Obituaries

Area Funerals

Irene Leinen

Irene Leinen, age 87 of Sibley, IA died Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 at Country View Manor in Sibley, IA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Monday, April 30, 2012 at the St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Sibley, with Father John Vakulskas as celebrant.  Burial will follow in the St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery in Sibley.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 29th from 2-6 PM with the family present from 4-6 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley.  There will be a rosary at 3 PM and a vigil service at 5:30 PM Sunday evening.

Irene Mary Leinen was born on August 7, 1924, the daughter of Emil and Margaret (Gaul) Hansen in Lismore, MN. She attended grade school in Oyens, Iowa. On September 9, 1947, she was united in marriage to Florian Stoffel and following his death in 1972 she married Walter Leinen on February 19, 1982 in Sibley, Iowa. Irene worked as a daycare provider out of her home for a while, then worked for Sibley Egg & Poultry and later Merrick Printing (now Keith M. Merrick Company) and retired from there after seventeen years. She was a member of the St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, where she was active in the Catholic Daughters and Women’s Guild. Irene was also a member of the Hospital Auxiliary. Irene had an extremely strong faith and met all of life’s challenges without fear. She was a hard worker and always seemed to be busy doing something. Irene really enjoyed people, loved to fish, travel, and garden; do word puzzles, weave rugs and crochet.

Left to cherish her memory are her four children, Nancy (Arthur) VanBruggen of Boyden, IA, Jean VandeGarde of Katy, TX, Becky (Stan) McAndrews of Ames, IA and Nick (Debbie) Stoffel of Inola, OK; nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren; six siblings, Jerome Hansen of LeMars, IA, Emil Hansen Jr. of Slayton, MN, Mary Ann Streff of Slayton, MN, Rita Pottebaum of Yuba City, CA, Mildred Gearke of LeMars, IA, and Sister Margaret Hansen of Auburn Hills, MI; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Florian Stoffel; second husband, Walter Leinen; very special adopted grandson, Samuel Harris Kruger; and seven siblings, Cletus Hansen, Alfred Hansen, Gerald Hansen, Lawrence Hansen, Ambrose Hansen, Leonard Hansen and Delores Ludwig.

Online Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to: www.jurrensfuneralhome.com

Jean Pruismann

Jean Pruismann, 85, of Sioux Center, Iowa died peacefully on Wednesday, April 25 at her home, surrounded by loved ones.

A visitation will be held on Friday from 4-8PM, with the family present from 6-8PM at the Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 2PM at the Te Paske Theater located in the Sioux Center Community High School. Interment will follow the service in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center.

In lieu of flowers the Pruismann family prefers memorials be directed to the Sioux Center Public Library.

Jeannette Florence Doornink was born January 25, 1927 to Dick W.A. and Fannie (Faber) Doornink. Jean attended Country School #1 and high school in Sioux Center, later graduating from Excelsior Union High School in Norwalk, California in 1945. She attended St. Joseph College of Nursing in Sioux City, Iowa, receiving her RN degree in 1948.

Jean married Marvin Pruismann December 22, 1949. To that union 5 children were born; Kent (Sylvia) Pruismann, Rock Valley, Iowa, Kirk Pruismann, Sioux Center (Charlene Pruismann, Central City, Iowa), Karen (Dan) Mulder, Orange City, Iowa, Kevin Pruismann, Sioux Center and Kay (Jim) Kosters Sioux Center. Marvin and Jean made their home and raised their children on a farm near Rock Valley. They retired and moved to Sioux Center in 1995.

Jean practiced as a Registered Nurse from 1948 through 1991 Nursing was not just a profession for Jean, it was a way of life. She was a caregiver at heart. The door to their home was always open. They took in individuals that became part of the family for months or even years if need be. There was always room in their home and at their table for just one more. Each person she knew had a special place in her heart. Her life was a testimony of what she believed. She will lovingly be remembered for her caring, gentle, quiet and generous spirit.

Jean is survived by her husband of 63 years, her 5 children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, Tom (Kay) Dye, Rock Rapids, Iowa and Joanne Foreman, Hospers, Iowa who were like a son and daughter to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant sister and brother.

Condolences can be sent at www.MFHonline.com.

 

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