Catherine Sybesma

     Catherine Sybesma age 99 died Sunday, January 17, 2021, at Prairie Ridge Care Center in Orange City, Iowa.

     A private family service will be held Wednesday, January 20^th at Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center, with Rev. Kurt Monroe officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens.

     Memorials may be directed to the Sioux Center Christian School.

     Catherine Sybesma was born September 11, 1921 in Sioux Center, Iowa, the daughter of Syne and Gertrude (Feikema) Gerritsma.  She was raised in Sioux Center and attended Sioux Center Christian School. After her education she worked as a clerk for Schalekamp Drug Store.

     Catherine was united in marriage to William Sybesma on March 4, 1942.  They farmed 4 miles north of Sioux Center and raised seven children. She was a member of First Christian Reformed Church and active the Golden Hour Society. She also volunteered at the Christian School. She enjoyed flowers, watching the birds, ceramics, hospitality and serving her church in various capacities.

     On April 26, 2000 Catherine’s husband of 58 years died. She moved to a home in Sioux Center and remained active with family and church activities. She entered Prairie Ridge Care Center in October of 2015 and remained there until her death, this past Sunday, January 17, 2021.

     Survivors include include seven children, Garneth (Faber) and Arnie Velkamp of Escondido, CA, Stuart and Jan Sybesma of Lindstrom, MN, William Sybesma of Moline, IL, Mark and Emily Sybesma and David Sybesma, both of Sioux Center, IA, Beth and Daniel Sansoni of Oceanside, CA and Jean and Gary Vander Plaats of New Galilee, PA; thirty-six grandchildren; fifty great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, Syne and Gertrude Gerritsma; her husband, William Sybesma; daughter-in-law, Jane Sybesma; son-in-law, Howard Faber; a grandson, Lance Faber; and great-grandson, Inde Elgersma.