Dennis Bandstra

Dennis D. Bandstra, 63, of Sioux Center was victorious in his journey to his heavenly home when he died Thursday, February 4, 2010. Visitation will be held Friday from 4-8PM with the family present from 5-7PM at First Reformed Church of Sioux Center. A prayer service for family and friends will be held Saturday at 1:30PM at First Reformed Church with interment to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 2:30PM at First Reformed Church with Reverend Bob Holtrop officiating. The Bandstra family prefer memorials be directed to Relay for Life of Sioux County. 1571 4th Avenue SE, Sioux Center, Iowa 51250 Dennis Dean Bandstra was born on December 31, 1946 to Raymond and Grace (Buitenwerf) Bandstra in Oskaloosa, Iowa. His childhood years were spent on farms in Harvey and Otley, Iowa. He received his education through the Pella Christian Schools, graduating in 1964. He attended auctioneering school that provided a lifetime service that he enjoyed. Denny was also a member of the Army Reserves for six years. On September 15, 1966, Denny was united in marriage with Marla Jean Van Wyk at the Otley Reformed Church. They spent their first 11 years living in the Otley area. In 1977 they moved to Sioux Center becoming members of the First Reformed Church. Together they raised three children: Lora, Debra and Michael. Denny enjoyed gardening, fishing, going to coffee and Saturday morning breakfasts with friends. He spent many enjoyable hours socializing and entertaining with friends and family, which included trying out new and different dining experiences. He also enjoyed starting new business adventures ranging from farming, fur buying, auctioneering, mini golf Big Dutch salvage and flipping houses. He always joked he could write a book with all he got involved in! Most importantly he had a heart for providing selfless acts of kindness. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of forty-three years: Marla; three children and their spouses: Lora and Arlin Top of Manson, Iowa, Deb and Todd Schuiteman of Omaha, Nebraska, Michael and Danielle Bandstra of Rock Valley, Iowa. He was a wonderful grandfather to five grandchildren: Kendra, Treyton, Brayden, Haidyn and Jackson. He will also be missed by his sister and brother-in-law, Shary and Ron Branderhorst of Monroe, Iowa; brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Carol Bandstra of Sioux Center; mother-in-law, Johnita Van Wyk of Pella, Iowa; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Stan and Cheryle Van Wyk and Brad and Ro Van Wyk all of Des Moines, Iowa and several nieces and nephews and many friends. Denny was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Myron Van Wyk and sister-in-law, Teresa Van Wyk. Dennis will forever be remembered for his beautiful gardening, sense of humor and story telling. We thank God for giving him to us, and in return we give him back to live in eternal glory with his Heavenly Father. Online Condolences Gail De Wit Rock Valley IA Relationship: Friends Mike Danielle & Family So sorry to hear of your loss. You have been & will continue to be in our thoughts & prayers. Love you Guys! Take Care! Greg, Gail, Nate & Ryan Sent: 2/4/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Danielle (Schouten) van Vliet Brisbane AU Relationship: co-star Marla, Mike, Deb & Lora: I have so many lovely memories of Denny from church and from community theatre (where his sense of humor made long rehearsals a joy). :) He has touched so many lives. Our sympathies go out to you. Sent: 2/4/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill, Annie, Lane and Tucker Hiller Rock Valley Iowa Relationship: Friends Mike, Danielle and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your loss. Please know we are thinking about you!! If you need anything, let us know... Sent: 2/5/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dennis and Tena Roozeboom Pella Iowa Relationship: classmate Dear Marla and family, Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all. Denny was a wonderful guy, and will always be remembered. Gods blessings. Sent: 2/5/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Burton & Anita Finch Omaha NE Relationship: Friend Deb and Todd; Even though we are far away our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sent: 2/5/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carol Dragstra Sioux Falls SD Relationship: Friend Carol and Mark: So sorry to hear about your loss. Peace be with you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Carol Sent: 2/5/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jessica (Moeller) Underberg Larchwood IA Relationship: friend Bandstra family: I just learned of Denny's passing...I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of him, what a great man. Take care of eachother and God Bless! Jessica Underberg Sent: 2/5/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ronda Noteboom Maurice Ia Relationship: friend from Bethany Lora, Arlin and family - My sympathies in the death of your dad and grandpa. Much love to u all in this loss. Ronda Noteboom Sent: 2/6/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- tony & jacqi van voorst custer south dakota Relationship: friends sorry to here of dennys passing Sent: 2/6/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Candy (Schaap) English Reno NV Relationship: Friend Marla, Lora, Deb, Michael and families. My sympathies and prayers to all of you during this difficult time. Heaven sure got a little funnier when the angels welcomed Denny and his humor! Blessings to you! Sent: 2/7/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Christine Wheeler Omaha NE Relationship: Friend I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. What a beautiful Memorial to his wonderful life, and onto his freedom to be with Our Lord. I will continue to keep you my thoughts and prayers. Love to you and your family. Sent: 2/8/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carolyn Hol Johannesburg South Africa Relationship: Grade School Classmate Marla, I remember Denny from PCGS and want to send my deepest sympathy to you, Marla and your family. The video was great and brought back memories. Carolyn (Van Den Berg) Menninga Hol (Mrs. Anton) Sent: 2/12/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earl & Betty Vogelaar Newton Iowa Relationship: Friends Our hearts go out to you in your loss. We pray for the Lord's presence with you in the coming days. We enjoyed your company at Rochester. Sent: 2/13/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connie Rempe Blommers Pella Relationship: Marla's classmate Marla, I was shocked and saddened to read Dennis's obituary. May love and hope heal your heart in this season of sadness. With Christian Sympathy to you and your family. God is our refuge and strength. Psalm 46:1 Sent: 2/19/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gina Corbin Sioux Falls Relationship: Friend/Church Member of FRC Marla,and Family: May God be with you during this very difficult time and during your Journey Ahead as Time passes! I have so many good fond Memories of Denny,and alway's Funny one's to! Denny was a very special Person,and loved to tease,and have a good time! He will be missed,but you remain in my hear,and Mind,and many Thought's,and Prayer's go out to you,and your family in the day's ahead! Gina Sent: 6/13/2010