Joan Boelsma

Joan Boelsma, age 92, went home to be with Jesus on August 9, 2012, after a short stay at the Sioux Center Hospital. A private family funeral service will be held on Tuesday at the Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center with Rev. Carl Murray officiating. Interment will follow the service in Sheridan Township Cemetery of Boyden, Iowa. Joan Marie was born April 25, 2012, to Henry J. and Mary M. Rensink of Boyden Iowa. She was raised on a farm near Boyden and attended school through the 8th grade. In 1938, Joan married Henry Boelsma, and they started their married life on a farm near Matlock, Iowa. Soon they moved to the family farm south of Boyden where they raised 8 children. Joan was bookkeeper for the farm business, which included extensive custom work, and she did payroll for many crew members who were hired throughout the years. Much of her time was spent with farm chores, all the while raising children. Joan was a faithful daughter, who took care of her parents when they were older, bringing meals in for them and checking in on them daily. This demonstration of loyalty and respect and love certainly explains why her own children adored her and cared for her in the same way. Henry passed away in 1998, and Joan remained living on the family farm. She made annual visits to her children's homes as well. In 2009, due to health issues, Joan moved in to the Pleasant Acres Care Center where she soon became a favorite of everyone there. She won their hearts with her smile, her faith, her compassion, and her patience. Daily visits from family nearby and very frequent visits from family who live out of town was the norm. Her walls were lined with pictures of family and dear friends, and she felt so loved by each one. With 8 children, 16 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and 1 great- great grandchild, Joan kept busy with her hobby of sending greeting cards for birthdays and anniversaries. She carefully selected each card while she was able or sent a list of cards she needed with someone, always clear about the greeting she wanted to convey. Joan also loved receiving cards, and on her 90th birthday, Joan received more than 100 cards. She read every word of every card and felt so loved. Joan always had her Bible nearby, and as long as she was able to, she was in the Word daily. She relied on her faith constantly in her life and fostered that faith in her children. Even with such a large family, Joan had a way of making each one feel as if they were special, never favoring one over another and always encouraging family unity and love. She was her happiest when her family was around her, laughing and joking and enjoying each other's company. Several years ago, Joan developed a passion for reading and was often finishing a book in the early morning hours. She spent her retirement days enjoying books, watching a few favorite shows, working puzzle books, and listening to gospel music. When family was around, she loved a good game of dominos or cards, and she amazed everyone with her sharp math skills. Joan leaves behind 8 children: Ardyce (Tony) VandenBerg, Eastman GA, Beverly Sterner, Greenbrier TN, Henry Jr. (Margaret) Boelsma, Boyden IA, Judy (Daryl) Oldenkamp, Bridgboro GA, Wayne Boelsma, Simi Valley CA, Marlys (Gary) Brainerd, White House TN, Renee Dingus, Murfreesboro TN, and Debra (Pat) Tendeland, Fargo ND; and, 3 sisters: Eleanor Van Diepen, Lakewood WA, Mary Jean (Al) Gates, Creston IA, and Doris DeBoer, Spencer IA. Joan was preceded in death by her husband (Henry), her parents (Henry J. and Mary M. Rensink), 2 brothers (Glenn and Bud Rensink), 2 brothers-in-law (George Van Diepen and Louis DeBoer), and 2 sisters-in-law (Thelma Rensink and Edna Rensink).