Patsy Van Berkum

Patsy Van Berkum, 66, of Sioux Center, IA died Tuesday, August 13, 2013, at Avera McKennan Hospital of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 4-8PM, with the family present from 5-7PM at Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center. A prayer service for family and friends will be held on Friday at 10:15AM at 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 at Friday at 11AM at First Reformed Church with Rev. Roger Voskuil officiating. The Van Berkum family prefers memorials be directed to the Christian Care Fund of First Reformed Church. Patsy Lee Van Berkum, daughter of Garrold and Alma (Sneller) Van Berkum, was born February 5, 1947 at Rock Rapids, Iowa. Her early years were lived near Lester, Iowa, and in 1962 she moved with her family to Sioux Center, Iowa where she completed her education at Sioux Center Community High. She worked as a companion to an elderly aunt for many years, and also babysat for various families and relatives. Most recently, Patsy was employed at Hardees restaurant in Sioux Center. Pat's greatest joy in life was caring for her nephews and nieces. Her love for children was also evidenced by the many years she assisted with the elementary Sunday school department at First Reformed Church. She was also an avid reader, loved baking, and playing board games. Due to health issues, the last six months of her life were spent at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Hawarden where she made many new friends. Patsy is survived by: Brother and sister-in-law - Bill and Connie (Van Der Schaaf) Van Berkum of Sioux Center. Their children - Kevin (Sherie) Van Berkum, Nolan (Missy)Van Berkum, Leon (Gitta) Van Berkum, Molly Van Berkum, and Evie Ann (Andy) Van Voorst. Brother and sister-in-law - Ivan and Colleen (Hoftyzer) Van Berkum of Sioux Center. Their children - Jonathan (Nicole) Van Berkum and David (Melissa) Van Berkum Sister and brother-in-law - Sue and Leonard De Groot of Orange City. Their children - Amy Van Voorst and Jan De Groot. Her great-nephews and nieces are Jayden and Katie Van Berkum, Mallory Gibson, Brenden and Olivia Van Berkum, Aaron and Ashlyn Van Voorst, Alivia Johnston, and Michael Van Voorst. Patsy was preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents, and two nephews: Jesse Van Berkum and David De Groot.