Gertie Bonnema, age 97, of Sioux Center, IA, died Tuesday, December 27, 2016, at Royale Meadows Care Center in Sioux Center.
Memorial service will be 11:00 AM Friday, December 30, 2016, at Lebanon Christian Reformed Church in Lebanon, IA with Rev. Cory Van Sloten officiating.
A private burial will take place prior to the Memorial service at the Lebanon Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00-8:00 PM, with the family present from 6-8 PM at Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center.
Gertie P. Haverhals was born on February 7, 1919, to Peter and Gertie (Kooi) Haverhals on the family farm near Hawarden, IA. She grew up in the Hawarden area and attended Christian school through grade 8, in the Lebanon church basement. On February 7, 1941, Gertie was united in marriage to Melvin R. Bonnema at her parents’ home. They made their home on a farm near Hawarden until retiring and moving to Sioux Center in 1994. Gertie was a faithful, lifelong member of the Lebanon Christian Reformed Church in Lebanon, IA.
Growing up on the farm she was a bit of a tomboy, sometimes known by her siblings as ‘the tree squirrel’ for the hours she spent climbing from branch to branch. She had a love for horses and shared many stories of her riding, both for work and pleasure, always enjoying the outdoors. The strong work ethic deeply instilled in her at an early age carried her through life.
Gertie and Melvin’s marriage of over 71 years was among the many blessings God bestowed, as was her contentment in her room at Royale Meadows. The song she sang over and over during her last days was “Count your blessings, name them one by one… count your many blessings, see what God has done.” She will be greatly missed.
Gertie is survived by her six children: Leora (John) Van Middendorp of Rock Rapids, IA, Marlene (Jay) Broek of Sioux Center, IA, Gervin (Helen) Bonnema of Orange City, IA, Cheryl Frost of Holland, MI, Joyce Williams of Waverly, IA and Duane (LeaAnn) Bonnema of Hawarden, IA; one sister, Adelene Haverhals of Lynden, WA; two brothers-in-law: Elmer (Artie) Bonnema of Sioux Center, IA and Harold Bonnema of Seal Beach, CA; 21 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Bonnema; son-in-law, Gary Frost; granddaughter, Rebecca Bonnema; great-granddaughter, Lillian Broek; grandson-in-law, Doug Reuvers; sisters: Anna Dekkers, Grace Dekkers, Rena Dragstra, Jean Boeve; and brothers: Siebert P. Haverhals and Peter Haverhals.
In lieu of flowers the Bonnema Family prefers memorials be directed to:
Lebanon Christian Reformed Church Christian Education Fund
or
The Table Ministries (Church Plant Ministry of Craig and Jeanine Broek)
P.O Box 103370
Denver, CO 80250.
Musical Selections
“When We All Get To Heaven” song sheet
“Because He Lives” song sheet
“Precious Lord, Take My Hand”
“Amazing Grace”
Wayne Dekkers, Vocalist
Mary Goslinga, Organist and Accompanist
Casket Bearers
Loren Van Middendorp Arlo Van Middendorp
Doug Broek Craig Broek
Dan Bonnema Brian Frost
Steve Williams Logen Bonnema
Deven Bonnema
