Gertrude Jennette Jansen

     Gertrude Jansen, age 97 of Sioux Center, IA died Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at Sioux Center Health in Sioux Center, IA.

     A funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 31, 2020 at the First Reformed Church of Sioux Center, IA, with Reverend Stephen Breen officiating.

           Watch Live Stream: Gertrude Jansen Service

     Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery in Sioux Center.

     Visitation will be Friday, October 30th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Memorial Funeral Home in Sioux Center. Family will not be present.

      In lieu of flowers family prefers memorial be directed to: Words of Hope, The Gideons International or Kendall’s Courage.

Please use social distancing and face masks are recommended.

     Gertrude Jennette Jansen was born June 10, 1923 to Gerrit and Jennie (Vermeer) Vande Berg in Sioux Center, Iowa. She attended country school through the eighth grade at Welcome #5.  On November 12, 1941, Edward Jansen and Gertrude Vande Berg were joined in marriage.  The couple farmed for one year before Ed served in the United States Army for 37 months, spending most of his military career stationed in Hawaii.  Gert lived with her parents while Ed was in the service and worked at a variety of jobs in Sioux Center.  On March 1, 1948, the Jansens moved to the family farm northeast of Sioux Center.  Gert worked hand in hand with Ed on the farm for years and spent every fall canning many things that she grew in her garden.  She loved baking and making bread for others to enjoy.  Throughout the years, Ed and Gert enjoyed fishing trips together and with family.  In 1975, the couple built a home in Sioux Center.  Gert was a prayer warrior; a grateful heart in all circumstances.  Family time was deeply cherished and usually involved card games; memories her loved ones hold dear.  Gert had a deep love for music and playing the piano.  She enjoyed playing piano for her family and her friends at Crown Pointe.  Gert’s last day at Royale Meadows was filled with sharing her gift of music and blessing others.  Gert loved genealogy, keeping family history books, scrapbooks and preserving her church’s history.  She was a longtime member of First Reformed Church of Sioux Center and was active in the Naomi Circle and a variety of other volunteer opportunities.

     She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Mary Lou and Kenneth Verburg of Rock Valley, IA; two sons and daughters-in-law, Dennis and Beverly (Meendering) Jansen of Sioux Center, IA and Glenn and Monica (Conley) Jansen of Cave Creek, AZ; six grandchildren, Kristin and Garth Robinson of Roland, IA; Janet and Roger Cromwell of Elk Point, SD; Jeremy and Jennifer Jansen of Sioux Center, IA; Julie and Jared Oldenkamp of Sioux Center, IA; Michael and Nicci Jansen of Rapid City, SD; Kent and Chelsea Jansen of Gilbert, AZ; 15 great-grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Mavis Punt of Lakeville, MN.  Members of the Jansen family: brother-in-law and sister-in-law,  Cornie and Ann Jansen of Rock Valley, IA; sisters-in-law, Bernice De Vos of Sioux Center, IA, Harriet Tesch of Spencer, IA and Thelma and Ron Van Zee of Sioux Center, IA; brothers-in-law, Stan Van Otterloo of Orange City, IA and John Miltenberger of Sioux City, IA as well as several nieces and nephews.

    She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Jansen; parents, Gerrit and Jennie; great granddaughter, Kendall Ruth Jansen; sisters and brothers-in-law, Geraldine and John Wynia; Priscilla and John Zeutenhorst; Louise and Harold Punt; Jeanne and Martin Punt and Lowell and Trudy Vande Berg; Jansen family members: parents-in-law, Teunis and Dena Jansen; sisters-in-law: Gerdena Jansen; and Murial Van Otterloo; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Anna and Arthur Kamerman, Cora and  Arend Broek; brother-in-law, Irvin De Vos; Eldon Tesch; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Willis and Mina Uittenbogaard.