Gracia Rensink

Gracia Rensink, 71, of Sioux Center died Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at the Avera Mc Kennan Hospital of Sioux Falls. A visitation will be held Sunday from 2-8PM with the family present from 2-4 at Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center. Funeral services will be held Monday at 10:30AM at First Reformed Church of Sioux Center with Rev. Roger Voskuil officiating. Interment will follow the service in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center. The Rensink family prefer memorials be directed to the First Reformed Church Sight and Sound Ministry Fund or the June E Nylen Cancer Center, 230 Nebraska St., Sioux City, IA 51101. Gracia Hendrine (Punt) Rensink was born on July 5, 1939 to Gerrit and Edna Punt in Sioux County and was raised in Sioux Center, Iowa. Gracia received education through the 12th grade at Sioux Center Community Schools and graduated from high school in 1956. Gracia was married to Willard James Rensink on September 8, 1967 at First Reformed Church in Sioux Center. Gracia and Willard settled in Sioux Center where both began their careers. Gracia initially worked as a candler at Sioux Center Produce. Later she worked as a clerk at the Orange City Bakery and Schouten Grocery before becoming a full-time day care provider for 18 years. Over those 18 years, Gracia enhanced and enriched the lives of many children and families in the Sioux Center community and surrounding areas. Gracia was very active in her church and regularly attended bible studies and the Abigail Circle. She regularly counseled family and friends in their time of need. Gracia further enjoyed her cross-stitch/embroidery activities, bowling league, playing cards with friends and enjoying her family and grandchildren. Many family and friends will remember Gracia for her special gift of communication and the many minutes she spent talking with each of them daily. Gracia was known for her baking, cooking and canning skills. Her family relished in Sunday dinners and holiday get-togethers. Family and friends fondly remember Gracia's recipe hunting prowess and sharing of cooking secrets. Gracia is preceded in death by her parents, Gerrit and Edna Punt. Gracia is survived by her husband, Willard, three children and seven grandchildren. Gracia's eldest daughter, Sheryl Groetken, and her husband Troy, of Geneva, Illinois have two children, Olivia and Greysen. Gracia's son, Jerris Rensink, and his wife, LeAnn, of Hull, Iowa have three children, Danielle, Nichole, and Darren. Gracia's youngest daughter, Emily Van Kalsbeek, and her husband Kurt, of Brandon, South Dakota have two children, Brady and Alyssa. Gracia is further survived by her brother, Adam (and Marlene) Punt; her brother, Stan (and Wanda) Punt; and her sister, Margene (and Herlon) Baker all of Sioux Center. Online Condolences Dorinda Oostenink Sioux Center Relationship: Friend Gracia was a very special woman who will be greatly missed. Her smile was a blessing to all...our thoughts and prayers go out to her family during this time. Sent: 8/1/2010