Henry Bonnema

     Henry Bonnema age 58 of Rock Valley, formerly of Sioux Center, Iowa passed away, Sunday, June 11, 2023, at his home at Redwood Court in Rock Valley.

     A celebration of life service will be 2:00 PM Thursday, June 15, 2023, at First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center with Rev. David Smit, officiating.  

     A prayer service for family and friends will take place at 12:30 PM Thursday, June 15, 2023, at First Christian Reformed Church with burial to follow the prayer at Lebanon Cemetery.

     Visitation will be Wednesday, June 14th from 4:00 to 7:00  with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at First Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center.

     The family prefers memorials directed to Hope Haven.

A livestream link will be available here to watch the service.Henry Bonnema Service

Henry James Bonnema was born on October 15, 1964, to Henry Sr and Elizabeth (Dekkers) Bonnema in Sioux Center. He was the 9th of 10 children and grew up on the family farm in rural Ireton where he loved playing with his brothers and family pets. He enjoyed running, playing basketball, bowling and shooting pool and tagging along with anything the other kids were doing. He looked forward to celebrating his birthdays and was an avid Hawkeye fan. 

Henry was baptized and attended Sunday School at Lebanon CRC and later made Profession of Faith at 1st CRC in Sioux Center, where he was a member. He especially loved being a part of the Sioux Center Friendship Bible Class where he continued to grow in his faith. He knew Jesus as his Savior and Lord. 

He started school at Hope Haven School at age 7 and graduated in 1986 from River Valley School. He especially loved attending Special Olympics events where he excelled in the softball throw and was so proud of the many ribbons and medals he earned. 

He moved to Northside Court in Hull in 1987 and also lived at Ridgebrook in Sioux Center and Redwood Court in Rock Valley. These group homes were staffed by some of the most caring and dedicated people and provided an exceptional quality of life for Henry and his housemates. They enjoyed great fellowship, many outings and amazing trips. 

Henry worked several jobs over the years, gathering eggs at E&W Poultry, cleaning at Dordt College and most notedly, 25 years at Casey's Bakery cleaning tables and doing other odd jobs. He enjoyed meeting people and if you introduced yourself, you were forever a friend, especially if you left a tip! 🙂

Although Henry was labeled with a disability at birth, that did not define him. He was a special gift to his family and everyone who knew him. His joy was genuine, his love for his family was overflowing and trusting, and his smile and fun-loving nature came from the heart. 

He is survived by siblings: Dick and Harriet Bonnema of Ireton, Wilmina and Robert Vander Bush of Sioux Center, Anthony and Susan Bonnema of Sioux Center, Keith and Mary Bonnema of Sioux Center, Philip and Dawn Bonnema of Harrisburg, SD, Arlo and LaVonne Bonnema of Ireton, Byron and Lora Bonnema of Ireton and Glen and Bonnie Bonnema of Orange City; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Myra Bonnema; and a niece, Kala Bonnema.