Carol R. Hulstein

Carol R. Hulstein, 30, of Pella, Iowa, formerly of Sioux Center, Iowa died Friday, September 16, 2005, at the Pella Regional Health Center.

A funeral service will held Wednesday, 9/21, at 1:30pm at the Dover Avenue Alliance Church of Orange City, Iowa with Rev. Jeff Whitt and Rev. Paul Frederick, officiating. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, 9/20, from 2pm to 8:30pm, with the family present from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center.

Carol Ranee Hulstein was born on March 7, 1975 to Gerrit W. and Phyllis A. (Cannegieter) Hulstein in Sioux Center. She attended grade school and graduated from Sioux Center High School with the Class of 1993. Carol was a compassionate Christian woman who learned to appreciate hard work and inner strength from an early age. Carol then attended college at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa where she majored in Elementary Education. She was very active in student life ministries, particularly with the Salt Company on campus. She participated in the ISU Cyclone Marching Band and Pep Band. Carol graduated with honors from Iowa State University, with the Class of 1998. Her degree was obtained in Elementary Education with an ELS endorsement. In the fall of 1998 she became a teacher with the Pella Community School district. Carol was instrumental in the implementation of the Pre-K program at Lincoln Elementary School in Pella, where she taught half time. Her duties were also in teaching half time with the ELS area, at Lincoln, Webster and Jefferson Elementary Schools. She was a devoted teacher and had a heart for her students. Material wealth was not important to Carol, as evidenced by the humble dwelling she maintained. Carol was an active member of the Third Reformed Church in Pella, where she enjoyed Bible studies and fellowship with her many friends. Dedicated to her church, her family and her friends, Carol will be remembered by those she touched. Carol was known for her giving spirit and servants heart. She also had an adventurous spirit as well. Carol traveled to China and Tibet the last two summers, teaching English and searching many outdoor pursuits in Gods creation. She also enjoyed reading, playing piano, quilting and traveling especially cross- cultural experiences, taking mission trips to Paraguay and Brazil. Upon returning home from her last travels, Carol was diagnosed with an aggressive melanoma just last month. She met her challenge head on with courage and confidence in her faith. Carol completed her earthly journey on Friday, September 16, 2005, at the Pella Regional Health Center, surrounded by the love and support of her family and friends- finishing her race well. She attained the age of 30 years, 6 months and 9 days. Those left to cherish her precious memory are her mother, Phyllis Hulstein of Sioux Center, her brother and sister-in-law, Brent and Mary Hulstein of Orange City along with their daughters Hannah and Amanda, special friend, Dan De Cook of Pella, IA, several aunts and uncles, including: Marlene and Ernie Bruns of Spencer, IA, Lillian Barron of Omaha, NE, Pearl and Al Eiten of Wellsburg, IA, Alice and Russ Behrends of Waterloo, IA, Evelyn Cannegieter of Dike, IA and several cousins. Carol was preceded in death by her father, her maternal grandparents and paternal grandparents. Carols Godly heart and endearing spirit were a blessing to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.