Margene Van Berkel

Margene Van Berkel, 87, of Sioux Center, IA died Sunday, September 14, 2014, at Royale Meadows Care Center of Sioux Center. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 4-8PM, with the family present from 5-7PM at the First Reformed Church of Sioux Center. A prayer service for family and friends will be held on Friday at 9:30AM at the First Reformed Church of Sioux Center. Interment will follow the prayer service in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center. A memorial service will be held on Friday at 10:30AM at the First Reformed Church with Rev. Travis Else officiating. In lieu of flowers or gifts the Van Berkel family prefers memorials be directed to Sioux Center Health or Sioux Center Home Health and Hospice c/o Sioux Center Health foundation. Margene Van Berkel, the daughter of Arie and Jennie (VanderWilt) Bomgaars, was born August 19, 1927. She was raised on a farm east of Middleburg and attended country school through 8th grade before graduating from Newkirk High School in 1945. Margene attended beauty school in Sioux City, traveling by train from Sheldon every week. She worked at Rubies Beauty Shop in Orange City for two years. She had many wonderful memories from 1947 when she was also one of the first "Dutch Dancers" for the Tulip Festival in Orange City. On September 21, 1948, she married Severt Van Berkel at the Middleburg Reformed Church. They made their home 7 miles west of Sioux Center. She faithfully walked beside her husband, Severt, as they built their farming operation together. Their work ethics taught their children the value of family, strength and trust. Margene spent hours cooking and baking always trying to have plenty of food as she loved to feed anyone who stopped by. Many times she was asked to "run errands" for Severt in a moment's notice, never complaining while still being able to keep the food warm. Margene was a former member of Lebanon Christian Reformed Church and the Middleburg Reformed Church, making profession of her faith in 1945. For the last number of years she has been a member of the First Reformed Church of Sioux Center. Family and faith were most important to Margene; her 24 great grandchildren were her extra blessings from God. She loved the changing seasons as a reminder of God's faithfulness. She enjoyed all of her grandchildren's activities and time spent with Severt driving through the countryside looking at the crops and cattle. But her fondest times were spent at the lake and wintering in Arizona. Margene showed her family how to truly turn to the Lord as we face trials and difficult times with grace and strength as she fought Gulliain Barre` Syndrome in 1991. The poem Footprints in the Sand became her favorite as she struggled to learn to crawl, walk and talk. She spent 3 long months in the hospital. God is so faithful. The gifts she leaves us are her giving spirit, determination in trials, and unconditional love. Survivors are her five children and their families: Gene and Bev Van Berkel of Sioux Center and their children: Grant Garrod Charity and Mike Pisecki Brad and Stacia Van Berkel and their sons: Calem, Arend, and Ian Bev and Wayne Schut of Sioux Center and their children: Jim and Tiff Schut and his children: Austin and Alexa Lyle and Jill Schut and their children: Carly, Cole and Cora Greg and Erica Schut and their children: Myka and Izrayel Jan and Doug Van Meeteren of Sioux Center and their children: Erica and Jim Vonk and their children: Hudson and Aubrey Lee and Alissa Van Meeteren and their children: Carter and Jaelee Katie and Nathan Harris and their children: Emma, Reese and Case Arda and Loren Van Regenmorter of Sioux Center and their children: Kelly and Cindy Van Regenmorter and their children: Tate, Kaden and Toby Julie and Tim Bajema and their children: Madyson, Adriel, Aliya and Cole Travis Van Regenmorter Tony and Judi Van Berkel of Sioux Center and their children: Bianca and Lucas Also left to cherish Margene's memory is a sister, Arlys and Cliff Oolman from Orange City and many nephews and nieces. In addition to her husband, Severt, who died May 5, 2008; she was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Bernard and Geneva Bomgaars.