Reverend Harold J. Lenters

Reverend Harold Lenters, 82, of Sioux Center, IA died Friday, 1/19, at the Sioux Center Community Hospital.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, 1/23, at 11am at the First Reformed Church of Sioux Center, with Rev. Roger Voskuil officiating. Interment will be held prior to the memorial service in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center.

A prayer service will be held Tuesday, 1/23, at 9:45am in the Chapel of the First Reformed Church of Sioux Center.

Visitation will be held on Monday, 1/22, at the First Reformed Church of Sioux Center from 2pm to 8pm, with the family present from 3pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm.

The Lenters Family prefers memorials to the Sioux City Gospel Mission.

Harold Junior Lenters was born on September 20, 1924 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of Harry and Janet (De Windt) Lenters. He lived in Hudsonville, Michigan until entering the service at age 19. He was a PFC serving in Italy during World War II. Harold was severely wounded during combat, needing 3 years of Veterans Hospital care, earning him a purple heart. In 1950 he graduated from Hope College. He then entered Western Theological Seminary, fulfilling his vow to God made at the time he was injured and waiting for medical help.

In 1950, he married Sena Meekhof, also of Hudsonville, Michigan. After seminary graduation in 1953, they began their ministry in Woodstock, Minnesota at the American Reformed Church. Subsequent ministries were in Beaverdam, Michigan, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Clearwater, Florida, Ireton, Iowa, Byron Center, Michigan and ultimately back to Iowa to serve as Senior Calling Pastor of First Reformed Church in Sioux Center, until he retired in 1991.

During the next 12 years of retirement Harold became a moderator for many area congregations. He was also active on the Northwestern College Board, Sioux Center Hospital and Hospice Boards and active in local Veteran affairs. He greatly enjoyed the circle of retired ministers association gatherings. He also developed further interest in gardening, and going on motor home trips.

In his youth, having been raised on a farm, his passion was horses, particularly his own named Trigger. His mother started him on his path for his love of music, which filled his heart with hope during his entire life. He was an excellent pianist even finding a way to continue playing after losing the use of his right arm. His greatest joy was when he was surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Sena Lenters of Sioux Center, his six children and their spouses: Stephen and Ethel Lenters of Sioux Center, Iowa, Sandra and Daryl Holtrop of Maurice, Iowa, Alison and Marlys Lenters of Maurice, Iowa, Leah and Douglas Dykema of Holland, Michigan, SuAnn and James Bruggink of Byron Center, Michigan, Jenna and James Mumm of Hartley, Iowa; his eleven grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren and a sister, Marilyn Moes of Hillsdale, Michigan. He was preceded in death by a infant son, Samuel and brother-in-law, Harvey Moes.

Harolds legacy is his faith passed on to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His lifes vocation is being carried on by grandson, Rev. Brian Dykema, minister in the Reformed Church of America.