Hermina Heynen

Hermina Heynen was born December 14, 1920 to Gerritjan (Gerrit John) and Winnie (Kleinwolterink) Rens at her grandfather Rens home near Sioux Center. She married Tony Heynen on October 11, 1940 in Sioux Center. They lived and worked on the familys century farm north of Sioux Center. She was a lifelong member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center.

Herminas life can be summed up by the words love and service. Her mother was very ill so while growing up Hermina often worked side-by-side with her father milking cows, picking corn (by hand), and feeding livestock. As an adult she continued to use hands made strong through service to raise chickens, plant flowers and vegetables, help Tony on the farm, or give him a pinch when he got out of line.

Hermina enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends, gardening, fishing, birds, Southern Gospel music, playing bingo with her grandchildren, going to the fair (esp. Spencer fair), and laughing at Tonys stories. She always made people feel welcomed through her love, kindness and sincere humbleness. Hermina was a woman of faith. She did not move mountains with her hands but did so through prayer and faith. As she was losing her ability to walk in her last years she would say, I cant do much any more, but I can still pray. And that is what she did.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law: Glen and Dianne of Dell Rapids, SD; seven grandchildren: Twila and Vinny DeGroot of Sioux Center; Craig and Karen Heynen of Sioux Center; David and Arlene Heynen of Sioux Center; Philip and Lisa Heynen of Visalia, CA; Heather & Mike Cronin of Rapid City, SD; Tonya & David Graham of Sioux Falls; Paul & Courtney Heynen of Columbus, GA; and eight great grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister Johanna (Joey) Herweyer of Sioux Center, her brothers-in-law Henry Heynen and Marion Wiersma of Sioux Center, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Hermina was preceded in death by her husband Tony Heynen, their son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Sandy Heynen; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Grace and Sam Altena, Daisy and John H. Den Herder, Minnie Wiersma, Hilbert and Alice Heynen, and Lenore Heynen.