Doris Harmelink

DORIS (DE ZEEUW) HARMELINK was born to Pleun and Lillian (Van Putten) De Zeeuw on December 18, 1918 in Sioux Center, Iowa. Doris graduated from Sioux Center High School and went on to receive her teaching certificate. She began her teaching career in a one room school house east of Sioux Center. On May 27, 1942, she was united in marriage to Herman Harmelink at her parents home in Sioux Center. Following their marriage she and Herman farmed near Newkirk. After their marriage Doris continued teaching in rural schools for many years. Later she began taking night classes at Northwestern College in nearby Orange City where she received her formal teaching degree. Doris taught in the Newkirk Public Middle School for many years. She was a dedicated teacher who challenged her students. She was extremely fond of the children she taught over the years and always felt honored to be recognized by former students later in their life.

At the age of 52 Doris suffered a severe stroke which left her with limited speech and mobility. She and Herman settled in Sioux Center at the New Homestead where she remained very independent for several years. On January 24, 1991, Doris lost her husband of 48 years. After Hermans death she moved to Franken Manor until November of 1998 when she became a resident of the Sioux Center Community Nursing Facility.

Doris was an intelligent woman. She had a fond appreciation for music and always had something playing in her home throughout the day. Over the years she appreciated the wonderful outings she and her sisters took the first Monday of each month.

Doris was a member of Newkirk Reformed Church and more recently the First Reformed Church of Sioux Center.

Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law: Gene and Sandie Harmelink of Brantwood, WI and Bryce and Ginny Harmelink of Casper, WY; daughter-in-law, Shelly Brenneman of Sioux Center along with her seven grandchildren: Gabriel, Steven, Bryan, Hunter, Chase, Rebecca and Nicole. Doris is also survived by her three sisters: Edith and Herman Sietstra of Boyden; Frances and Art Schuiteman and Freda and Peter Mouw all of Sioux Center; two brothers-in-law: Adrian Punt and Andrew Benneman both of Sioux Center and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Doris was preceded in death by her son, Lyle Harmelink; her parents and two sisters: Gertrude Punt and Joan Brenneman.