Donna Bruinsma

Donna Bruinsma, 68, of Sioux Center, IA died unexpectedly Saturday, September 14, 2013, at her home in Sioux Center. A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4-8PM, with the family present from 6-8PM at the Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center. A funeral service will be held at Wednesday at 11AM at Central Reformed Church of Sioux Center with Rev. R. Van Rathbun officiating. Interment will follow the funeral service in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center. Donna Ruth (Jansen) Bruinsma was born on July 24, 1945, to Dick and Wilma Jansen. Her father, Dick, was killed in action during WWII on November 29, 1944. Her mother married Ed Sparks on July 4, 1949. Donna grew up in Sully, Iowa. She graduated from Lynnville-Sully High School in 1963. Donna received a business degree from AIB College in Davenport, Iowa. Donna was united in marriage to Joel Bruinsma on September 9, 1966. They made their home in Sioux Center, Iowa. Donna worked outside the home for many years including Famers Co-op, Mouw Motor and Vande Berg Scales. Donna was diagnosed with Diabetes and struggled with the disease for 17 years. Donna was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed riding along with Joe in the truck, reading, baking, her grandchildren and chatting with her friends. Left to honor Donna's memory include her husband of 47 years, Joel of Sioux Center; children: Dan and Sharon Bruinsma of Strasburg, CO, Jacki and Marv Maassen of Maurice and Jason and Jessica Bruinsma of Orange City. She also leaves behind her eight grandchildren: Taylor and Elise Bruinsma, Kody and Jaden Poeckes, Mary and Anna Maassen, Tyler, Xavion and Kaitlyn Bruinsma; a sister, Rosemary Beede of Waukee, IA; her brother and sister-in-law, Edmund and Lydia Sparks of San Antonio, TX; Joel's brothers: Wayne and Mardy Bruinsma, Rob and Lorna Bruinsma, Sam Bruinsma all of Sioux Center, Randy and Rita Bruinsma of Battle Lake, MN; Joel's sisters: Alda and Bill Severson of Sioux Falls, Nancy De Bondt of Sioux Center, Judi and Gary Wilson of Sioux Falls and many nieces and nephews and good friends. Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Wilma Sparks; Joel's parents, Sam and Gladys Bruinsma; Joel's brothers: Byron, Stan, David, Paul and Frank Bruinsma.