Maggie Schimmel

MMagdalena Schimmel, 95, died peacefully Friday, June 20, 2014 at her daughter, Nancy's home in Salem, Oregon. She had been diagnosed with cancer in May. A memorial service of remembrance, joy and praise will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, July 26th, 2014 at First Reformed Church in Sioux Center, Iowa with Rev. Roger Voskuil officiating. A private family committal service will be held in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Sioux Center. Memorial gifts may be made to Medical Teams International, P.O. Box 10 Portland, Oregon 97202 or R.C.A. Global Relief Fund, First Reformed Church, Sioux Center, Iowa 51250. She was born on December 22, 1918 to Albert and Helena (Van Tilburg) Scheffer near Carmel, Iowa. In 1921, the family moved into Carmel where her father owned and operated the general store for nearly 30 years. She attended the country school and graduated from Sioux Center High School in 1935. She earned her teaching certificate at Western Union College in LeMars, Iowa, and taught in Carmel country school. On June 8, 1939, Maggie married Arie Schimmel in the Carmel Reformed Church. The couple lived on a farm near Sioux Center for the first 37 years of their marriage. Maggie and Arie were blessed with four children; all of which graduated from Sioux Center High School and received various college degrees. In the 1950's, the family hosted International Farm Youth Exchange students: Kees Perdok, The Netherlands, and Gopal Krishna, India. Maggie worked as a full time homemaker and volunteered for many church and community activities. A lifelong member of the Reformed Church of America, she had a strong faith in God, and enjoyed teaching Sunday school, Catechism, participating in Bible Studies, Women's Circles and Choir. In 1977, she was chosen to chair Sioux Center, First Reformed Church's Centennial Committee. Being active in the community, she was a member of Sioux Center Hospital and Northwestern College Auxiliaries, a 4-H leader, and on the Sioux County Care Review Committee. She was a long time member of Federated Women's Club and served for 12 years on the Sioux Center Public Library Board. She often held office and served on special committees within these organizations. Her enthusiasm in all she undertook and cheerful, positive outlook on life was a source of joy to many who knew her. Arie and Mag moved to Sioux Center in 1976. Between the years 1969 - 1990 the couple made numerous trips to the Netherlands establishing close relationships with many cousins and surviving aunts and uncles. During these years, one of her favorite volunteer projects was teaching a Dutch Heritage class at Kinsey Elementary School. She was an avid reader and stayed current on world events and government, active in politics for many years. To be near family and escape Iowa winters, Arie and Mag moved to Davis, CA in 1993. Making new friends in the neighborhood, they began hosting an annual Christmas gathering. As Davis Community Church members they participated in Soup and Song. In reflection, Maggie often recounted the years in Davis as very special for her and Arie as they thoroughly enjoyed one another's company. As a great sports fan, she closely followed her children and grandchildren's events, as well as college and pro teams. Loving music she enjoyed her families' choir concerts and various music performances. Her other hobbies included writing, playing cards, tile rummy, sewing, crocheting, and cooking. Stroop waffles, a Dutch cookie she made and shared with many, became a family tradition. In 2003, Arie and Mag moved to a retirement community in Carmichael, California. Arie died April 2003. Maggie moved to Hidden Lakes Retirement Community in Salem, Oregon in 2004. Maggie enjoyed being close to her daughter and family as well as the natural beauties of the Oregon. Her family was always the most important part of her life and time spent with them was highly treasured. Surviving her are four children: Allan (Reid Reames) Philadelphia, PA, Leon (Annette Cody) Davis, CA, Ardys Schimmel, Gleneden Beach, OR, and Nancy Schimmel (Jay Allred) Salem, OR; ten grandchildren and spouses; six great grandchildren; her sister, Florence (Clinton Van Roekel) and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; Arie; her parents; brother, Cornelius (Margaret Scheffer); sister, Emma (Esten Brown) and sister-in-law, Harriet (Wilbert J. Vermeer).