeen, SD.
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Minnie Bruxvoort,
August 17, 1913 - September 08, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Thursday afternoon , at Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present Thursday, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Friday, September 11 at 10:30 a. , at Calvary Christian Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella, Iowa
Wilhelmina Klazina Samson was born on August 17, 1913, at Harvey, Iowa. She was an only daughter born to Arie and Anna Zylstra Samson who had four older sons. Minnie, as she was known, attended a one room country grade school near her home. On September 11, 1930, she was united in marriage with Gerrit Bruxvoort, a son of Dick and Hattie Van Kampen Bruxvoort. They were married at Adel, Iowa and to this union five children were born: Arthur Richard, Wilbur Gerald, Carolyn Joyce, Linda Lou and Marilyn Joy. Minnie and Gerrit farmed in Jasper County near Mitchellville, Iowa and moved into Pella, Iowa in 1960. In 1967 they moved south of Pella where they continued to enjoy God's creation and their retirement together. Minnie and Gerrit were privileged to spend 57 1/2 years of married life together before he passed away on February 15, 1989, at the age of 78 years. Minnie was devoted to her husband and remained devoted to her children, 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She enjoyed reading, playing hymns on the organ, crocheting, sewing, making quilts and her flower garden. On Tuesday morning, September 8, 2009, she passed away at the Taylor House in Des Moines, Iowa following a brief stay having just celebrated/observed her 96th birthday. Those who will cherish her memory are the following families: A. Richard and Marilyn (Sjaardema) Bruxvoort of Mitchellville, Iowa; Wilbur (Bob) and Janice ( Vos ) Bruxvoort of Mitchellville, Iowa; Carolyn Horman-Burke and Denis Burke of Runnells, Iowa; Marilyn and Jack Fitzgerald of Altoona, Iowa. Minnie was the last surviving member of her original family and leaves a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Herman and Cornelia Bruxvoort of Newton, Iowa; along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerrit; a daughter, Linda Lou, who died at birth on August 6, 1946; her parents, Arie and Anna Samson; her parents-in-law, Dick and Hattie Bruxvoort; and her four brothers and their wives: Andrew and Margret Samson, Paul and Vera Samson, Gerrit and Ethel Samson, Charlie and Marcella Samson. Minnie was a member of the Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa.
For those desiring, Mrs. Bruxvoort requested memorials be given for the Pella Christian Schools in Pella, Iowa
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Marvin Van Maanen,
June 07, 1940 - September 08, 2009
Grinnell, Iowa
Visitation: begins Friday at 11:30 a.m. , at First Reformed Church, Sully, Iowa
Visitation: family present Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at First Reformed Church, Sully, Iowa
Funeral Service: Saturday, September 12 at 10:00 a. m. , at First Reformed Church, Sully, Iowa
Interment: Sully Cemetery at Sully, Iowa
Marvin Duane Van Maanen was born near Taintor, Iowa on June 7, 1940. He was the 5th of 12 children that were born to Teunis and Rika Fortuin Van Maanen. Marvin received his formal education at Case Country School, and served a military enlistment period with the Iowa Army National Guard. On February 22, 1963, he was united in marriage with Dorothy Faye Struik, a daughter of Kryn and Alberta Jansen Struik. Marvin and Dorothy were given the privilege of raising four children: Marc Duane, Timothy Ryan, Angela Kae and Dana Michelle. They lived southwest of Sully, Iowa the first three years of their marriage until moving to their present location north of Lynnville, Iowa. Marvin's first joy and fulfillment was farming and taking care of his sheep. He loved it when his 2 dogs (Dusty and Quinn) would greet him in the morning while feeding his sheep. As his children grew up and he acquired grandchildren, his pride and joy was seeing them mature. He always looked forward to the Sunday family dinners, once a month. Retirement was not an active word in Marvin's vocabulary yet, however, he and Dorothy did enjoy some traveling together. On June 9, 2009, Marvin was diagnosed with cancer and the disease proved to be very invasive. He passed away Tuesday morning, September 8, 2009, at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa having just celebrated his 69th birthday. Those who will cherish his memory are his wife, Dorothy, their four children and their spouses and 7 grandchildren. They are: Marc and Shelly Van Maanen of Grinnell, Iowa Joshua David Van Maanen Tim Van Maanen of Williamsburg, Iowa Morgan Leigh Van Maanen Angela and Brad Braafhart of Grinnell, Iowa Aaron Gene Van Dyke Gina Ashley Van Dyke Ashten Genn Van Dyke Dana and Rod Rozendaal of Sully, Iowa Makenzy Alexis Rozendaal Makayla Ann Rozendaal Marvin was the first of his siblings to pass away. He is survived by Walton and Violet Van Maanen, LeRoy and Ruth Van Maanen, Gilbert and Ada Van Maanen all of Lynnville, Iowa, Arlene and Arnout Dunnick of Barnes City, Iowa, Norman and Marilyn Van Maanen of Killduff, Iowa, Dennis and Linda Van Maanen of Kellogg, Iowa, Shirley and Melvin Uitermarkt of Leighton, Iowa, Karen and Frank Van Soelen of Sully, Iowa, Rodney and Bev Van Maanen, Dale and Ruth Van Maanen of Lynnville. Marvin also leaves the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Norma (Struik) and Gene Roose of West Des Moines, Iowa, Keith and Darlene Struik of Sully, Verlan and Elaine Struik of Leighton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Teunis and Rika Van Maanen; his parents-in-law, Kryn and Alberta Struik; a brother, Irvin Van Maanen, who died in infancy; a niece, Sally Jo Van Maanen, and a nephew, Brian Van Maanen. Marvin was a member of the First Reformed Church in Sully, Iowa.
The family prefers memorials for The Gideon’s International
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Keith De Heus,
October 07, 1946 - August 30, 2009
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Visitation: Thursday, September 3, 4 to 8 p.m. , at First Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Funeral Service: Friday, September 4 at 10:30 a.m., , at First Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Pella with military honors.
Keith L. De Heus, 62, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Sunday, August 30, 2009, at his home surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Survivors include his wife, Joan; his sons, Christopher (Lacey) De Heus and their children Tyler and Blake of Pella and Dustin (Jody) De Heus and their son Jaden; step-children, Jacob, Ellie and Hannah Kaiser all of Cedar Rapids; and sister, Glenda (Mike) Duffus of Newton. Keith was preceded in death by his parents. Keith was born October 7, 1946, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the son of Dick and Anita (Vander Linden) De Heus. He graduated from Central College in Pella in 1968. Keith served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After the war, he married Diane Olson. He was owner of RDR Contracting and C-RDR Homes. He married Joan Heiden on May 30, 2009. Keith enjoyed over 30 years of hunting in Wyoming every fall and many summer weekends with his family, friends and grandchildren at the Lake of the Ozarks. A special thank you to Dr. Fusselman and staff and the Mercy Hospice staff for all their support and help.
Memorials may be made in Keith’s memory to the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, 315 18th Avenue, Hiawatha, Iowa 52233 or the American Cancer Society, 4080 1st Avenue N.E., Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
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LOUIS DIELEMAN ,
August 04, 1924 - August 29, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Tuesday afternoon , at Covenant Reformed Church , Pella, Iowa
Visitation: family present, Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. , at Covenant Reformed Church , Pella, Iowa
Funeral Service: Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at 10:30 a. m. , at Covenant Reformed Church , Pella, Iowa
Interment: Sully Cemetery at Sully, Iowa
Louis Dieleman was born on August 4, 1924, in Sully, Iowa, the youngest of ten children born to Daniel and Alida (Terpstra) Dieleman. When he was 3 years of age his father passed away unexpectedly; and he continued to live with his mother, brothers and sisters on an acreage near Sully. Louie, as he was known, received his formal education at the Sully Christian Grade School and made profession of his faith at an early age at the Sully Christian Reformed Church. When he was 14 years of age his mother died suddenly from a stroke. Louie worked as a farm hand on the Ben Terlouw farm north of Killduff, Iowa. On February 22, 1946, he was united in marriage with Bernice Lucille Jansen, a daughter of Gerrit and Lizzie (Fopma) Jansen. They moved to a farm southwest of Sully and to this union two sons were born: Norman Lee and Edwin Louis. Nine years later they purchased the farm and moved to the Hunziker farm nearby continuing to farm both farms. Louie and Bernice built a new home on their original farm and following their retirement moved to Pella, Iowa in 1998. Louie did a lot of custom baling, with a Vermeer baler, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He served on the Sully Christian School Board and had a passion for Christian education, spending many, many hours volunteering for the schools. His 6 grandsons were a very important part of his life. Not only did he enjoy their many visits, he encouraged them in their spiritual lives and enjoyed attending their ball games, music programs, and other activities. Louie was a longtime, faithful member of the Sully Christian Reformed Church where he had served as a Deacon. At the present time he was a member of the Covenant Reformed Church in Pella. On Saturday evening, August 29, 2009, he passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella having just celebrated his 85th birthday. Louie is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bernice; their 2 sons and their wives and 6 grandchildren: Norman L. and Janice (Steenhoek) Dieleman of Pella, Iowa; Edwin L. and Joyce (Veurink) Dieleman of Sully, Iowa. Louie was the last surviving member of his original family. He leaves his sister-in-law, Ernestine (Harry) Dieleman of Sully; along with the following sisters-in-law and brother-in-law: Cornelia (Jansen) Boat, Jerri (Cornie) Jansen, Shirley (Jansen) and Bruce Baarda all of Sully. Louie was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Alida Dieleman; and his 9 sisters and brothers and their spouses: Jennie and Cornelius Van Kooten, Nellie and Roy Van Kooten, Christine and Louis Van Wyk, William and Joyce Dieleman, Harriet and Everett Vande Voort, Harry Dieleman, Sadie and James Nikkel, Daniel and Lorraine Dieleman, Wallace and Jessie Dieleman; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary (Jansen) and Joe Nikkel, and brothers-in-law, Harris Boat and Cornie Jansen.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials for the Sully Christian Grade School in Sully, Iowa or “The Back to God Hour” radio ministry broadcast.
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Evelyn Sparks Cremeen,
January 22, 1930 - August 26, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: Visitation begins Friday afternoon , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home, Pella, Iowa
Visitation: family present Friday 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home, Pella, Iowa
Funeral Service: Saturday, August 29 at 2:00 p. m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Silent City Cemetery at Monroe, Iowa
Evelyn Arlene Kool was born on January 22, 1930, near Fifield in Marion County, Iowa. She was the daughter of Joe and Grietje Diekema Kool. Evelyn attended Pella Public High School in Pella, Iowa. On February 2, 1947, she was united in marriage with Billy Eugene Sparks at Kansas City, Kansas and to this union five children were born: Raymond Eugene, Diana Lynn, Shelia Kay, Donna Jo and Jerry Lee. Following their marriage Evelyn and Billy lived in Oskaloosa and Pella, Iowa until moving to Monroe, Iowa in 1967. During this time they were employed at the Rolscreen Company in Pella and at the Maytag Company in Newton, Iowa. Billy passed away on September 10, 1982, at the age of 55 years. Evelyn continued working at Maytag Company until becoming a United Auto Workers retiree in 1990. In June of 1984 she and Raymond Earl Simbro began traveling their lives together. They would spend the winters in Texas while making their residence below the Red Rock Dam near Pella. Evelyn and Ray found much enjoyment traveling in his motorhome. But then Ray passed away on March 25, 1996, at the age of 71 years. Evelyn continued managing the recreational park in Texas where she met Bill Cremeen. They were united in marriage on September 8, 2002, and they enjoyed wildlife, fishing and traveling. Bill then became Evelyn's caregiver and remained very devoted and dedicated. In May of 2009, Evelyn became hospitalized and passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2009, at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 79 years, 7 months and 4 days. Those who will cherish her memory are her husband, Bill; her five children and their spouses: Ray and Eva Sparks of Monroe, Iowa, Diana and Bernie Brown, Shelia and Terry Benz, Donna and Marvin Kendall all of Pella, Iowa, Jerry and Trudy Sparks of Alvin, Texas. Evelyn leaves 16 grandchildren, numerous loving great-grandchildren and a half-sister. Her family will remember her talking with them faithfully on the telephone and the many, many crocheting items she had made for them. Evelyn was preceded in death by her husbands, Billy Sparks and Ray Simbro; her parents, Joe and Grace (Rozenberg) Kool; her step-father, Henry Rozenberg; and a grandson, James Alexander Sparks, and a brother, Everett Kool, who died in infancy.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials for the Evelyn A. Cremeen Memorial Fund.
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Artie Rietveld,
November 18, 1915 - August 15, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: Visitation will be from noon until service time on Wednesday , at Second Christian Reformed Church
Funeral Service: Wednesday, August 19 at 2:00 p.m. , at Second Christian Reformed Church
Interment: Graceland Cemetery at Pella
Artie Booy was born on November 18, 1915, west of Pella, Iowa on the Roberts Creek Road. She was the 4th of 8 children that were born to Nicholas and Henrietta Wilhelmina Kelderman Booy. She attended the Pella Christian Grade School in Pella and made public profession of her faith at the Second Christian Reformed Church on May 26, 1935, at the age of 18 years. Artie made her home with her parents for many years while working at the Rolscreen Company in Pella. Artie attended Monroe Old Settlers at Monroe, Iowa with her good friends, Gertrude and Willard Rietveld, where she met Cornie David Rietveld. Artie and Cornie shared special interests fishing and hunting and on July 24, 1956, they were united in marriage at the Second Christian Reformed Church. Artie continued working at Pella Corporation for 32 years until she retired in 1977. Cornie passed away of cancer on December 1, 1985. Artie eventually sold her home in Pella and became a resident at Fair Haven East on April 1, 1991. In August of 2001 she became a resident at the Griffin Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Knoxville, Iowa. On Saturday morning, August 15, 2009, she passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella at the age of 93 years. Artie is survived by her brother, Leonard Booy and his wife, Lena, of Litchfield, Michigan; her sister, Pearl and her husband, Joe Stravers, of Holland, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cornie Rietveld; her parents, Nicholas and Henrietta Booy; two brothers, James, who died in infancy and her oldest brother, William Booy; and three sisters: Lena Booy, Alice Huisman and Nellie (Spencer) Ver Meer. Artie was a lifelong, faithful member of the Second Christian Reformed Church in Pella and church life was very important to her. Artie taught Sunday School, served as president of the young girls Loyal Workers Society, sang in the choir and attended The Golden Hour Society for many years. She attended Women’s Christian Edification meetings and Bible League meetings. Sundays were like a foretaste of heaven. She was always appreciative for having had Christian parents and fulfilled a mission in life when her husband, Cornie, became a Christian. For several years she volunteered for the Pella Community Hospital Auxiliary and the Fair Haven Auxiliary. Artie found great joy in being helpful to others.
For those desiring, memorials may be designated for Hospice of Pella Comfort House
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Bob Dunsbergen,
December 11, 1927 - August 14, 2009
Sully, Iowa
Visitation: begins Monday morning , at First Reformed Church, Sully, Iowa
Visitation: family present, Monday 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at First Reformed Church, Sully, Iowa
Funeral Service: Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. August 18, 2009 at First Reformed Church, Sully, Iowa
Interment: Sully Cemetery
Robert (Bob) Gerard Dunsbergen was born on Decemebr 11, 1927, in Jasper County, south of Kellogg, Iowa. He was the 5th of five children that were born to Barney and Alida (Carbo) Dunsbergen. He was baptized at the Killduff Reformed Church on July 7, 1929. Bob attended the Spring Hill Country Grade School and completed his formal education after the eighth grade in May of 1942. Bob began farming with his father on the family farm south of Kellogg. On February 11, 1947, he was united in marriage with Anna Mae Van Wyk at her parent’s home near Lynnville, Iowa. To this union five children were born: Marvin Laverne, Beryl Warren, Susan Louise, Dennis Brian, and Bruce Allen. Their first home was living with Bob’s Dad, Barney, then they moved to the Young farm south of Kellogg. In 1960 they purchased the Vander Kamp farm south of Sully, Iowa living there until 1982. Bob loved farming and especially raising cows and calves. In February of 1964, Anna Mae was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome leaving her wheelchair bound for 41 years. In 1982, they built a handicapped accessible home at 701 9th Ave. in Sully, never realizing he might need it as well. Bob’s steadfast support and patient care enabled them to experience together all the world had to offer them. Life for Bob after Anna Mae’s death on July 22, 2005 was not the same. After several circumstances regarding his own health, Bob became wheelchair bound himself. Bob was never a person to sit around. He is remembered for his bidding ability at card games and his laughter was contagious. Bob enjoyed visiting with neighbors and their kids and was doing just that when he died suddenly near his home on August 14, 2009, he attained the age of 81 years, 8 months and 3 days. Those left to cherish his memory are his five children and their families: Marvin and Gwen Dunsbergen of Kellogg; Beryl and Velda Dunsbergen of Sully; Susan Beyer of Sully; Dennis and Lisa Dunsbergen of Sully; Bruce and Lynnette Dunsbergen of Sully. Of his original family Bob leaves his beloved sister, Wilma (Bernard) De Zwarte of Newton, Iowa. Of his wife Anna Mae’s family he leaves her siblings and their spouses: (Guysbert) Esther Van Wyk of Lynnville, Gertrude and Ray Van Wyk of Pella, Iowa, Ralph J. (Jane Ann) and Ruby Van Wyk of Sully, Wilmer and Dorothy Van Wyk of Monroe, Iowa, (Forrest) LaVonne Van Wyk of Pella and Vernon and Carolyn Van Wyk of Sully. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Anna Mae; his parents, Barney and Alida Dunsbergen; an infant, brother, Bennie; a sister, Nellie and her husband Everett Jansen; his brother, Bennie and his wife, Margaret Dunsbergen; and his brother-in-law, Bernard De Zwarte; his parents-in-law, Will G. and Johanna (De Jong) Van Wyk; brothers- in-law: Guysbert and Forrest Van Wyk, and sister-in-law, Jane Ann Van Wyk. Bob was a lifetime member of First Reformed Church in Sully where he made profession of his faith at an early age. He had been a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Superintendent of the Sunday School and member of the Men’s Brotherhood He was a member of Gideon’s International, serving as a past treasurer. He was active in the community, a member of the Sully Cemetery Board, Sully Lion’s Club serving as past president and 9X8 Zone Chairman; was honored to serve as Mayor for 2 terms in the 1980’s when cable TV hit the market; and Co-Chair of the Central Iowa Blood Drive for over 25 years. Bob loved attending tractor rides and threshing reunions. Bob is especially remembered attending any event that was held at school that his children and grandchildren were involved in. Bob will be fondly remembered as a prayer partner and his family will ever be indebted for his commitment to marriage. His greatest desire was to see all his children and grandchildren in heaven with him someday.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Gideon’s International.
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Faye Stouwie,
September 23, 1928 - July 31, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Monday afternoon , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present, Monday from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Tuesday, August 4 at 1:30 p.m. , at First Christian Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella
Faye Ola Van Wyk was the youngest of fourteen children that were born to Gysbert and Gertrude Van Arkel Van Wyk. She was born on September 23, 1928, at Sully, Iowa. Faye graduated from the Dairy Grove Country Grade School. On June 6, 1947, she was united in marriage with Gerrit Nelson Stouwie at the First Christian Reformed Church in Sully and to this union two sons were born: David Allen and Bradley J. Faye and Gerrit lived in Oskaloosa, Iowa for a short while before moving to Pella, Iowa. They lived in Pella the remainder of their married lifetime. Faye was employed at the Christian Opportunity Center and the Pella Community Hospital. She also occupied her time crocheting afghans, sewing and conducting ceramics classes. The family has many remembrances of her talents. On Friday evening, July 31, 2009, Faye passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House at the age of 80 years, 10 months and 8 days. Faye is survived by her husband, Gerrit Stouwie; a son David Stouwie and his wife, Diane, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and their son, Michael; a son, Bradley Stouwie and his wife, Karen, and their two daughters, Valerie and her daughter, Kaylee, and Lynn of Box Elder, South Dakota. Of her original family Faye leaves her brother, David Van Wyk and his wife, Edith of Grinnell, Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Nellie (Bert) Van Wyk of Pella and Tunetta (Marion) Van Wyk of Otley, Iowa; and a brother-in-law, Henry Terlouw of Lynnville, Iowa. Her husband’s family includes the following siblings: Helen (Stouwie) and Elmer Klein of Pella, Bernice (Stouwie) and Bob Hoyt of Pleasantville, Iowa, Bob Leftwich of Clay Center, Kansas, Elner (Stouwie) and Cornie Spoelstra of Oskaloosa, Iowa, Betty (Stouwie) and Marvin Bruxvoort of Pella, Wilma (Stouwie) and Carl Vander Wal of Nevada, Iowa, Cecil and Carolyn Stouwie of Port Richey, Florida, Leona (Stouwie) and Wayne Veldhuizen of Oskaloosa. Faye was preceded in death by her parents, Gysbert and Gertrude Van Wyk; her parents-in-law, Cecil and Bertha Ryken Stouwie; five brothers and their wives: Bill and Johanna Van Wyk, Case and Artie Van Wyk, Henry and Clara Van Wyk, Bert and Pauline Van Wyk and Marion Van Wyk and her seven sisters and their husbands: Carrie and John Braaksma, Mattie and Gerrit De Hoedt, Minnie and Ben Ver Steeg, Jeanette and Max Antle, Gertie and Jim Ver Steeg, Alenis and Rex Brush, and Mary Grace (Henry) Terlouw. She was also preceded in death by the following brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Raymond Stouwie, Jane (Stouwie) and Raymond De Geest and Marjorie (Stouwie) Leftwich. Faye was baptized at the Sully Christian Reformed Church in Sully, Iowa and since 1950 had been a faithful member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa.
For those desiring, memorials may be designated for Hospice of Pella Comfort House
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Ella Rook,
November 22, 1909 - July 28, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: family present, Sunday 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Monday, August 3 at 10:30 a.m. , at Heartland Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella
Ella Anna Louise Stehr was born in Hamburg, Germany, on November 22, 1909. She was baptized in the family Lutheran Church in Schwerin, Germany. During this time many were immigrating to the United States for better opportunities and when Ella was 11 months old her parents, Henry and Minna (Luckow) Stehr, and her brother, Kurt, came to America. They arrived in Norfolk, Nebraska, later moved to Chicago, Illinois and finally settled on a farm near Grand Rapids, Michigan. On April 27, 1929, she was united in marriage with Cornelius Rook, who was employed at a furniture factory in Grand Rapids and Ella was employed as floor manager at a department store in the same city. By the end of that summer they moved to Iowa on a farm that he owned near Indianola where they lived until 1934. It was here that their two sons were born: Herman Cornelius and Lawrence Harold. They eventually moved to a farm north of Pella, Iowa where their daughter, Shirley Ann was born. They resided there until they retired and moved to Pella in 1956. Ella and Case (as he was known), lived at 1327 Main Street. He passed away on December 31, 1981. Ella continued living in the same house for the next 21 years until moving to Vriendschaap Village Assisted Living in Pella where she had many friends. In March of 2009, to be near her daughter, she became a wonderful addition to the Hiawatha Care Center in Hiawatha, Iowa. On Tuesday morning, July 28, 2009, she passed away at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, four months prior to her 100th birthday. Surviving are two children and their spouses, 7 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren: Herman and Marcella (Goemaat) Rook of Pella and their four children: Carol and Verlan Van Dyke and their three children: Michael, Kevin and (Ashley), Bradley; Laureen and Marlin Van Wyk and their three children: Lance and (Amanda), Cody, and Katelyn; Keith and Lynn Rook and their two children: Jared and, Jordan; Larry Rook and his son, Nacy; Shirley and Harlan Nieuwsma of Marion, Iowa and their three children: Steven and (Peggy Prince) and his three children: Benjamin and his son, Keegan, Alison, and Katie and her son, Mason; Julie Ann (Nieuwsma) and Brian Waggoner and their five children: Samuel, Joseph, Joshua, John and, Ella Christine; David and Elizabeth Nieuwsma and their three children: Jacob, Jennifer and Stephanie. Of her original family Ella leaves one sister, Lucille Finkbeiner of Middleville, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cornelius Rook; her son, Lawrence, who died on March 15, 1964; her parents, Henry and Minna Stehr; her brother, Kurt; a sister, Elizabeth, a brother Walter and her brother Harry. One of Ella's last adventures was deciding to apply for United States citizenship. She began studying in her 30's but never took the test. On July 24, 1998 she became a citizen, one of the oldest that day, and felt so very proud and happy. Ella was the oldest member of the Heartland Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa. A special thanks to staff at Vriendschaap Village for their wonderful care and friendship and to Reverend Ross Davidson for his many heartwarming visits. Thanks also to the staff at Hiawatha Care Center, Dr. Mary Ann Nelson, and St. Luke’s Hospital for their wonderful care and friendship.
For those desiring, memorials may be designated for the Heartland Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa.
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Wilma Fortney,
January 20, 1920 - July 26, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: Tuesday evening , 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. where the family will be present , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Wednesday, July 29 at 10:30 a.m. , at First Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Friends Cemetery at New Sharon, Iowa
Wilma Verle Ver Steegh was born on January 20, 1920, at New Sharon, Iowa. She was the first of two daughters that were born to Henry John and Leota May Briggs Ver Steegh. Wilma received her formal education in New Sharon where she graduated from New Sharon High School. She attended Murphy Business School and then worked in an office in Oskaloosa, tracing farm plots of Mahaska County. On April 3, 1943, she was united in marriage with Forrest Harrison Fortney who had just enlisted in the United States Army. They were married in Lancaster, Missouri, and Wilma returned to Oskaloosa while he served on active duty during World War II. Following his discharge, Wilma and "Frosty", as he was known, lived in Oskaloosa until 1958 where she was a devoted mother to their three daughters: Carol Ann, Claudia Lea, and Peggy Lynne. In 1958 they moved to Montgomery, Minnesota, where she was employed as a legal secretary and was an active golfer and bowler. Forrest passed away there on September 17, 1980. Following his death, Wilma continued living there until 1986 when she relocated to Marshalltown, Iowa, to be near a friend (Harry Cripps). Then in 2001 Wilma desired to be near her family and relocated to Pella, Iowa. She enjoyed the remaining years of her life in Pella where she enjoyed family, playing cards, travel, listening to gospel music, watching TV and doing word finds. Late Sunday evening, July 26, 2009, she passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House at the age of 89 years, 6 months and 6 days. Wilma is survived by two daughters: Claudia Fortney and her friend, Mike Hickman of Mankato, Minnesota and her daughter, Michelle Fortney, of Eagle Lake, Minnesota; Peggy Fortney and her friend, Brian Kammerer of Maplewood, Minnesota, and her step-daughter, Nevis Marsh of Chicago, Illinois; another granddaughter, Kimberly Thomas of St. Charles, Illinois; a son-in-law, Rawley Thomas, of St. Charles, Illinois and his two children: John and Rhonda Thomas, Alexis and Mike Rowcliff and their two children: Cassandra and Cody Rowcliff; and her sister, Helen Helm Roberts and her husband, Riley Roberts, of Pella, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband, Forrest Fortney; her daughter, Carol Ann Thomas, who passed away November 21, 2008; and her parents, Henry and Leota Ver Steegh. Wilma's faith was nurtured at the Friends Church in New Sharon, Iowa and prior to the time of her death she regularly attended the First Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa. As a young girl, Wilma enjoyed roller skating and playing the piano and organ and in later years traveling. She was not a joiner but has now joined all those who have joined together in the presence of their Heavenly Father.
For those desiring, memorials may be designated for Hospice of Pella or the Carol Ann Thomas Scholarship Fund.
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Minnie De Jong,
October 16, 1921 - July 22, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begin Friday afternoon , at Calvary Christian Reformed Church
Visitation: family present, Friday 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at Calvary Christian Reformed Church
Funeral Service: Saturday, July 25 at 1:30 p.m. , at Calvary Christian Reformed Church
Interment: Peoria Cemetery at Peoria, Iowa
Minnie Nikkel was born on October 16, 1921, near Sully, Iowa. She was the youngest of five children that were born to Albert and Katherine Stek Nikkel. Minnie enjoyed being a farm girl and attended the Sully Christian Grade School through the 3rd grade and later the Frog Pond Country Grade School near Lynnville, Iowa. Minnie grew up in the setting of the Great Depression and remembered her father's loving and gentle spirit and her mother telling many stories. In school she especially enjoyed writing essays and subjects that involved literature and English. However her formal education came to an end after only one semester in high school as her family needed her to seek gainful employment in order to contribute to the welfare of the family. Minnie and her family then moved into Pella, Iowa, near the Rolscreen Company. Her family and she found employment there and they joined the Second Christian Reformed Church. Minnie caught the eye of a young rascal named, Martin Arie De Jong, whose family also attended the same church. He was the son of Martin and Lena Vander Schaaf De Jong, and was raised in the home of his Grandfather Sjoerd (George) Vander Schaaf, as his father died of influenza shortly before Martin's birth. Martin was called to serve his country during World War II and before he went off into service he and Minnie decided to marry on May 7, 1943, at the home of her parents in Pella. Married life brought them to Fort Riley, Kansas and eventually Private De Jong was shipped off to Europe. Minnie returned to Pella, Iowa during this time with their first child, Judith Ann, and made their home with Martin's mother, Lena De Jong and her family. Part of that time was also spent living in the home of her parents. Following Martin's discharge he returned to Pella and Minnie and "Bats", as he became known, started a construction business of their own. Minnie's primary focus continued to be their growing family: Lois Jean, Linda Kay, Carol Sue, Jaci Lynn and Robert Martin. Minnie was a faithful wife to her husband, Bats, who would build a home for their family, sell it and then move on to a new location for some 15 times, and a devoted mother to keeping their 6 children fed, clothed, doctored, educated and faithfully nurtured. This was enough to fill her time and then some. After retirement Minnie and Bats made several winter trips to the Port Charlotte area in Florida. Even in Florida, Bats kept looking for a better housing deal, and they moved several times. They enjoyed the warm weather, new friends and flea markets. Minnie enjoyed going to a craft center, handwork such as embroidery, crocheting, quilting and knitting. She shared many of her beautiful projects with her children and grandchildren. As Bats' health began to deteriorate they moved into the Grandview Apartments and Hilltop Manor North in Pella and Bats eventually became a resident in the Long Term Care Unit at the Pella Regional Health Center. He passed away there on March 30, 2003 at the age of 82 years. Minnie continued to enjoy the fellowship and activities at Hilltop. She also enjoyed outings with her daughters, Lois and Carol and visits with her children, Judy, Linda, Jaci and Bob who lived away from Pella. On Wednesday morning, July 22, 2009, she passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House at the age of 87 years, 9 months and 6 days. Minnie leaves, in a legacy of love and faithfulness, five children and their spouses, 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. They and their families are: Judy and Stan Ver Heul of Traverse City, Michigan; Lois and Bob Vermeer of Pella, Iowa; Carol and Pete Verhey of Pella, Iowa; Jaci and Mark Hugen of Norwalk, California; Bob and Diane De Jong of Swanzey, New Hampshire. Minnie was preceded in death by her husband, Martin A. De Jong; her daughter, Linda Pelton, who passed in 1997 and her husband, Fred Pelton, in 2005; her parents, Albert and Katherine Nikkel; her mother-in-law, Lena De Jong; her two sisters, Cora and her husband, Neal Van Veen and Henrietta Nikkel; a brother, James Nikkel, who died as an infant and her brother, John Nikkel; and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janet (De Jong) and James A. Shade. Minnie was a member of the Second Christian Reformed Church in Pella until they decided to be a part of a new church, the Calvary Christian Reformed Church. In the later years of her marriage she and Bats returned their membership to their original church, the Second Christian Reformed Church and at the time of her death she was a member of the Calvary Christian Reformed Church. Her family was truly blessed that Minnie served as a prayer warrior for them all. She also left us to treasure many of her personal writings and memories that indicate her deep love of her Lord, her family and others.
For those desiring, memorials may be designated for Bethany Christian Services or Hospice of Pella, Iowa.
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Sara Caldwell,
September 19, 1920 - July 21, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Memorial Service: Saturday, July 25 at 10:30 a.m. , at Second Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Visitation: visitation Friday, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Interment: Inurnment will precede the memorial service at the Oakwood Cemetery
Sara Kathleen Schakel was born on September 10, 1920, at Pella, Iowa, the daughter of Ross and Katheryn Paardekooper Schakel. She was educated in the Pella Public Schools and graduated from Pella High School with the Class of 1938. Sara enrolled at Central College and because of financial issues could not live on campus. She graduated with an English Major from Central College in 1942, an institution that remained very dear to her heart and she was a lifelong, dedicated representative for Central. On June 20, 1942, she was united in marriage with Clarence Burton Caldwell at San Antonio, Texas. Her husband, known as Babe, who had interrupted his studies at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana during World War II, was serving with the Army Air Corps at Kelly Field in San Antonio at the time. Babe served as a command pilot of a B-24 bomber squadron in the 15th Air Force and completed 50 missions in the North African and European campaigns. In1950 Sara and Babe returned to her home state of Iowa and to this union five children were born: the first being a daughter, Toni Gayle and the next four were sons: Timothy Wayne, Joel Burton, Scott Donaldson and Kirk Martin. Babe enrolled at Drake University Pharmacy College in Des Moines, Iowa and following his graduation in 1950 the family lived in Pella. He became a partner with Martin Paardekooper in the Ideal Pharmacy Store and Sara was employed as a Social Worker in Ottumwa, Iowa. Sara was devoted to raising her family of four sons and in 1964 began teaching school. She taught 8th grade History and Social Studies for nearly 20 years. She then became a substitute teacher and was a literacy army volunteer until the year 2006. Sara loved educating children. Sara served with the Iowa Pharmaceutical Auxiliary, was on the nominating board for the Iowa Judicial Court, served on the Pella Day Care Board, the Scholte House Board, and Carnegie-Viersen Public Library Board, was a member of TTT, AAUW and the Pella Historical Society, and was a declared Democrat. She was a faithful member of the Second Reformed Church in Pella where she served as an Elder. On Tuesday morning, July 21, 2009, she passed away at Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 88 years. Sara is survived by her four sons and their families: Tim W. Caldwell of Quincy, Illinois and his daughter, Bridget; Joel B. Caldwell and his wife, Jan of Urbandale, Iowa and his daughter, Megan and her husband, Ryan Hunt and a step-son, Christopher Lehnertz; Scott D. Caldwell and his wife, Jeri of Urbandale, Iowa and his son, Matthew, step-sons: Jeff Ostrander and his wife, Peggy, Joel Ostrander and his wife, Shelby and step-daughter, Julie Ostrander; Kirk M. Caldwell and his partner, Alan Pearman and his children, Michol Mackenzie and Gregory Pearman of Sacramento, California; and a sister-in-law, Lorna (Max) Schakel of Pella, Iowa. Sara was preceded in death by her husband, C. B. Caldwell, on December 25, 1984 at the age of 65 years; her daughter, Toni, who died in 1945 at the age of 2 years; a granddaughter, Elizabeth Ann Caldwell, who died in infancy in 1976; her parents, Ross and Katheryn Schakel; her two brothers: Max Schakel and Wayne Schakel and his wife, Pat; and her parents-in-law, Albert and Eunice Donaldson Caldwell.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given for Central College in Pella, Iowa.
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John Madden,
, 1933 - July 16, 2009
Pella, IA
Visitation: begins Sunday morning , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present Sunday, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Monday, July 20 at 10:30 a.m. , at First Baptist Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: t’Lam Cemetery near Pella with military honors
John William Madden was the first of six children that were born to Bert William and Genevra Eleanore Parson Madden. He was born on March 28, 1933, on a farm north of Red Oak, Iowa. As a young boy he lived in the vicinity where his father worked as a farm hand. John attended grade school at a country school near New Market, Iowa. During this time his father got his arm caught in a corn picker. John, being the oldest of the children, assumed the farm chores and learned a lifetime lesson in the value of being a hard worker. John enjoyed school, made lots of friends, and was a good athlete. He played baseball, football, and basketball. He graduated from New Market High School with the Class of 1951. John had to grow up fast as the nation had entered the Korean War. In July of 1951 he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served on active duty aboard the aircraft carrier the USS Essex until his honorable discharge in July of 1955. During this time, John maintained a courtship with Marlene Hutchinson, whom he had met in high school. Their courtship lasted for 4 years and on June 16, 1957, they were united in marriage at the Methodist Church in New Market. John and Marlene began their lifetime together in Fremont, Nebraska and to this union five children were born: Linda Kay, Nancy Ann, John William, Connie Margene and Debra Sue. John's first full-time job was as a display superintendent for Gambles. He was responsible for setting up new stores and remodeling old stores. He later worked as a store manager for Goodyear in Charles City, Iowa. The best career decision he ever made was relocating to Pella, Iowa. John worked as a mechanic for Ulrich Motor and sold auto parts at Steenhoek Auto for 17 years until his retirement in 1995. Being honest and helping people was a 'trade mark' of John's career. John and Marlene enjoyed their retirement. They spent the past 14 years wintering in Donna, Texas at Bit-O-Heaven Retirement Park. John enjoyed gardening, camping, spending time with family and friends, and driving the First Baptist Church van for senior citizens. He loved to go to Mexico and would make numerous trips during the winter months. John served as a dedicated school board member on the Pella Community School Board for 9 years. He was a member of the Van Veen-Van Hemert American Legion Post No.89 of Pella and a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Pella, Iowa. On July 16, 2009, he passed away at the Comfort House in Pella at the age of 76. Those who will cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Marlene; their five children and their spouses and 10 grandchildren. Their families are: Linda Rix of Overland Park, Kansas; Nancy and Lee Inman of Humboldt, Iowa; John and Bonnie Madden, Jr. of Manassas, Virginia; Connie and Bob Grunder of Ankeny, Iowa;Debra and David Newendorp of Urbandale, Iowa. John leaves his siblings and their spouses: Larry and Judy Madden of Atlantic, Iowa, Mary Jane and Karen Lewis of Red Oak, Iowa, Bert and Bev Madden of Carroll, Iowa, Tom and Bonnie Madden of Exira, Iowa; along with many nieces and nephews and the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Shirley (Hutchison) and Dwight Nook of Lenox, Iowa, Janice (Hutchison) Eugene Shelton of Belton, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Genevra Madden; his parents-in-law, Frank and Marge (Twaddle) Hutchison; a brother, Robert, who died in infancy; and a brother-in-law, Arthur Hutchinson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice of Pella
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Marion Vander Heiden,
, 1930 - July 15, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Memorial Service: Monday, July 20 at 2:00 p.m. , at First Baptist Church
Visitation: prior to the memorial service , at First Baptist Church
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella with military honors
Marion “Mike” Vander Heiden, Jr., 78, of Pella, IA, passed away Wednesday evening at Jefferson Place in Pella. Mike is survived by daughters: Marsha Nichols of Murrayville, IL and Carolyn Anderson of Logan, OH; his daughters: Sheree Perkowski of St. Louis, MO and Terri Robertson of Las Vegas, NV; his son Michael Vander Heiden of Las Vegas, NV; and a step-son, Kenneth Nunn.
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Joe J. Kaldenberg,
, 1938 - July 15, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begin Friday afternoon , at First Christian Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Visitation: family present, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a sharing time at 7:00 p.m. , at First Christian Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Funeral Service: Saturday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m. , at First Christian Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella
Joe Junior Kaldenberg was born on March 21, 1938, near Galesburg, Iowa. He was the second of six children that were born to Joe and Jeannetta Van Ringelestein Kaldenberg. Joe received his grade school education at the Sully Christian Grade School and graduated from Sully High School in Sully, Iowa. Following his graduation Joe was drafted into the U.S. Army Reserves and served until his medical discharge. Joe’s father operated a general store at Reasnor, Iowa at the same time he farmed near Galesburg and Joe, Jr. assisted his father in the operations. He later began working for his Uncle Dewey Kaldenberg as a well driller at Slater, Iowa. On March 2, 1962, he was united in marriage Karen Diane Van Waardhuizen, a daughter of Milton A. and Esther Wichhart Van Waardhuizen. Joe and Karen relocated to Pella, Iowa where they raised their two children: Jodi Diane and Eric Todd. Joe drove truck for Scheibout Tire Company and then returned to farming for a short while. He became an insurance agent for Bankers Life Nebraska. Joe’s association with the now Ameritas Investment Corporation spanned 40 years. He earned the following honors: Masters Club, Sower Club and Sower Round Table Presidents Club and attained the status of: CLU, ChFC and LUTCF during this time. He was also associated with Broker’s Clearing House. Joe never did completely retire but always found time for family and friends. He also found much enjoyment in lawn mowing and raising flowers. On Wednesday evening, July 15, 2009, he passed away at the Pella Regional Health Center in Pella at the age of 71 years,3 months and 24 days. Joe is survived by his wife, Karen; a daughter, Jodi Rau and her husband, Brice, of Marshalltown, Iowa; a son, Eric Kaldenberg, of Phoenix, Arizona; and five grandchildren: Brandon, Mara, Lilly, Lyndi and Lexia. Joe leaves three brothers and their wives: Robert A. and Phyllis Kaldenberg of Winterset, Iowa, Gene E. and Helen Kaldenberg, Tommy L. and Patricia Kaldenberg of Reasnor, Iowa; the following sisters-in-law and brother-in-law: Loretta (Van Waardhuizen) and Larry Jabaai of Indianapolis, Indiana, Connie (John) Van Waardhuizen of Pella, Frances (Charles) Van Waardhuizen of Farmington, Missouri; along with the following step-sisters-in-law and step-brothers-in-law: Joyce (Jansen) Kooistra of Sully, Iowa, Roger and Jeanette Jansen, Ed and Carol Jansen of Pella, Duane Jansen of Golden, Colorado, Beverly(Jansen) and Jim Tierney of Carroll, Iowa, Bryce and Chris Jansen of Stigler, Oklahoma; and many nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Jeannetta Kaldenberg; his oldest brother, John W. Kaldenberg, who was killed in an auto accident in 1955; his youngest sister, Veronica, who died in infancy in 1953; his parents-in-law, Milton and Esther Van Waardhuizen; his step-father-in-law, Jake Jansen; two brothers-in-law: John W. Van Waardhuizen and Charles W. Van Waardhuizen; a step-brother-in-law, Larry Kooistra, and a step-sister-in-law, Karen (Duane) Jansen; two nieces: Michele Van Waardhuizen and Leslie Jabaai; and a nephew, Aaron Van Waardhuizen. Joe was a faithful member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa.
Memorials may be given for Pella Christian High School
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Jerry Weyers,
January 25, 1943 - July 03, 2009
Visitation: Monday evening, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. July 06, 2009 at Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Tuesday morning, 10:30 a.m. July 07, 2009 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Inurnment will follow services at St Mary's Catholic Cemetery
Jerry Weyers was born on January 25, 1943, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He was the youngest of three children that were born to Bert and Eva Johanna Rouwenhorst Weyers. Jerry graduated from Webster School and attended Pella Public High School in Pella, Iowa. On June 7, 1963, he was united in marriage with Dorothy June McMurray at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Knoxville, Iowa. At an early age Jerry began driving truck and then began working at the Rolscreen Company in Pella in 1961. Jerry was employed at the Pella Corporation for 37 years until he took disability in 1998. Jerry and Dorothy enjoyed riding motorcycles and camping and for several years Jerry was a trapshooter. In June, 2008, Jerry became a resident at the Griffin Nursing Center in Knoxville, Iowa. On June 30, 2009, he became very ill and was admitted to the Pella Regional Health Center in Pella where he was cared for until being transferred to the Hospice of Pella Comfort House where he passed away on Friday morning, July 3, 2009 at the age of 66 years, 5 months and 7 days. Jerry is survived by his faithful wife of 46 years, Dorothy June; his sister, Junella (Howard) Halverson of Iowa City, Iowa; a step-sister, Juanita (Richard) King of Des Moines, Iowa; and his sister-in-law, Norma (Harry) Weyers of Pella. Jerry and Dorothy had no children of their own and their little companion was their dog, Nellie; but they thought a lot of their niece and nephews: Jeana (Weyers) and Paul Schuring of Pella, Mike and Nancy Halverson of Friendswood, Texas, Craig and Norma Halverson of Newton, Iowa, Brad and Becky Weyers of Sperry, Iowa. Their family also included the following great-nephews and great-nieces: Bret and Todd Schuring, Katie (Halverson) and Sean Adams, Kurtis Halverson, Amanda (Halverson) and Zack Mefford, Chris Halverson, Ben Weyers, Joann (Weyers) and Elias Gutierrez; great-great-nieces: Hannah Halverson, Kilie Adams, and Nevaeh Gutierrez; great-great-nephew, Seth Adams; and God child, Michaela Wilcox of Mufresboro, Tennessee. Jerry was preceded in death by his his parents: his mother, Eva Weyers, who died on July 27, 1957; his father, Bert Weyers and his step-mother, Florence (Enyart) Weyers who were both killed in an auto accident on January 4, 1967; his parents-in-law, George and Alice Stoffeler McMurray; his brother, Harry Weyers; a step-brother, Clyde Enyart; and his brother-in-law, Howard Halverson. Jerry was baptized at the First Christian Church in Knoxville, Iowa on January 16, 1983 and was affiliated with Federated Fellowship Church in Pella, Iowa. He will be missed by his family and many, many friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be given to St. Mary's Catholic Church or Federated Fellowship Church in Pella, Iowa.
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Delores Kane Mehls,
July 24, 1942 - June 12, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Monday morning , at Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Tuesday, June16, 10:00 am , at Third Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Portergrove Cemetery, Pella, IA
Delores Ann Ver Meer was born on July 24, 1942, at home in Marion County, Iowa. She was the second of four children that were born to Anthony John and Walterena Vander Beek Ver Meer. Delores attended the Pella Public Schools and when she was 9 years of age her father passed away. She graduated from Pella High School with the Class of 1960. On January 6, 1960, she was united in marriage with Wayne Cade, whom she had met while working at the Central Park Cafe in Pella, Iowa, and to this union a son, Curtis Lee, was born. Wayne died on February 24, 1962. On June 7, 1963, she was united in marriage with Dale Lyn Kane at Trenton, Missouri. To this union two children were born: Brenda Sue and Joel Lyn. Delores and Dale lived around Pella all their married life. Delores worked in the cooking field at various facilities including Hilltop Manor, Pella Community Hospital, Strawtown Inn and the Pella Golf & Country Club all her life. Not only was she a talented cook, who made the best Dutchmess, but she enjoyed being with people. She was a very social person and enjoyed visiting and having company. Her husband, Dale, passed on March 2, 1994, at the age of just 53 years following a 7 month illness with cancer. On August 1, 2000, she was united in marriage with Charles Mehls. Delores and Charles spent their lives together living at 1062 Highway T17 near Pella. Delores continued collecting Delft, scrapbooking and enjoying playing cards. She was very competitive! On June 1, 2009, Delores was diagnosed with a peritrachial mass and passed away 12 days later, June 12, 2009, at Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 66 years. Those who will cherish her memory are her husband, Charles; their five children and their families: Curtis Kane of Pella, Iowa; Brenda and Douglas Hoksbergen of Montezuma, Iowa; Joe Kane and his special friend, DeAnn Martin of Ankeny, Iowa; Carlene (Mehls) and Kelly Colleman of Perry, Iowa; Ken and Julie Mehls of Johnston, Iowa. Delores leaves a special niece, Gayley Ver Meer, who was raised like a daughter, and her friend, Lola, of Ottumwa, Iowa; her brother, Donald John (Doc) Ver Meer and Teresa of Pella; her sister, Linda Kay and her husband, Willis Roose, of Pella; along with the following brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Barry and Connie Kane, Janice (Kane) and Bob Buyert, Max and Joyce Kane all of Pella, Mary (Kane) and Harry Braafhart of Pleasant Hill, Iowa. Delores was preceded in death by her husbands, Wayne Cade and Dale Kane; her father, Anthony Ver Meer, who died on November 15, 1951, at the age of just 40 years and her mother, Walterena Ver Meer, who died on February 18, 2001, at the age of 84 years; an infant brother, Kenneth John Ver Meer, who died in a tragic auto accident on September 1, 1951, at the age of just 14 months; and parents-in-law, Dale and Ina Roush Kane. Delores was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, and an aunt who loved unconditionally. To all she would lend a listening ear.
Memorials may be given to the Delores Kane Mehls Memorial Fund to be designated later.
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Arvin De Cook,
July 22, 1957 - June 07, 2009
Sully, Iowa
Visitation: visitation begins after 3:00 p.m. Tuesday , at Lynnville Friends Church, Lynnville, Iowa
Visitation: family present, Tuesday, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. , at Lynnville Friends Church, Lynnville, Iowa
Funeral Service: Wednesday, June 10 at 1:30 p.m. , at Lynnville Friends Church, Lynnville, Iowa
Interment: Friends Cemetery at Lynnville
Arvin Floyd De Cook was a son of Armand and Frances Brand De Cook. He was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa on July 22, 1957. Arvin grew up near Sully, Iowa where he attended the Sully Schools and graduated from Sully High School with the Class of 1975. Already at an early age farming became a way of life for Arvin. On September 7, 1984, he was united in marriage with Lenis Gae Earp, a daughter of Thomas Edward and Virginia Lois Compton Earp. Arvin and Lenis made their home west of Sully and God blessed their union with wonderful children: Tessa Rae, Danielle Lenae and Adam Colby and Lacie Elynn . Arvin loved the farm and working the land. He also had a fond interest in restoring vintage Farmall tractors and Hit and Miss gas engines. In addition he had a passion for mission projects. For the past 11 years Arvin was involved in mission projects on the Mexican border working with "Senda de Vida" Way of Life Ministry. Arvin was a faithful member of the Lynnville Friends Church in Lynnville, Iowa where he was presently serving as an Elder. He also served for many years on the Friends Cemetery Committee. In addition to to his work on the farm, Arvin always had time for family projects, including family parade floats, helping with tree forts, riding 4-wheeler, backyard landscaping and family fireworks. On Sunday afternoon, June 7, 2009, Arvin passed away at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa following a recent automobile/tractor accident on May 22, 2009, two months prior to his 52nd birthday. Those left to honor his memory are his family: his wife, Lenis; children: Tessa and her husband, R.J. Van Dyke of Pella, Iowa, Danielle De Cook and Adam De Cook both at home, Lacie and her husband Ronnie Dykstra and their three children: Chase, Lance and Collin of Newton, Iowa. Arvin leaves his parents: Armand and Frances De Cook of Sully; his father-in-law, Thomas Earp of Sully; a sister, Ruth Ann and her husband, Douglas Dop and their three children: Matthew, Kurtis and Kyle of Monroe, Iowa; his brother, Mark De Cook and his wife, Karla and his three children: Tammy, Tonya and Mallory of Sully; and the following brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Warren and Pat Earp of Florence, Texas, Wyatt and Cindy Eart of Osage Beach, Missouri, Louise (Earp) Rorebeck of Ankeny, Iowa, Diane Earp of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Sheila (Earp) and Harlan Van Wyhe of Sully; along with a host of family and countless friends. Arvin was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Virginia Earp and a sister-in-law, Rhonda (Earp) Gosselink.
Memorials may be given to the Arvin De Cook Memorial Fund to be designated for Texico Mission Projects.
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Carolyn Jaarsma Lubbers,
August 19, 1963 - June 04, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: Sunday, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. , at First Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Funeral Service: Monday, June 8 at 2:00 p.m. , at First Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery in Pella
Carolyn Ruth Jaarsma was born on August 19, 1963, in Pella, Iowa. She was the eldest of three daughters born to Ralph and Elaine (Nagel) Jaarsma. Carolyn grew up working in her family’s bakery where she learned the value of a dollar and hard work. Through her involvement in 4-H, Carolyn won special awards at the Iowa State Fair for an original needlework project and her muesli cookies. She attended the Pella Community Schools and graduated from Pella High School in 1982. During college Carolyn began working at Mode Huis, a women’s clothing store in Pella. Immediately after graduating from Central College in 1986, Carolyn and her partner, Mary (and Julie) Brillhart, bought the clothing business, Mode Huis, they continued to operate together until 1996. Many will remember Carolyn for her eye for complimentary styles and her personal attention to her customers. Randy Lubbers wooed Carolyn with flowers and got her to experience things her family never dreamed possible such as tent camping trips and attending sprint car races in Knoxville, Iowa (each just once!) They were married on August 7, 1993 in Pella. Randy’s love and devotion allowed Carolyn to blossom and accomplish things she hadn’t imagined possible. Carolyn’s nurturing and patience helped ground Randy and provide him a loving refuge. The birth of her children fulfilled Carolyn’s dream of being a mother. Elyse Kristina was born on January 6, 1996 (the first baby of the new year), and Luke Henri was born on August 2, 1999. Although she continued to work part time at Jaarsma Bakery, most of her energy was devoted to creating a home where her family felt loved and secure. Carolyn’s kids were her top-priority and they brought her great joy. She went out of her way to find special activities for her family to do together as well as simply celebrating the everyday. These wonderful memories will last forever. In 2004, Randy accepted a call to become the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Lake Crystal, Minnesota. Carolyn readily shared her gifts of hospitality and nurturing through her many projects with her new church family, just as she had at First Reformed Church in Pella previously. She had taught Sunday School and led Vacation Bible School, she organized mid-week, Tulip Time, and Thanksgiving meals, and collaborated on church cookbooks in both congregations. Carolyn reflected the love of Jesus through actions, not words. Carolyn was a homemaker in every sense of the word. Her home was cozy and welcoming to all. Neighborhood kids flocked to her house knowing they would find home baked goodies, crafty projects, fun times, and unconditional love. Carolyn loved to spoil her friends and family with gifts made with her own hands: strawberry jam (especially for her dad), cheesecakes of all varieties, and most specially, beautiful cross-stitched masterpieces. The kids in the family will never forget Carolyn’s crazy driving to make for a fun ride, macaroni and cheese with chicken nuggets and lemonade on Saturdays, rain puddles and worms, and rounds of tickling. Carolyn died on June 4, 2009, at Immanuel St. Joseph’s Hospital in Mankato, Minnesota after a courageous 4-year battle with ovarian cancer at the age of just 45 years. Even through her toughest times, people were amazed by her patience and zest for life. She continued to care for and serve others first and to find joy and humor all around her. Shortly after receiving her cancer diagnosis, Carolyn told her mom, “I’m going to live until I die.” Carolyn is survived by her husband, Rev. Randy Lubbers and their children, Elyse and Luke of Lake Crystal;a step-son, John Lubbers and his fiancée, Stephanie Knorr of Prescott, AZ; her parents, Ralph and Elaine Jaarsma of Pella, IA; two sisters and their husbands and children: Kristi and Dave Balk, Aric and Alli and Lisa and Brian Zylstra, Andrew and Matthew all of Pella, IA; aunts and uncles: Betty (Nagel) and John Sikkink of Apple Valley, Minnesota, Bernace (Jaarsma) Johnson and Howard and Ethel Jaarsma, all of Pella, IA; her parents-in-law, Charles and Arlene Lubbers and grandmother-in-law, Sylvia Lubbers of Orange City, IA; eleven cousins; two Dutch “sisters” Miriam Quataert and Danielle Van Zuiden; other family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Frank and Celia Keuning Jaarsma and Floyd and Ruth Nagel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to either a fund for Carolyn’s children or to the First Presbyterian Church in Lake Crystal, Minnesota.
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Genevieve Vande Lune,
February 12, 1919 - June 03, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Friday afternoon , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Saturday, June 6 at 1:30 p.m. , at Covenant Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Black Oak Cemetery at Pella
Genevieve Drewes was born on February 12, 1919, in Muskegan, Michigan. She was an only daughter of Andrew and Tina Hesse Drewes. Both she and her two brothers, Henry and Egbert, attended the public school and being a city girl and the fact her parents didn't own a car, she did a lot of walking to and from school and church. She completed junior high, then did housework and babysitting until she was old enough to sew 'long johns' in a factory. In 1940 she and some of her girl friends piled into a 1929 Model A Ford and coasted down the hills into Iowa. Genevieve met Wilbert Gerrit Vande Lune at a young people's meeting at the Prairie City Christian Reformed Church in Prairie City, Iowa. From time to time she would ride back to Iowa from Michigan and this is when the romance began to flourish. The couple was married in the Drewes home in Michigan on August 25, 1942. Wilbert continued to work on Dad's farm for a while and then hired out as a farm hand and to this union four children were born: David Lee, Norma Jean, Ronald Paul and Joyce Elaine. Because Genevieve was a 'stay-at-home' city girl, she didn't mind living in the country even though she did miss electricity and indoor plumbing. In 1945 they rented their first farm near Cedar, Iowa and then moved to a farm near New Sharon, Iowa. In 1953 they moved East of Pella, Iowa and began to farm the land they eventually owned. This proved to be the place where their children grew up, had a large well-stocked pond close to the house and an attractive windmill which became a landmark. Genevieve and Wilbert (Bill) moved into Pella, 1342 Northwest Drive in 1976 and sold the farm in 1991. One can conclude immediately upon entering their home Genevieve was a 'flower-person' nor could she sit still. For several years she cleaned at Strawtown, was involved with the Pella Community Hospital Auxiliary, taught Sunday School and was president of the Senior Ladies Aid Society at the First Christian Reformed Church. She enjoyed reading, ceramics, baking and cooking. Genevieve received much enjoyment and pleasure in visiting the shut-ins in the nursing home, particularly at Christmas time. Genevieve and Wilbert did some traveling throughout the United States and on December 20, 2001, he passed away at the age of 83 years. Genevieve was able to continue living in their home and when discussing her health was thankful "she could get up and get about". On Wednesday evening, June 3, 2009, she passed away on arrival at the Pella Regional Health Center having recently celebrated her 90th birthday. Those who will cherish her memory are her four children and their spouses and their families. They are: David and Darlene (Conn) Vande Lune of Pella, Iowa; Norma and Gilbert Christensen of Altoona, Iowa; Ronald and Kris Vande Lune of Pella, Iowa;and Rick Place of Pella, Iowa. Of her original family Genevieve leaves her sister-in-law, Betty (Egbert) Drewes of Wadsworth, Ohio; and the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Frances (Vande Lune) Van Haaften, Marvin and Mary Lou Vande Lune, Shirley (Vande Lune) and Joe Schutte and Esther (Leonard) Vande Lune all of Pella, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbert; a granddaughter, Dana Vande Lune in 1982; her parents, Andrew and Tina Drewes; her parents-in-law, William and Lena Vander Wiel Vande Lune; her two brothers: Henry Drewes and his wife, Trina and Egbert Drewes; and the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Gertrude (Vande Lune) and Gert Van Dyke, Ruth (Vande Lune) and Merle Kallemyn, Ernest Van Haaften and Leonard Vande Lune. Genevieve was a member of the Covenant Reformed Church in Pella at the time of her death. She enjoyed keeping track of her family in photo albums and the greatest gift she gave them was the training they received by being raised in a Christian home. There was no place like "home sweet home".
Memorials may be given to the building fund of the Covenant Reformed Church or the “Back to God Hour” radio ministry broadcast.
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Anthony F. Tysseling,
June 02, 1908 - May 28, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: beings Monday morning , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present, Monday from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. , at Second Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella
Anthony Francis Tysseling was born in Pella, Iowa on June 2, 1908. His father was Gerrit Teunis Tysseling who operated the flour and feed mill in South Pella until it burned down in 1900 at which time he built his family home on the same foundation. The rest of Gerrit’s working life was spent at the Blommers Flour Mill in West Pella. His mother was Nellie Breen, who gave birth to three children, all of them after she was forty-one years old. His older sister, Anna Wilhelmena, taught music in the Pella Schools until she died in 1975. His younger brother, Richard Albertus (Babe), distinguished himself as an athlete and coached at Central College, served as athletic director, and later as director of admissions. He died in 1997. Anthony was attracted to Florence Gertrude Boot when they were both in junior high school and in 1930, on a hot August afternoon, they married in the front yard of her family home on East Liberty Street. They were married for 71 years until she died in 2001. She was employed at what was then called the Rolscreen Company from its very early days, and served as Peter H. Kuyper's private secretary until 1940. After attending Central College, Anthony went into the retail shoe business, buying the Two Vans Shoe Store on the south side of Franklin Street and later opening Tysseling's Shoe Store on Main Street just north of the Marion County Bank. He spent thirty-eight years in the shoe business, the last several years in the T & D Department Store. After he sold the business he worked for the State of Iowa as a food inspector. An athlete and a sports fan, “Tys”, as he was called by his friends, was a founding member of the Pella Golf and Country Club. He played golf until he was 97 years old. Competitive and determined, he was the club champion more than once and he also scored a hole in one. He played tennis in college, winning a state championship. Always an avid supporter of anything that had to do with Central College, he was especially fond of athletics. In later years, when he went to football games, women's softball and men's baseball games, and could no longer walk comfortably, he'd park his car where he could watch the games as he listened on the car radio. He was honored by Central College as an outstanding alumni in 2007. He also followed both Pella High School and Pella Christian High School sports and was a long-suffering Chicago Cubs fan. Through the years he was a faithful member of the Second Reformed Church and Rotary, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow. He and Florence were active participants in several bridge and dinner clubs and they danced in costume and wooden shoes with the Dutch Dancers during Tulip Time. He was a regular attendee of the 8:00 Coffee Group at In’t Veld’s, several members of which became surrogate family for him as his health deteriorated during his later years. He is survived by his daughter, Linda Ann, and her husband Raymond White; his son Anthony Richard, and his wife, Lois, and six grandchildren: Martin van Doorninck, Alison van Doorninck Sax, John van Doorninck, Leslie Tysseling (Prewitt), Kelly Tysseling, and Amy Tysseling DeAndre. There are six great-grandchildren: Anna and William Prewitt, Mason, Parker, and Ellie Jo DeAndre, and Holly van Doorninck.
The family has designated the Second Reformed Church or Central College for memorial contributions.
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Marvin Blom,
September 28, 1937 - May 24, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: beings Tuesday after 12:00 noon , at Calvary Christian Reformed Church
Visitation: family present, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. , at Calvary Christian Reformed Church
Funeral Service: Wednesday, May 27 at 10:30 a.m. , at Calvary Christian Reformed Church
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella
Marvin Duane Blom was born on September 28, 1937, near Sully, Iowa. He was the fifth of six children that were born to Tunis and Jennie Roelofsen Blom. “Marv” graduated from the Sully Christian Grade School and was a member of the last class to graduate from Sully High School in 1955. During high school Marv already excelled in sports, especially football. On February 16, 1956, he was united in marriage with JoAnn Memmelaar, a daughter of Bernard and Carrie Vos Memmelaar, at the Leighton Christian Reformed Church in Leighton, Iowa. To this union five children were born: Vincent Marvin, Rickie Gene, Randie Lee, Barbara Jo and Julie Ann. Following their marriage, Marv first began working at a plumbing shop in Newton, Iowa. He then began farming north of Pella, Iowa. Marv was a seed corn salesman for O’s Gold for a few years and then operated a Vermeer farmer-dealer baler business for 27 years. Work did not keep Marv from enjoying and doing other things. Marv drove school bus for Pella Community Schools for 18 years. He refereed basketball and football games and umpired many, many softball games. He was an avid softball fan watching his sons pitch and later his granddaughters play for Pella Christian High School. Marv collected antique tractors and enjoyed going on cruises and traveling. Marv had a heart for missions and spent many volunteer hours working for CRWRC organizing work trips for disaster response in the U.S. He also coordinated the local community connections outreach program for Marion County. On Sunday afternoon, May 24, 2009, he passed away at the Pella Regional Health Center in Pella at the age of 71 years, 7 months and 26 days. Those who will cherish his memory are his wife, JoAnn; their five children and their spouses and their families: Vincent and Linda (Van Dyke) Blom of Pella, Iowa; Rickie and Sue (Kinion) Blom of Reasnor, Iowa; Randie and Marla (Van Wyk) Blom of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Barbara and Shawn Hobson of Des Moines, Iowa; Julie and Tom Woodner of Burnsville, Minnesota. Of his original family Marvin leaves his two sisters and a brother and their spouses: Evelyn V. and Paul Farnham of Gowrie, Iowa, Donna L. (Ivan) Kaldenberg of Pella, Floyd E. and Lavonne Blom of Algona, Iowa; his two sisters-in-law: Elizabeth (G. James) Blom and Beulah (Chuck) Blom both of Pella; along with the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Leona (Memmelaar) Vande Voort of Leighton, Bernice (Memmelaar) and Willard Bronger of Wheaton, Illinois, Nancy (Memmelaar) and Ronald Swank of Sully and John Memmelaar of Des Moines, Iowa. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Tunis and Jennie Blom; his parents-in-law, Barney and Carrie Memmelaar; two brothers: Guysbert James Blom and Carroll Laverne (Chuck) Blom; his brothers-in-law: Ivan Kaldenberg and Gary Vande Voort, and a sister-in-law, Nanci (John) Memmelaar. Marvin loved his grandchildren and enjoyed playing cards. He was an active, faithful member of the Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella and had a heart for helping others as was evident with his involvement with the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, World Missions and most recently Community Connections.
The family has designated the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, Hospice of Pella or Community Connections serving Marion County for memorial contributions.
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Lenora J. Nikkel,
February 19, 1927 - May 19, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: all day Thursday , family present 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at Faith Christian Reformed Church
Funeral Service: Friday, May 22 at 10:30 a.m. , at Faith Christian Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella
Lenora Josephine Van Rees was born on February 19, 1927, west of Sully, Iowa. She was the first of five children who were born to Lawrence and Wilma Lanser Van Rees. Lenora began her elementary education at the Perkins Country Grade School and, after her graduation from the Sully Christian Grade School, she continued to help on the family farm. On February 11, 1947, she was united in marriage with Bernie M. Nikkel, the fifth of ten children born to Marcelis and Anne Baarda Nikkel. Lenora and Bernie began raising their family on a farm northeast of Monroe, Iowa, and in 1954, moved to a farm southeast of Sully. To this Godly union, eleven children were born: Bernie Wayne, Timothy Lee, Marianne, Lynnette Sue, Cynthia Kay, Daniel Dean, Sharon Elaine, Krista Lynn, Martin Lawrence and Nora Jean. Their faith in God, dedication and hard work proved to be the forces that supported and maintained their family. In 1993, they retired from the farm, but not from working. They moved into Pella, Iowa, where Bernie assumed maintenance duties at Hilltop Manor, while Lenora continued working as a certified nurses’ aide. She was a self-motivated person and was fulfilled through attaining this certification. She enjoyed helping people in this capacity at Skiff Memorial Hospital in Newton, Iowa, and the Pella Community Hospital for over 25 years until she retired. Following Bernie’s heart attack, she cared for him until he went home to heaven on December 14, 2005, at the age of 81 years. Lenora missed Bernie dearly, but drew comfort from her beloved children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Early on Tuesday morning, May 19, 2009, she joined Bernie in heaven, leaving this earth peacefully in her home at the age of 82 years and 3 months. Those who will cherish her memory are her many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They and their families are: B.Wayne and Kimberly Nikkel of Ankeny, IA; Tim and Evelyn Nikkel of Pella, IA; Marianne and Marion Vink of Pella, IA; Lynnette and Gary Christensen of Sully, IA; Cynthia and Loren Bogaards of Pella, IA; Dan and Joan Nikkel of Oskaloosa, IA; Sharon and Brett Musgrove of Pella, IA; Krista and Randy Stromley of Urbandale, IA; Marty Nikkel of Pella, IA; Nora and Wayne Ritter of Sully, IA. Of her original family she leaves the following sisters and brother and their spouses: Henrietta and Wilford Laverman of Sully; twins, Joann (Ben) Verhey of Pella and Joyce Brand and her husband, Charles of Newton; and Dave and Bonnie Van Rees of Lynnville, Iowa. Of her late husband Bernie’s family, the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law are surviving: Cornelia (Henry) Vander Weerdt and Elizabeth (John) Vander Weerdt of Pella; Marcella and Lester Laverman of Sully; Linda and Maurice Rozendaal of Lynnville; Lester and Marilyn Nikkel and Wilda (John H.) Nikkel of Sully. Lenora was preceded in death by her husband, Bernie M. Nikkel; a stillborn child; two grandsons: Thomas J. Christensen and Cody L. Nikkel; her parents, Lawrence and Wilma Van Rees; her parents-in-law: Marcelis and Anne Nikkel; her brother-in-law, Ben Verhey; and the following brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Henry and John Vander Weerdt; John H. Nikkel; James M. and Sadie Nikkel; Pauline and Clarence Laverman; and Matilda and Arthur Van Maanen. Lenora had been a faithful, long-time member of the Sully Christian Reformed Church and, at the present time, was a member of the Faith Christian Reformed Church in Pella. Lenora leaves the gift of many joyous memories as an effervescent, creative, faithful Christian mother, grandmother of 39 grandchildren and great-grandmother of 29 great-grandchildren. Her faith in the Lord, her joy in life and her unwavering dedication to family will be forever remembered.
The family has designated Bethany Christian Services for memorial contributions .
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John Schippers,
November 09, 1921 - May 15, 2009
Visitation: Monday from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. May 18, 2009 at Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home
Graveside Service: Tuesday 10:00 a,m. May 19, 2009 at Oakwood Cemetery in Pella, Iowa
John Schippers was born Willie Schipers on November 9, 1921, south of Pella, Iowa. He was the youngest of five children that were born to Andrew and Alida Popma Schippers. John lived in this vicinity during his childhood years and attended the Pleasant Grove Country Grade School. During World War II he served with the United States Navy. John was united in marriage with Betty J. Koopmans and to this union a daughter, Connie Sue, was born. John was a pilot and self-employed during his lifetime. He farmed near New Sharon, Iowa and for many years was in sales. He owned and operated car washes, sand and gravel pits and heavy equipment. On June 4, 1980, he was united in marriage with Nancy Joan Engleman Clary. John and Joan made their residence in Arkansas. John enjoyed fishing and traveling. When returning to Pella, Iowa he often brought fruit to share with family and friends. Most importantly he will be remembered for his strong political convictions which he shared publicly. On Friday evening, May 15, 2009, he passed away at his residence in Rogers, Arkansas at the age of 87 years, 6 months and 6 days. Surviving are his wife, Joan Schippers of Rogers, Arkansas and her two sons and their family: Justin Clary of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Kent Clary and his wife, Melissa and their two daughters, John’s granddaughters, Courtney and Brittany of Pearidge, Arkansas; his daughter, Connie Sue and her husband, Larry Myers of Pella, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Jennie (Francis) Schippers of Pella; and several nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Alida Schippers; his two sisters and two brothers: Henrietta (Bastiaan) Goemaat, Leonard (Alice) Schippers, Francis Schippers and M. Magdalene (Harold) Groeneweg. John was affiliated with the Church of the Open Bible.
The family has designated Circle of Life (Hospice of Arkansas) for memorial contributions.
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Phyllis Bokhoven,
November 05, 1932 - May 10, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins Wednesday after 11:00 am , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present, Wednesday 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Thursday, May 14 at 10:30 a.m. , at First Christian Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella
Phyllis Jean Veenendaal was born on November 5, 1932, at Pella, Iowa. She was an only daughter born to Marinus and Sarah Stouwie Veenendaal. Phyllis attended the Pella Christian Grade School and made her home with her parents as a young girl. On September 15, 1953, she was united in marriage with Paul Lauterbach. The first day of their honeymoon, September 16, 1953, he was killed in a tragic automobile accident. Phyllis continued to make her home with her parents. On May 28, 1959, she was united in marriage with Arthur Henry Bokhoven at Pella. Art had lost his first wife, Freda Fern Pothoven, on August 4, 1953, at the young age of 28 years due to infectious hepatitis, and his youngest daughter, Darlene Gail, at the age of 2 ½ years on November 8, 1953, in a tragic automobile accident south of Sully, Iowa. Phyllis and Art and his older daughter, Karen Joy who was born on October 17, 1948, became a family and were joined by three other children: Jeffrey Dean who was born on July 19, 1961, Kelvin Eugene on November 14, 1962 and Lisa Mae on September 19, 1966. Following their marriage Phyllis and Art built their home west of Pella, which at that time was Dr. Verploeg’s pony farm. Art operated his own feed business under the name, Swine Consultant Services, while Phyllis was a dedicated homemaker. For many years she worked as a beautician cutting hair. Phyllis enjoyed doing hand work, quilting and doing volunteer work. On Sunday morning, May 10, 2009, she passed away at the Pella Regional Health Center in Pella at the age of 76 years, 6 months and 5 days. Those who will cherish her memory are four children and their spouses, 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. They and their families are: Karen and Harvey Schreur of Princeton, Minnesota; Jeffrey and Kari L. (Venenga) Bokhoven of Pella, Iowa; Kelvin and Jodi L. (Staker) Bokhoven of Pella, Iowa; Lisa M. and Bruce Freesemann of Altoona, Iowa. Phyllis was the last surviving member of her original family and leaves her sister-in-law, Mary (Jerry) Veenendaal of Pella; along with the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Jeanne (Bokhoven) and Dr. Clarence Vos of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Irene (Bokhoven) and Lawrence Blom, Dena Bokhoven, Anne Bokhoven all of Pella, Leonard and Ruth Roose of Phoenix, Arizona, Marie (Herman) Bokhoven of Pella; Ruth (Lauterbach) of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Gertrude (Lauterbach) Burch of Cedar Falls, Iowa. Phyllis was preceded in death by her two husbands: Paul Lauterbach, and Arthur Bokhoven who passed away January 21, 2001; her parents, Marinus and Sarah Veenendaal; her parents-in-law, H. W. and Antonia Bokhoven; her two brothers: Jerry Veenendaal, LeRoy Veenendaal and his wife, Patricia; and the following brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Herman Bokhoven, Gerrit Bokhoven and his wives, Wilma and Lilla (Dee), Minnie (Bokhoven) Roose, Anthony and Caroline Bokhoven. Phyllis was an active, faithful member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Pella where she enjoyed quilting and sewing. Her family remembers her sitting on the northwest corner of the square during each parade of Tulip Time, watching for her late husband, Art Bokhoven, as he walked by ringing his bell as Pella’s Town Crier and later for her son Kelvin, who inherited that role. The love she had for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the enjoyment and pleasure she experienced being surrounded by family and friends will be a cherished memory for her family. Online condolences may be made at www. vandykduven.com. Arrangements by Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home.
The family has designated Hospice of Pella or Chronic Disease Fund for memorial contributions.
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Jane Snyder,
December 10, 1952 - May 09, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begin Tuesday after 11:00 a.m. , at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pella
Visitation: family present, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with Wake Service at 7:00 p.m. , at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pella
Funeral Service: Wednesday, May 13 at 10:30 a.m. , at First Baptist Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella
Jane Marie Stauffer was the second of four children that were born to John and Ruth Marie Stalder Stauffer. She was born on December 10, 1952, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Jane attended WACO Community Schools where she graduated from high school in Olds, Iowa, with the Class of 1971. Jane was valedictorian of her class. She then enrolled at Central College in Pella, Iowa and while attending Central, Jane met Gerald Thomas Snyder as he was cruising around the town square on his motorcycle. On June 8, 1973, they were united in marriage at St. James Catholic Church in Washington, Iowa. Jane graduated Magna Cum Laude from Central College in 1975 with a major in elementary education. Following her graduation she became the mother of four children: Pamela Jo who was born April 15, 1974, Kelly Marie on April 18, 1977, Grant Everett on February 6, 1980 and Jaci Lynn on September 7, 1981. Jane was a devoted homemaker and did substitute teaching. After the children were grown she began working at Precision Pulley and Idler in the shipping department in 1990. Jane was a dedicated employee of Precision Pulley for 18 years and was employed in the accounting department at the time of her untimely death. On Saturday afternoon, May 9, 2009, she passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella at the age of just 56 years, 4 months and 29 days. Those who are mourning her loss are her husband, Gary; their three daughters and their husbands and their son: Pamela and Bryce Biklen of West Des Moines, Iowa, Kelly and Jay Bickford of Wellman, Iowa, Grant Snyder and his fiancé, Laura Pace of Des Moines, Iowa, Jaci and Aaron Vander Meiden of Pella; five grandchildren: Zachary Cole Biklen, Molly Grace Biklen, Samuel Holden Bickford, Emma Jane Bickford, and Hannah Elizabeth Vander Meiden. Jane leaves her mother, Ruth Stauffer of Wayland, Iowa; two brothers and their wives: John L. and Rachael Stauffer of Wayland, Mark and Diana Stauffer of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; her sister, Marcia and her husband, Donald Slycord of Pella; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James and Kathy Snyder of Augusta, Georgia; several nieces and nephews and cousins and numerous friends. She was preceded in death by her father, John Stauffer, who passed away December 20, 2000. Jane was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pella where she had taught education classes and Bible School. She was an avid picture taker, a good baker, and enjoyed gardening and quilting. Jane was well known to family and friends for her selfless acts of kindness, unmatched generosity, unconditional love of life and heart of gold. She loved being with friends and family and her grandchildren were her pride and joy.
The family has designated Hospice of Pella Comfort House for memorial contributions.
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Jeannette Van Den Berg,
September 29, 1919 - May 05, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins after 11:00 a.m. Friday , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday , at Calvary Christian Reformed Church
Funeral Service: Saturday, May 9 at 10:00 a.m. , at Calvary Christian Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery
Jeannette Elizabeth Kaldenberg was the fourth of twelve children born to Rutt and Sibbelina(Sadie) Catharina Sjaardema Kaldenberg. She was born on September 29, 1919, in Sully, Iowa. She completed high school in Sully in 1937, the first of her siblings to have the opportunity to graduate. She obtained a teaching certificate from William Penn College in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Jeannette was 18 years of age when she started teaching at Pease, Minnesota. After a year she took a teaching job at Rose Hill Country School near Galesburg, Iowa. The school director, John van den Berg, and his wife, Mary, provided room and board for her and that is how she met her future husband, their son, Evertt Jerry Van Den Berg. Jeannette and Jerry were married on October 12, 1940, in Pella, Iowa. They lived in Newton, Iowa where Jerry was employed at Parsons Company and Jeannette was a homemaker. During World War II they lived a short time in Bremerton, Washington where they worked at the shipyards. After the war, they returned to the Van Den Berg family farm near Galesburg, Iowa. They were blessed with five children: Judith Lavonne, Jerry Lee, Jimmy Lynn, Janet Louise and Joan Lori. Jerry and Jeannette enjoyed living on the farm where they raised their children. Jeannette worked part time when their children were older, but was primarily a homemaker and helped with the farm work. After Jerry’s retirement they enjoyed spending the winters in Mesa, Arizona for over 20 years. Jerry passed away unexpectedly on July 21, 2000, just prior to their 60th wedding anniversary. A year after his death, Jeannette sold the family farm home and moved into Midtown Apartments in Pella, Iowa and continued to winter in Arizona until 2 years ago. On Tuesday afternoon, May 5, 2009, Jeannette passed away at her residence in Pella five months prior to her 90th birthday. Those who will cherish her memory are her five children and their spouses, 13 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. They and their families are: Judith and Sidney Holden of Spokane, Washington; Jerry Van Den Berg of Ankeny, Iowa;Jim and Janice (Van Willigen) Vanden Berg of Pella, Iowa; Janet and Michael Chapman of Pella, Iowa; Joan Vanden Berg and Tim Kelly of Iowa City, Iowa. Of her original family, Jeannette leaves the following sisters and brothers and their spouses: Kathryn Van Zante of Pella, Dewey Kaldenberg of Ankeny, Iowa, George Kaldenberg of Florida, Ruth Hannay of Grinnell, Iowa, Agnes Masselink of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sibel Hanson of Tucson, Arizona, Dot and Bob De Ronde of Pella, Chic Visser of Pella, Darlene and Wayne Klein of Pella. Jeannette was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; her parents, Rutt and Sadie Kaldenberg; her parents-in-law, John and Mary Ellerbroek Van Ryswyk van den Berg; her oldest brother and his wife, John and Ada Kaldenberg; three brothers-in-law: Harris Van Zante, Edward Hannay and Buck Visser; and two sisters-in-law: Minnie Mae Van Den Berg (Dewey) Kaldenberg and Lena (George) Kaldenberg. Jeannette was a faithful member of the Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa. She loved being outdoors, appreciated music and enjoyed crocheting, knitting, doing crossword puzzles and playing cards. Jeannette was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and sister who loved to have fun with her family. She had a great sense of humor and shared many laughs with her siblings, especially on their yearly trips together. She was blessed with wisdom and good common sense, guided by her faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The family has designated Hospice of Pella or the Calvary Christian Reformed Church for memorial contributions.
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Judy Zylstra,
August 14, 1944 - April 22, 2009
Pella, Iowa
Visitation: begins after 11:00 a.m. Friday , at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation: family present, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. , at Faith Christian Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Funeral Service: Saturday, April 25 at 1:30 p.m. , at Faith Christian Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella
Judith Ann Brummel was born on August 14, 1944, at the Mahaska County Hospital in Oskaloosa, Iowa. She was the third of four children that were born to Lester John and Bonnie Louise Thatcher Brummel. Judy attended a rural Mahaska County, Iowa country grade