Obituaries

PHYLLIS GRAHAM
Phyllis Currie Graham, 84, of Pella, died May 23. Memorial services will be Saturday, July 24, 2:00 p.m. at Second reformed Church in Pella. Memorials may be designated for the Heifer Project or to the Second Reformed Church Organ Fund. Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home

CORNELIA VANDERPLOEG
Cornelia VanderPloeg, 90, of Otley died July 21. Funeral services will be Saturday, July 31, 2:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Monroe. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the church and continue until the time of service. Memorials may be designated to the First Baptist Church in Monroe, of to Hospice of Pella. Garden Chapel Funeral Home, Pella.

Mom was born on February 7, 1920 to Henri & Sientje Van Oenen on their little farm south of Pella. She was the fourth of five daughters. In her early 20's, Edwin VanderPloeg, a handsome, clever, farmer from Otley caught Mom's eye. Dad was drafted in WWII and stationed in San Antonio, Texas, so Mom followed him to Texas where they were married on June 30, 1942. After the war, they made their home on the V.P. family farm three miles west of Otley.

Cornelia thrived as a farmer's wife - she had a huge garden, was a wonderful cook, and kept a clean house. She loved to get together with her sisters’ families. Mom told us only two of us were planned, but later in life she was glad to have all of us. Her children are: Beverly Romick of Monroe, Dale & Ray Kingery of Iowa City, Ruth and Gary McConeghey of Ankeny, and Lynn VanderPloeg of Otley.

Mom had a Godly helping and caring spirit, and was a long time member of the First Baptist Church of Monroe. Mom had a heart for those in need (both people and animals). Many unwanted animals found a loving home with her on the farm.

Family that preceded Mom in death are her husband Edwin Vander Ploeg; and her sisters and their spouses: Lizzie Sytsma (Murray) of Leighton, Cobie DeZwarte (Aber) of Pella, Anna DeJong (Henry) of Pella, and baby sister Elsie Terpstra (Cecil) of Pella.

Greatly loved grandchildren and their families who will miss her are: Michele, Bob, Andrew, Tyler, & Kelsey Smith of Idaho; Ben, Liat, Ethan, & Eli Romick of California; Larry Kingery of Florida; Lydia Martens & Jackson of Iowa City; Andrea, J.B., Abby, & Carson of Norwalk; and Luke, Alicia, Bryson, & Logan of Kansas City.

We'll miss you Mom, Grandma, & Great-Grandma, but we know you were ready to go to heaven. Your memory will always be in our hearts.

DOROTHY VAN ZEE
Dorothy Van Zee, 92, of Pella, died July 16. Funeral services were July 19 at Calvary Christian Reformed Church. Memorials may be designated for the Christian Opportunity Center in Pella.

Dorothy Christina Nelly Beyer Van Zee was born on October 18, 1917 to Gerrit and Gertie Slycord Beyer. She was the oldest of five children. Dorothy passed away Friday, July 16, 2010 at the Pella Regional Health Center at the age of 92.

Dorothy grew up on the family farm near Taintor. Dorothy was united in marriage with Andrew L. Van Zee at her parents’ home near Taintor, Iowa on Feburary 24, 1939.

Andrew and Dorothy farmed many farms in the area. Dorothy spent most of her life as a housewife, and also worked as a cook at the Pella Regional Health Center. They loved to travel together, especially to the cranberry bogs of Wisconsin. Dorothy was a long-time member of the Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella. She was a skillful baker of cakes, and loved to work on hand crafts. Dorothy crocheted and embroidered many special gifts for her family.

Dorothy is survived by her siblings: Mary Stewart of Oskaloosa, Charly Beyer of Sully, Carrol and Mary Lou Beyer of Searsboro, and Arlene and Lloyd Brand of Sully; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Andrew, in 1997.

Dorothy will be remembered as a kind and generous person who will be greatly missed by her many friends and family members.

JANETTE WATKINS
Janette Watkins, 82, of Pella, died July 17. Funeral services were July 20 at Third Reformed Church in Pella. Memorials may be designated for the activity fund at Jefferson Place or the Sheltering Tree Program at Third Reformed Church.

EMMA LOU HEUSINKVELD
Emma Lou Heusinkveld, 88, formerly of Pella, died Dec. 5, 2009, in Marietta, GA. Memorial services will be Saturday, July 17, 11 a.m. at Second Reformed Church in Pella. A pot-luck follows the service at West Market Park Shelter House. Memorials may be designated for the Eastminster Presbyterian Church or Stone Mountain Art Station in Stone Mountain, GA. Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home

MARJORIE TANIS
Marjorie M. Greving Tanis, 83, of Pella, died July 7. Funeral servicesw will be Saturday, July 10, 11 a.m. at Second Reformed Church in Pella. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the service on Sat. at the church. Memorials may be designated for the Paul H. Tanis, Sr. Scholarship Fund at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan or to Hospice of Pella. Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home

Marjorie Mae Greving was born in rural Phillips County, Kansas near Prairie View on March 9, 1927. She was the second oldest child born to Garried and Josie Erickson Greving. Marjorie attended Rock Island Rural School and graduated from Prairie View High School on May 16, 1944. She attended Fort Hays Kansas State College in Kansas for one year, received a 3 year teaching certificate and taught elementary grade school children in Norton, Kansas three years. In the fall of 1948, she enrolled in Central College at Pella, Iowa, where she met Paul Hudson Tanis, Sr. Paul’s college career which began at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, was interrupted during World War II when he was inducted into the U.S. Army. Following his discharge, he enrolled in Central College at Pella and on August 1, 1950, Marjorie and Paul were united in marriage in the Reformed Church of Prairie View, Kansas. To this union four children were born: Cheryl Lynn, Shirley Ann, Paul Hudson Jr. and James Edwin. Responding to God’s call to active ministry, Paul enrolled in Western Theological Seminary at Holland, Michigan. During this time Marjorie taught in the Holland Christian Grade School. In May of 1953, Paul received his divinity degree. Marjorie and Paul were commissioned as missionaries of the Reformed Church of America and their first charge was in Japan. They served as missionaries in Japan for five years. While on a speaking tour during their furlough, Paul became interested in church extension and was called to be the founding pastor of the Church of the Savior Reformed Church in Rochester, Minnesota in 1959. Marjorie and Paul went on to serve churches in Rochester, Minnesota where he was a Chaplain at Mayo Clinic Affiliate Hospitals, Oak Harbor, Washington, Stout, Iowa (near Cedar Falls, establishing the Way Station neighborhood youth ministry), and Sheldon, Iowa. During this time Marjorie taught elementary school children in Oak Harbor, Washington, Dike, Iowa and Sheldon, Iowa. It was while they were serving in Sheldon that Paul suffered a severe stroke in February of 1983. Marjorie and Rev. Tanis retired in 1989 at which time they moved to Pella, Iowa. Marjorie complimented Paul in his ministry and faithfully assisted him with his physical disability for 16 years until he passed away on December 13, 1998 at the age of 71 years. Several years prior to his death Paul established a scholarship for Western Theological seminarians. Paul and Marjorie were committed to helping other seminarians become pastors and saw this scholarship as a living Marjorie was taken home to be with the Lord on Wednesday morning, July 7, 2010, in St. Peter, Minnesota at the age of 83 years. Of utmost importance to Marjorie was her family. She was keenly interested in their education, accomplishments and family life. They are her four children and their spouses and nine grandchildren: Cheryl L. Tanis of Eldora, Iowa and her daughters, Chelsea Welp of Burnsville, Minnesota and Lexsea Stickrod and her husband, Jeff Stickrod of Wichita, Kansas; Shirley A. and her husband, Daryl Heyenga and their children, Bailey and Jordan of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Paul H. Tanis, Jr. and his wife, Maureen and sons, Peter, Patrick and Philip of St.. Peter, Minnesota; James E. Tanis and his wife, Carol and children, Alysa and Jacob of Peachtree City, Georgia. Of her original family Marjorie leaves a sister and two brothers and their spouses: Ila and Dick DeWitt of Prairie View, Kansas, Wayne and Delores Greving of Pella, Iowa, Leland and Shirley Greving of Central City, Nebraska; and the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Marilyn (Tanis) and Rev. Darrell Franken, Dr. Elliot and Elaine Tanis of Holland, Michigan, Wayne and Mary Jane Tanis of Hamilton, Michigan. Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Paul H. Tanis, Sr.; her parents, Garried and Josie Greving; and her parents-in-law, Rev. Edward E. and Agnes Peters Tanis. Marjorie loved to sew and knit and was a member of the Second Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa. memorial extending their mission work and love of Christ.

ELVA DEHAAN
Elva Brummel DeHaan, 96, of Pella, died July 1. Funeral services will be Monday, July 5, 10:30 a.m. at First Reformed Church. Visitation will begin after 10 a.m. on Sunday at Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home with family present from 5-6:30 p.m. Memorials may be designated to the Pella Public Library or to Central College.

Elva Jennie Brummel was born on September 28, 1913, near Prairie View, Kansas. She was the oldest of two children who were born to Aaron and Laura Hays Brummel. When Elva was 6 months old, her family moved to Iowa on the train. She grew up on her parents’ farm and attended rural schools in Mahaska County, Iowa, graduating from 8th grade in 1926. Elva then attended Oskaloosa High School, graduating with honors in 1930. She attended Central College for 2 years and received the normal degree and teaching certificate in 1932. In fall of 1932 she began teaching at Plainview School east of Pella and taught there two years. In 1934-35 she taught the four lower grades in Leighton School. While a student at Central, Elva met Jacob De Haan, class of 1933, and on May 21, 1935 they were married. Rev. A. Haverkamp performed the double ceremony with Jake’s twin sister Mabel and Lewis Vander Wilt. Elva and Jake were blessed with three children: William, Kenneth, and Lois. Elva was a member of Central College Auxiliary beginning in 1956, and served as Auxiliary President. She and Jake were lifelong supporters of Central College and attended many sports, music, and other events. She was a faithful member of First Reformed Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent of the primary and youth departments, and in the Ladies Circle and Ladies Aid for many years. Elva worked for 6 years at T&D Department Store. She then worked 19 years (1964-1983) at the Carnegie-Viersen Public Library in Pella, and for 9 of those was the head Librarian until her retirement in 1983. She greatly enjoyed the library, particularly meeting and getting to know so many of the community’s children and their families. Jake and Elva traveled extensively, visiting family and vacationing in 48 states, Canada, Holland and Belgium. They were traveling in New England when Jake died as the result of a tragic car accident. After Jake’s death she moved to MidTown apartments where she enjoyed several close friends and tended her lovely flower garden. Elva always enjoyed gardening, canning fruits and vegetables and sharing her beautiful flowers. She loved to sew, knit, crochet and complete the quilts pieced by her mother. She crocheted and knitted beautiful afghans in many different patterns for all her children and grandchildren. She was also an excellent cook who loved to have family dinners and to share her creations with friends and neighbors. Elva always had a welcoming smile for everyone. As she transitioned to assisted living and then long term care, staff frequently remarked how warm and friendly Elva was, ready with a laugh or smile or small joke. Elva passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 1, 2010, at Hearthstone Care Facility in Pella. She attained the age of 96 years, 9 months and 3 days. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jake, in 1983, her grandson David De Haan, daughter-in-law Maureen De Haan, and her sister and parents. Those left to cherish her memory are her surviving family: her children and their spouses, William and Beverly De Haan of Wooster, OH, Kenneth and Darlene De Haan of Pella, Lois and David Smith of Pella; her grandchildren William, Jr., and Cindy De Haan, of San Antonio, TX, Jeffrey and Jill De Haan of Wooster OH, Laurie De Haan of Bay Village, OH, Randall and Barbara Jones of Chula Vista, CA, Daniel De Haan of Des Moines, Justin Smith of Albany, NY, and Elinor Smith of Phoenix, AZ; and 5 great-grandchildren: Nathan, Brittany and Jacob De Haan, Nicholas and Mitchell Jones.

NIEVES MARQUEZ
Nieves Marquez, 76, of Pella, died June 30. A memorial mass will be Monday, July 5, 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Pella. Memorials may be made to the Nieves Marques Memorial Fund. Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home

Nieves C. Marquez was born on August 4, 1933 in Virac, Catanduanes Philippines. She was the youngest of eight children born to Dionisia Sarmiento and Geronimo Cambonga. She graduated from Fabella Memorial College of Midwifery in Sta. Cruz Manila in March 1954. Then she began her practice in Camalig Rural Health Center as a midwife. Shortly after she met Vicente Marquez and married in November 1, 1957. They had seven children namely Sandy, Rock, Sandra, Vida, Sarah, Marivic, and Eve. Nieves was an excellent mother with a very strong religious background. Her strength and determination was unsurpassed. She valued education and sent all her children to college. Respect and service to other people is of utmost important to her. For forty three (43) years, she served as a midwife providing pre natal care, family planning, health education and immunization in the rural areas of the country. In 1997, she retired and came to United States to visit her daughters in Los Angeles and Iowa. While visiting she took good care of her grandchildren. Later, she briefly worked as certified nursing assistant at Pella Regional Center. Unfortunately, in the early hours of June 30, 2010, she passed away at the age of 76. She is survived by her seven children and their spouses, sixteen grandchildren, three great grandchildren and sister Zosima.

FLORENCE RENAUD
Florence van Der Wilt Renaud, 89, of Pella, died June 28. Funeral services will be Thursday, July 1, 10:30 a.m. at Berean Baptist Church in Pella. Visitation will be Wed. afternoon at Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home. Memorials may be designated for the Bible Truth Publishers.

Florence Van Der Wilt, a daughter of Henry and Minnie Vande Krol Van Der Wilt, was born on April 4, 1921, on a farm in Jasper County, Iowa, located approximately 2 ½ miles southeast of the town of Sully, Iowa. Florence received her education by attending the Junction Country Grade School through the 8th grade. Upon graduation she worked at home helping her parents on the family farm. When Florence was 20 years of age her parents moved from the farm to Sully and she began to do housework for people in Sully. Florence then met Carrol Gerrit Renaud, a local boy who farmed near Taintor, Iowa. During their courtship Carrol was drafted into the U. S. Army during World War II. Carrol was in the military service for approximately 3 years and upon his discharge he and Florence were united in marriage on October 24, 1945, at Oskaloosa, Iowa. Carrol and Florence lived and farmed near Sully for 44 years. The last 40 years were on her parents farm which adjoins the south side of Sully. In 1989 they retired and moved into Pella, Iowa into the home they had built at 1304 Broadway Street. The Lord took Carrol home on March 13, 1997, at the age of 77 years. Following his death Florence continued living in their home until becoming a resident at Vriendschap Village in Pella. She subsequently was cared for in other facilities while attempting to make all the necessary adjustments of widowhood and aging. On Monday morning, June 28, 2010, she passed away at Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa following a brief stay at the age of 89 years. Florence is survived by her sister, Pauline (David) Kooistra of Pella; her sister-in-law, Luella (Floyd) Van Der Wilt of Sully; and the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Grace (John) Renaud of Pella, James Renaud of Sully, Lydia (Renaud) Roossinck of Fremont, Michigan, Edmund and Miriam Renaud of Iowa Falls, Iowa, Gerrit and Jane Renaud of Pella, Mary and John Verratti of Gasport, New York, Mark and Patricia Renaud of Pella, Leo and Marguerite Renaud of Des Moines, Iowa; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Carrol G. Renaud; her parents, Henry and Minnie Van Der Wilt; her parents-in-law, Paul H. and Lydia Van Der Pol Renaud; her brother, Floyd Van Der Wilt and her brother-in-law, David Kooistra. Florence was a lifelong participant with the saints gathered unto the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in Pella, Iowa. She assumed her role as a homemaker diligently and enjoyed crocheting.

JOHANNA HONDERD
Johanna Struik Honderd, 89, Knoxville, formerly of Pella, died June 22. Funeral services will be Saturday, June 26, 10:30 a.m. at Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home in Pella. Visitation with family present will be at the funeral home on Saturday from 9:00 until the time of service. Memorials may be designated for the family.

Johanna Struik, the youngest of six children that were born to Johannes and Sophia Stam Struik, was born on August 1, 1920, at Sully, Iowa. Her father, Johannes, died at a young age when Johanna was just 3 years of age.Johanna attended grade school at Sully where she completed the 8th grade then enrolled at the Reformed Bible Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Johanna subsequently became a missionary and served amongst the Zuni Indians at Rehoboth, New Mexico for 4 ½ years. During this time she had met Johannes Honderd, whose brother, Rev. Peter Honderd, was a member of the staff of missionaries. On February 15, 1957, she and Joe were united in marriage at Aetna, Michigan. Johanna and Joe lived at Story City, Iowa for four years following their marriage where their two children, Joy Patrice and Kevin Jay, were born. The family then moved southof Sully, Iowa where they farmed for two years until moving near Kellogg, Iowa. Joe and Johanna farmed there for six years until moving south of Pella, Iowa. While living south of Pella, Johanna also cleaned homes. In 1975 they moved west of Pella at which time she operated the Otley Lunch in Otley, Iowa and then worked at Hilltop Manor South in Pella. Johanna worked hard her entire working lifetime and was always content in whatever she received and gained. On December 20, 1985, her husband, Joe, passed away at the age of 76 years. Johanna continued to make her home with her daughter, Joy, and at the present time they were residing in Knoxville, Iowa. On Tuesday evening, June 22, 2010, she passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella following a very brief terminal diagnosis at the age of 89 years. Surviving are her daughter, Joy Honderd of Knoxville; her son Kevin Honderd and his wife, Mary of Oskaloosa, Iowa; three grandchildren: Amanda and her husband, Andy Bolton, Joey Honderd and Daniel Honderd; and several nieces and nephews and cousins. Johanna was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Honderd; her parents, Johannes and Sophia Struik, her step-father, Dick Jansen and was the last surviving member of her original family: Hubert and Hendrika Struik, Kryn and Alberta Struik, Wilma and Marion Sjaardema, Cornelia and William Van Norden, Christina and Ben Vander Molen. Johanna was a member of the Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa. She enjoyed watching birds and squirrels, cats and dogs, and will be remembered as an encourager and one who was always content.

HAROLD DUANE BUSBY
Harold Duane Busby, 83, Pella, died June 22. Funeral services will be Saturday, June 26, 10 a.m. at the Pella United Methodist Church. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday, June 26, from 8:30 until the service. Garden Chapel Funeral Home, Pella

Harold Duane Busby, son of James Harold and Adella Leatherman Busby, was born May 4, 1927, near New Sharon. He died June 22, 2010 at his home in Pella at the age of eighty-three.

Duane grew up in the Montezuma area and graduated from the Montezuma High School with the class of 1944. After high school and one year of schooling at Central College, Duane enlisted with the 3rd Infantry Division of the Army. He was stationed with the Army of Occupation in Germany.

Duane met Bertha McGriff on a blind date arranged by his cousin. The two were married on January 19, 1947, at the Methodist Church in New Sharon. To this union, two children were born: Harold Duane “Dee” II, and Kim.

Duane worked for 45 years in the construction industry. His love for woodworking continued after his retirement, as he and Bertha operated a craft business. They attended many craft shows together as they sold his handiwork. Duane was a charter member of the United Methodist Church of Pella, and personally oversaw the construction of the church. He also faithfully attended a men’s Bible study and the Wednesday evening prayer services. Duane was a member of the American Legion Post #89 of Pella.

Duane was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed collecting coins. He also looked forward to meeting with his Army friends in Chelsea, Iowa, at least once a year. Duane will be remembered for his love of his family, as well as his church family.

Those left to cherish Duane’s memory are his wife of 63 years, Bertha Busby, of Pella; his daughter, Kim Busby, of New Sharon; his son, Harold Duane “Dee” Busby II, and his wife Sharon, of Mt. Pleasant; his grandchildren Mark Casey, Harold Duane (Jessica) Busby III, and Donald Jon (Nikki) Busby; his great-grandchildren Hannah, Emma, and Isabella Busby; his brothers, Melvin (Rosemary) Busby of California, and Norman (Olwyn) Busby of Florida; and his sister, Jane Audas of Montezuma. Duane was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters: Marilyn Busby, Janice Vander Leest, and Dorothy Potter; and two brothers: Leonard Busby, and Donald Busby.

THELMA R. GRANDIA
Thelma R. Grandia, 80, of Warren, Michigan, formerly of Pella, died June 8 in Warren. Funeral services will be Friday, June 25, 11 a.m., at First Reformed Church in Pella. Memorials may be designated to Sloan Kettering Cancer Research. Garden Chapel Funeral Home, Pella.

Beloved sister, aunt, teacher, and friend Thelma Grandia passed away on June 8, 2010, in Warren, Michigan, after a courageous battle with stage four liver cancer.

Thelma was born on March 9, 1930, to Murry and Leona Vander Linden Grandia near Pella. After graduating from Pella High School in 1948, she attended Central College for six weeks to earn a certificate allowing her to teach in a one room schoolhouse.

Thelma attended the University of Iowa, graduating in 1957 with an Elementary Education degree. She then moved to Detroit to begin teaching in the Grosse Point school system, where she taught for 34 years at Poupard Elementary School. Thelma was admired and loved by students, parents, and colleagues. She earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from Oakland University in 1976. Thelma was a member of the Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, where she served as a deacon and an elder during her 43 years of attendance.

Throughout her life, Thelma enjoyed sharing time with family and friends, travel, bridge, golf, reading, dining out, and so much more. She had the remarkable ability of always seeing the glass half full.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, and her dearest friend of 50 years, Carolyn (Carnee) Nelson.

Thelma is survived by her brother, Murl (the late Jane) Grandia of Ft. Worth, Texas; her sister, Marilee (Doward) Sjaardema of Pella; her nieces and nephews, Michael (Angie) Grandia, Heather (Doug) Cassidy, and Laurie (Matt) Pelzel, all of Ft. Worth, Texas, Michele (Randy) Van Maaren, Deniece (Bill) Hilligas both of Pella, and Krista (Marc) Grant of Conrad, Iowa. She is also survived by several great-nieces, great- nephews, and one great-great-niece.

MILDRED R. STEELE
Mildred R. Steele, 86, of Omaha, formerly of Pella, died April 16. Memorial services will be held June 19, 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Pella. Garden Chapel Funeral Home, Pella.

Dr. Mildred R. Steele, age 86, died at Brookestone Village in Omaha on April 16, 2010.

A daughter of Joe and Gladys Romedahl, Mildred was born in rural Napier, Iowa, on January 13, 1924. She grew up with her older sister, Josephine Romedahl Said. In 1947 at Luther, Iowa, she married Otto Scott Steele, Jr., then a student at Boston University School of Theology. Throughout their 60-year marriage, they lived in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and in Stratford, Des Moines, Adel, Wellman, Monroe, Fayette, and Pella, Iowa. Four children were born to them, an infant who passed away shortly after birth, Marty in 1950, John in 1957, and Timothy in 1958.

Mildred graduated from Napier High School in 1942 and Simpson College in 1946. After 17 years as a full-time wife and mother, she began study as a graduate student, earning an M.A. in English from Drake University and a higher education specialist degree and a Ph.D. degree from the University of Iowa. She served as an English faculty member at Des Moines Area Community College and Drake University. At Central College she served on the English faculty and as Communication Skills Coordinator. She retired from Central College in 1990 as an emerita assistant professor. In 1976 she was one of 11 English professors nationwide honored for "outstanding undergraduate teaching" by Change magazine. In 1991 she received an Alumni Achievement Award from Simpson College.

Throughout her life, Mildred dedicated herself to the service of the United Methodist Church. In the 1940s she was active in the MYF, the Methodist Youth Caravan, and the Iowa Methodist Student Movement. After college graduation, she worked for the Wesley Foundation at the University of Iowa. In 1946, she was chosen one of two Methodist students from the USA to attend the World Student Christian Federation Conference in Switzerland. While in Europe, she was the first American student to address German Christian students since 1933. At the conference she met and later became engaged to Otto Steele, the other U. S. Methodist delegate to the conference.

Later, after marrying Otto, Mildred was a leader in the United Methodist Church in Iowa in their local churches and in the conference, serving in many capacities including president of the Iowa United Methodist Clergy Spouses and chair of the Higher Education Division of the Iowa United Methodist Church. She was a charter member of the United Methodist Church of Pella.

Mildred enjoyed research, writing, and speaking throughout her life. About a dozen of her poems appeared in print. She wrote essays published in books and scholarly journals. She was secretary of the National Association of Developmental Education, which published the results of her 20-year research study of college student persistence. She gave over 50 lectures across the state for Humanities Iowa. In her later years, she enjoyed researching and writing extensive volumes of family history.

After retirement, Otto and Mildred lived in their home in Pella until 2006. When Otto was diagnosed with Lewy Body Disease, they moved to Pella's Vriendschap Village. After Otto passed away in 2008, Mildred moved to Remington Heights Assisted Living Facility in Omaha. In November, 2009, after a stroke, she moved to Brookestone Village Nursing Care Facility in Omaha. On March 26, 2010, Mildred was honored as the Nebraska Merit Mother of the Year by American Mothers, Inc.

Mildred was preceded in death by her infant son; her parents, Joe and Gladys Romedahl; her sister, Josephine Said; and her husband, Dr. Otto Steele. She is survived by her children, their spouses, and their children: Marty Steele Knepper, of Sioux City, and her husband, John Knepper; John Steele, of Omaha, Nebraska, his wife, Deb Steele, and their children, Laura and Sarah; and Timothy Steele, of Milton, Massachusetts, his wife, Elizabeth Menne, and their children, Katherine and Andrew. Mildred also leaves behind her niece, Patricia Said Cockerham, and her husband, Keith Cockerham, and her nephew, Ramsey Said, and his wife, Jane Uramoto, all of Novato, California.

BERNICE DYKSTRA ERICKSON
Bernice Dykstra Erickson, 81, of Mesa, AZ, formerly of Pella and Des Moines, died June 5 in Mesa, AZ. from a long term debilitating illness, complicated by Post-Polio Syndrome. Mountain View Memorial Gardens, Mesa, AZ., handled arrangements. No services and no designated memorial.

Surviving are her husband Glen of Mesa, AZ; a son Mark of Glendale, CA., a daughter Kim of San Francisco, CA., a sister, Viola Dykstra Vander Linden of Pella, IA. She was preceded in death by her father, Peter Dykstra, her mother, Zwannetta Visscher Dykstra; and three brothers, Elmer, Paul and Jerald Dykstra.

Mrs. Erickson was born in Pella and moved to Des Moines in 1947, then to Mesa, Arizona in 1989. She was the daughter of the late Peter and Zwannetta Visscher Dykstra from Pella, Iowa. She graduated from Pella High School, Pella, IA., and the Capital City Commercial College in Des Moines. She was employed by the Universal Film Exchange in Des Moines, prior to her marriage.

She was a member of the Church of the Master Presbyterian Church in Mesa. She had been active in the Des Moines Color Film Club , the Iowa Travel Trailer Club, the Arizona John Deere Retiree Association, and the Arizona Polio Echo Support Group.

BEULAH VAN HAALEN
Beaulah Van Maaren Van Haalen, 81, of Pella, died Jume 12. Funeral services will be Wed., June 16, 2:00 p.m. at First Reformed Church in Pella. Visitation will begin after noon on Tuesday at Van Dyk-Duven funeral Gome with famiy present from 5-7 p.m. Memorials may be designated for the Alzheimer's Association or the Pella Regional Health Center Auxiliary.

Beulah Van Maaren was born on February 25, 1929, East of Sully, Iowa. She was the seventh of ten children that were born to Gerrit Cornelius and Sarah (Boender) Van Maaren. Beulah attended country grade schools in Jasper County, Iowa and graduated from Pella Public High School in Pella, Iowa in 1948. One evening on the downtown square in Pella she met Donald Glenn Van Haalen. She and Don were ultimately united in marriage on February 24, 1950, at her parents' home in Pella, and to this union two daughters were born: Judith Luann and Phyllis Lea. Following their marriage, Beulah worked at the Overall Factory in Pella for a year. She and Don then moved to his grandparents, Peter and Hattie (Vander Meiden) Van Haalen, farm East of Pella. Beulah and Don enjoyed almost the remaining 59 years of their married life there together where she loved the old farm house. Beulah always worked side by side with Don, whether it was with the field work or the mowing. Beulah was always busy with her hands. She sewed all of the clothes for her daughters when they were young, and quilted relentlessly. Many of these items are still cherished today, as well as their family vacations. Beulah worked jig saw puzzles and enjoyed bowling as long as her health permitted. Then memory changes became evident in her life. Don faithfully cared for and assisted her as long as he possibly could. In July of 2009 she was admitted into the Memory Loss Unit at Jefferson Place in Pella. Don continued his very faithful, multiple visits there daily where she passed away on Saturday afternoon, June 12, 2010, at the age of 81 years. Beulah is survived by her husband, Don; their two daughters and their husbands: Judy and Dennis Willer of Pella, Phyllis and Steve Munger of Prairie City, Iowa; four granddaughters and their families: Erica (Willer) and Michael Groen and their two children, Jaina and Jackson, of Rock Rapids, Iowa, Alayna (Willer) and Chris Hegwood and their daughter, Rowan, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Elizabeth Munger of Des Moines, Iowa and Jennifer Munger of La Crosse, Wisconsin. Of her original family Beulah leaves her sister, Hilda (Arthur) Rus and her brother, Alfred Van Maaren and his wife, Carolyn of Pella; a sister-in-law, Nellie (Cornelius) Van Maaren of Denver, Colorado and a brother-in-law, Henry ( Esther Van Maaren) Dykstra of Monroe, Iowa. Beulah was preceded in death by her parents, Gerrit and Sarah Van Maaren; her parents-in-law, Gerrit and Bess Van Haalen; five brothers: Cornelius, Paul, John, Gerald and Elmer Van Maaren; and two sisters: Esther (Van Maaren) Dykstra and Sara Mae Van Maaren. Beulah was a faithful member of the First Reformed Church in Pella. She had served as a 4-H leader and had been active with the Pella Regional Health Center Auxiliary for many years.