Harriet Vermeer

     Harriet Vermeer age 94 of Sioux Center, Iowa died Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at her home in Sioux Center, IA.

     A funeral service will take place at 2:00 PM, Friday, August 20, 2021, at First Reformed Church in Sioux Center with Pastor Luke Kjolhaug and Thomas Rehm officiating.  Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery in Sioux Center.  The funeral service may be viewed at:  https://frcsc.online.church/ 

     Public visitation with the family present will be Thursday, August 19^th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at First Reformed Church in Sioux Center.

     Memorials may be directed to:

Vision Beyond Borders: visionbeyondborders.org

or

Assure Women’s Center: assureomaha.com

     Harriet (Hulstein) Vermeer was born on March 27, 1927, to William and Ann (Schuiteman) Hulstein on a farm Northwest of Sioux Center.  She passed away in her home on August 10, 2021, after a recent diagnosis of cancer.

     Harriet attended country school near her home. After graduating from Sioux Center High School, she taught in a country school west of Sioux Center for three years.

      Harriet and Elrich Vermeer were happily married for 58 years. They were married on March 2, 1949, and farmed Northwest of Sioux Center for the next 35 years.  Her days were filled with life as a farmer’s wife, her four children, a love of flowers and gardening, as well as her gifted talent as a seamstress.

     Harriet was active in assisting with her children’s school activities and providing delicious baked goods for many in the community. She was especially known for her cinnamon rolls, tea-rings and homemade bread.  Harriet was a lifelong member of First Reformed Church, teaching Sunday school and catechism, as well as helping with AWANA and Kidzone.

     Next to her love for Jesus, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the heart and soul of her life.  They all knew if anything special was happening, whether near or far, Mom / Grandma would be there.  She found joy in serving others and offering hospitality, welcoming friends and strangers alike with a warm heart, an impeccably clean house and delicious food and homemade treats.  In her late years she enjoyed many card and board games with dear friends.

     Harriet is survived by her four children: Dave and Marcia Vermeer of Edgerton, MN, Patsy and Todd Kangas of Lenexa, KS, Carol and Paul Rehm of Dow City, IA, Tami and Tom Kolar of Omaha, NE; 24 grandchildren and spouses; 27 great grandchildren.  Lynn and Kathy Bleeker and his four children were grafted into the family as well, with Lynn working on the farm for many years.  She is also survived by a sister, Vernie and Paul Van Englenhoven of Orange City as well as many nieces and nephews who encouraged Harriet with their visits. 

     She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two brothers, Gerrit and Ken; one sister, Wilma, and their spouses; and grafted daughter: Marlene Bleeker.