Obituaries

Area Funerals

Ruth Sterk

Ruth Sterk, age 84 of Sanborn, IA passed away at the Prairie View Nursing Home in Sanborn, IA on Wednesday, April 25, 2012.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 28th at 11:00 a.m. at the First Reformed Church in Sanborn. Rev. Gary Hegstad will be officiating.

Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 27th at the Sanborn Funeral Home with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening.   Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Sanborn, IA at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday.

Ruth A. Sterk, the daughter of Marinus and Jeanette (Van Dyke) Harthoorn was born June 5th, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois. She received her grade school education at Roseland Christian Elementary School in Chicago and attended Sheldon High School. She was united in marriage to William Sterk on October 27, 1944 in Sheldon, Iowa in her parents home. Soon after they were married, they moved to California while Bill served in the Navy. After his discharge, they farmed northeast of Sheldon until 1962. They then moved to a farm near Hartley and continued farming there till 1990. After they retired, Bill and Ruth moved to their home in Sanborn. Shortly after Bill passed away in 2005, Ruth took up residency at the Prairie View Nursing Home. On April 25, 2012 Ruth went to be with her Lord and Master.

Ruth was a member of the First Reformed Church of Sanborn for the last 50 years of her life. She enjoyed playing both the piano and the organ for the church and the nursing home during those years. She was very active in the Sunday School program, Woman’s RCWM, Bible School, Woman’s Circle and was highly involved in numerous Bible studies. She also sang or played the piano for the church choir, and accompaniment for the school music small group contests. Ruth always had a strong spiritual faith and it continuously showed in her daily life.

She loved music, flowers, silk flower arranging and camping with her husband Bill in their camper. She and Bill loved to travel and once traveled to their ancestral country of Holland. She was a real people person and cherished all of her friends. She thrived on her family and absolutely cherished her grandchildren.

Ruth was a devoted wife and a loving mother of five children, and had one brother. Those left to cherish her memory are her three sons; Denny and his wife Bunny from Windsor, Colorado; Ron and his wife Cherie from Hartley, Iowa; Dave and his wife Julie from Garfield, Minnesota and 2 daughters; Sue and her husband John Hengeveld from Sanborn, Iowa and Nancy and her husband Verlyn Fast from Bingham Lake, Minnesota. Her brother, Ken Harthoorn and his wife Judi are from Melvin, Iowa. Also left behind to cherish her memory are 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren along with many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents and her younger sister Marilyn.

Online Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to: www.sanborn-hartleyfuneralhomes.com

Russell Steinbeck

Russell Steinbeck, 75, of Hartley passed away on  Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at the Sanford Sheldon Medical Center in Sheldon, Iowa.

His services will be 3:00 P.M. Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the American Reformed Church in Primghar, Iowa with Rev. Dennis Hietbrink  officiating.

Burial will be at a later date in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Primghar, Iowa

There will not be a time of visitation.

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Sanford Home, Health and Hospice in Sheldon, Iowa.

Russell Maris Steinbeck, the son of Lester and Vera (Merry) Steinbeck was born August 9, 1936 in Primghar, Iowa. He attended Country School Highland #6 and later Sutherland High School graduating in 1954. He served in the Army from 1956 to 1958. On January 26, 1958, he was united in marriage to Margie Orthmann. To this union three children were born. After their marriage the couple farmed in the Hartley and Primghar area. Russell farmed for many years until his retirement in April of 2010. Russell passed away on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at the Sanford Sheldon Medical Center in Sheldon, Iowa, reaching the age of 75 years, 8 months and 15 days.

He thoroughly enjoyed farming and being on the farm. He also enjoyed his family, riding his motorcycle, polka music and going to dances.

Russell is survived by his three children, Steve Steinbeck of Casselberry, Florida; Lanell and her husband, Rich Vossler of Vail, Colorado and Lonna and her husband, Terry Boltjes of Primghar, Iowa; grandchildren, Lauren Mirani-Steinbeck Huntington Beach, California; Max Avery of Chicago, Illinois; Allison, Nick, Kristin, Lauren Vossler of Vail, Colorado; Alisa Boltjes of Iowa City, Iowa and Zach Boltjes of Sioux City, Iowa; one sister, Elaine Orthmann of Spencer, Iowa and one brother, Allen and his wife, Ann Steinbeck of Fort Myers, Florida; also other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

On line condolences can be sent to:  www.eldridgefamilyfuneralhomes.com

Marvin Jacobsma

Marvin Jacobsma, age 84 of Hartley, IA passed away at the Spencer Municipal Hospital in Spencer, IA on Monday, April 23, 2012.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 26th at 10:30 a.m. at the First Reformed Church in Sanborn.  Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Sanborn.  Rev. Gary Hegstad will be officiating.

Visitation will be at the Hartley Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, April 25th starting at 3:00 p.m. with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening.

Marvin Jacobsma, the son of Horton and Arta (Franken) Jacobsma was born near Sioux Center, IA on January 6, 1928. He lived his younger years and received his education in Deuel County, SD. He then moved with his family to a farm near May City, IA. Marvin had his profession of faith in the Melvin First Reformed Church. With the blessing of his parents Marvin enlisted in the Iowa National Guard at the age of 17 and served for nine years in Company I, 133rd Infantry Division, at Sheldon, IA.

On November 5, 1953 he was united in marriage to Irma Ruth Post at the First Reformed Church in Sanborn, IA. To this union four children were born Gregory, Mona, Amber and Mark. Following their marriage the couple resided on a farm near Hartley, IA for three years; then moved to a farm south of Everly, IA for 10 years. Marvin and Irma then moved to the farm where they have lived for 45 years southwest of Hartley. Marvin passed away at the Spencer Municipal Hospital on Monday, April 23, 2012 at the age of 84 with his family by his side.

He was a life long farmer and had a passion for his life’s work. Marvin enjoyed going on tractor rides and especially looked forward to the KICD tractor rides that he was on for nine years. He also participated in several local rides over the years.

Marvin was a member of the Hartley Christian Reformed Church for 35 years and since it’s closing has been a member of the First Reformed Church of Sanborn. He also served as a deacon and elder of both churches. Marvin served on the Everly and Hartley Farmer Co-op Elevator Boards. Marvin was an FHA committee man and also was a Farm Bureau member.

He is survived by his wife Irma of 58 years; his children: Gregory (Beci) Jacobsma of Sanborn, IA, Mona (Michael) Scaletta of Sioux City, IA, Amber (Curtis) McClintic of Sheldon, IA, and Mark (Paula) Jacobsma of Sioux Center, IA; grandchildren: Bruce (Tracy) Jacobsma, Ryan (Becky Jo) Jacobsma, Kristin (Roger) Sharp, Greg Jacobsma, Jr., Dr. Amber Scaletta, Karen Scaletta, Paul Scaletta, Katie Jacobsma, Carly Jacobsma, and Mitchell Jacobsma; 10 great grandchildren; two brothers: Orville (Janess) Jacobsma of Winterset, IA and Verlyn (Shari) Jacobsma of Ocheyedan, IA; brother-in-law: Vertus Frick of Ankeny, IA; two sisters: Ruby (Larry) Brunk of Ocheyedan, IA and Ruth (Nelson) Alsum of Randolph, WI, sister-in-law: Gladys Beltman of Sheldon, IA; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harvey; sisters, Irene DeYoung and Blanche Frick; brother-in-law John De Young and sister-in-law, Delores Jacobsma.

Online Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to:  www.sanborn-hartleyfuneralhomes.com

Michael Ahrens

Michael Steven Ahrens, age 58, of Worthington, MN died Friday, April 20, 2012 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 24th at 10:30am at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Worthington, MN.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 23rd from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Dingmann Funeral Home of  Worthington, MN.

Michael Steven Ahrens was born on November 11, 1953 to parents Bud and Edna (Abels) Ahrens in Trimont, MN.  He grew up in Worthington and graduated from Worthington High School.  After graduation he attended Jackson Vocational School for auto mechanics. After his schooling, Mike worked for the Worthington power plant until it closed. He then started working for Bedford Industries in Worthington.

On February 27, 1988 he was united in marriage to Paula Probst in Fulda, MN.  After their marriage the couple made their home in Worthington and Mike continued to work for Bedford Industries.  He was employed as a warehouse material handler and also drove truck part-time. He also worked a short time in maintenance for Minnesota West.

Mike was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Worthington.  He enjoyed baseball, especially watching his sons play, fishing and Nascar racing.  He was also an avid Trojan fan and volunteered his time grooming ball fields. Mike also loved spending time with his family, especially when sitting in front of a fire.

He is survived by his wife, Paula Ahrens, Worthington, two sons, Nicholas and Joseph Ahrens both of Worthington; parents, Bud and Edna Ahrens, Worthington; mother-in-law, Elvera (Probst) Wagner, Worthington; brother, Larry Ahrens, Sheldon, IA; sister, Julie (Jeff) Meier, Worthington; three special nieces, Lindsay Fricke, Alyssa and Courtney Meier.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and father-in-law.

Michael is the brother of Larry Ahrens the sports director for KIWA.

Online condolences may be sent to:  www.dingmannandsons.com

 

Judy Ann Oldenkamp

Judy Ann Oldenkamp (Mrs. Sam Jr.) age 67, of Sheldon, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Sanford Medical Center in Sheldon, Iowa.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 10:30 A.M. at Andringa Funeral Home Sheldon Funeral Service in Sheldon. Rev. Paul Fischer officiating. Burial in East Lawn Cemetery in Sheldon.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 24, from 2:00 to 8:00 P.M. with the family present from 6:30 to 8:00 P.M. at the Andringa Funeral Home Sheldon Funeral Service in Sheldon.

Judy Ann Oldenkamp was born on September 30, 1944 in Rock Rapids, Iowa. She was the daughter of Ed and Elaine (Klosterboer) Van Briesen. She lived her youth on a farm northwest of George, Iowa and attended a country school.

She was united in marriage to Sam Oldenkamp Jr. of Sheldon, Iowa on October 21, 1972 at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in George, Iowa. They lived in Sheldon where Sam operated the Oldenkamp Salvage Yard. Sam passed away on July 8, 1985.

Judy worked at Aalfs Manufacturing in Sheldon. She later worked as a custodian for the Sheldon Community School System for many years, until she retired, due to her health.

Judy was a loving wife and mother. She took pride in always being on time.

She was a member of Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in George, Iowa, where she attended when she was able.

Judy passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Sanford Medical Center in Sheldon, Iowa.

Those left to cherish her memories are her daughter: Peggy Sue Oldenkamp of Sheldon, IA; one brother: Robert and wife Sheila Van Briesen of Thornton, CO.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sam Oldenkamp Jr., and her parents.

Online Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to www.andringafuneralhome.com

 

Wendell Rensink

Wendell Rensink, 84, of Boyden, IA died Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the Orange City Health System.

A visitation will be held Friday from 4-8PM, with the family present from 6-8PM at the First Reformed Church of Boyden.

A funeral service will be held Saturday at 10:30AM at First Reformed Church of Boyden with Rev. Matthew Draffen officiating.  Interment will follow the funeral service in Sheridan Township Cemetery of Boyden.

Wendell Harvey Rensink, Sr., son of Iva (Stoehr) and Leonard Rensink, Sr. of Boyden, Iowa was born at home on November 23, 1927. He grew up on the Ash Shade Dairy Farm north of Boyden, Iowa and graduated from Boyden High School. He worked as a dairy farmer and later as a banker.

Wendell met his future wife Caroline Beermann at the Sheldon roller skating rink. They married at the Calumet Lutheran Church on June 18th, 1950. Following marriage they farmed on the Rensink family farm north of Boyden. Later, Wendell went into banking. He worked at Farmer’s Savings Bank in Boyden, then in 1964, he moved to the Dixon office of the First Trust and Savings Bank and later was promoted to the main office in Wheatland, Iowa. In 1975, they moved back to Boyden where the couple acquired ownership of the Farmer’s Savings Bank. Wendell and Caroline established many close friends in each town they lived in.

Wendell was the Chief Executive Officer in the bank and was active in the Boyden Foundation, his church and many civic activities. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, boating on the river and spending time with family. His greatest legacy and joy was his family and he handcrafted many beautiful pieces of furniture and other wooden items for his children and grandchildren. He and Caroline loved to take people out on their boat, the Caroliner, and enjoyed the beauty of the river.

He is survived by his children: Cynthia and Douglas Webb of Las Vegas, NV, Anita and Garth DeWulf of Wheatland, IA, Melanie and Tom Huibregtse of Fort Collins, CO, Wendell and Donna Rensink of Elbow Lake, MN and Grace Liu of Boyden, IA; 15 grandchildren: Douglas Webb Jr., Matthew and Tania Webb, Betheny and Joe Perez of Las Vegas, Megan and Dan Ross of Boyden, IA, Aaron and Candice DeWulf, Rachael and John Looney, Ariell and Matt Connelly of Wheatland, IA, Rebecca and Adam Wilhelm of Calamus, IA, Heath Rensink of Fargo, ND, Brent and Sarah Rensink of Grand Forks, ND, Lauren and Marie Huibregtse of Fort Collins, CO, Gini, Tina, and Peter Liu of Boyden, IA; 20 great-grandchildren; one brother, Leland Rensink of Brandon SD and one sister, Anona Boone of Claremore, OK.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Caroline; infant son, Eber Brent Rensink; brother, Leonard (Bud) Rensink, Jr. and his parents: Iva and Leonard Rensink, Sr.

Condolences may be sent at www.MFHonline.com.