92

Sioux Center, Iowa

May 15, 2012

Melvin Bonnema, 92, of Sioux Center, IA died Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at the Sioux Center Community Hospital in Sioux Center.

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

A prayer service for family and friends will be held on Friday at 10:15AM at the Lebanon Christian Reformed Church of rural Sioux Center with interment to follow the service in the Lebanon Cemetery.

A memorial service will be held on Friday at 11:00AM at the Lebanon Christian Reformed Church with Reverend Duane Tinklenberg officiating.

In lieu of flowers the Bonnema Family prefers memorials be directed to the Lebanon Christian Reformed Church Christian Education Fund or

The Table Ministries

(Church Plant Ministry of Craig and Jeanine Broek)

11355 N. Sheridan

Westminster, CO 80020

Condolences may be sent at www.MFHonline.com

Melvin Richard Bonnema was born September 5, 1919 to Peter and Leafy (Brown) Bonnema in Sioux County, Iowa. He was raised on a farm near Hawarden, Iowa and attended school through the eighth grade at Eagle Township country school.

Melvin was joined in marriage to Gertie Haverhals on February 7, 1941. The couple made their home on a farm near Hawarden. Melvin enjoyed farming and blacksmithing. The couple retired and moved to Sioux Center in 1994.

He was a lifelong member of the Lebanon Christian Reformed Church. In his free time Melvin enjoyed working with his hands which was evident by his handiwork. After retiring from farming, Melvin liked to sew quilts, do cross stitch as well as paint by number.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 71 years, Gertie Bonnema of Sioux Center; six children: Leora and John Van Middendorp of Rock Rapids, Marlene and Jay Broek of Ireton, Gervin and Helen Bonnema of Orange City, Cheryl Frost of Holland, MI, Joyce Williams of Waverly, IA, and Duane and LeaAnn Bonnema of Hawarden; 21 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; a sister, Beulah Statema of Rock Valley; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Elmer and Artie Bonnema of Sioux Center and Harold and Millie Bonnema of Seal Beach, CA, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by a son-in-law, Gary Frost; granddaughter, Rebecca Bonnema; great-granddaughter, Lillian Broek; sister, Mae Fedders; and two brothers: Ralph and Lawrence Bonnema.

28

Canton, S.D.

May 11, 2012

Keith Allan Steier, 28, died Friday, May 11, 2012, the result of an auto accident 9 miles east of Rock Valley, Ia. A celebration of life will be held at 2 PM Thursday, May 17, at Canton United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Wednesday from 2 to 8 PM at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, with family present from 6 to 8 PM.

Keith Allan Steier was born Feb. 18, 1984 in Dickinson, ND to David and Rhonda (Tipton) Steier. He attended school in Dickinson and graduated in 2002. He has lived in Canton for 5 years and has been a welder with VH Manufacturing in Rock Valley, IA. He enjoyed fishing, cars and speed, reading, drawing, cooking, playing guitar, and tattoos.

Keith is survived by his fiancé Lisa Quick, Hudson, SD and her children, Megan, Tyler, and Daniel; his mother, Rhonda (Richard) Rapp, Dickinson, ND; his father, David Steier, California; brothers- Kevin (Tamara) Tipton, Larchwood, IA and Harley Rapp, Dickinson, ND; sister Crystal Rapp, Dickinson, ND; and grandmother Edith Steier, of North Dakota.

He was preceded in death by grandparents- Joe Steier, Ruby and Adelbert Tipton, uncle, Dennis Tipton, cousin Darnell Tipton, and his best friend in high school, Nathan.

84

Georgia

March 19, 2012

Harold Frederick Zornig died peacefully Monday, March 19, 2012 at his home surrounded by loved ones. Harold was born November 23, 1927 in his farmhouse near Lester, Iowa to Maurine, and Gus Zornig. He attended high school in Rock Rapids, Iowa. Harold served in the Korean War as a First Lieutenant, Combat Engineer, earning the Korean Service Medal with 5 Bronze Stars, United Nations Service Medal, and Army Occupation Medal (Japan).

Harold attended Iowa State University achieving an architectural engineering degree. His career included 18years as a forest engineer for the U.S. Forest Service, research architect for the USDA Forestry Sciences Laboratory at UGA. As a registered architect, he became well known for solar design and low cost housing

Harold is survived by his wife, Mary Zornig, three children, Linda Andrews, Michael Zornig, and Mark Zornig, eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother William Zornig and his sister Jean Stadfeldt.

76

Little Rock, Iowa

May 15, 2012

Dixon L. Nagel, age 76 of Little Rock, IA, formerly of Rock Rapids, IA died on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at the Osceola Community Hospital in Sibley, IA.

Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Friday, May 18th at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids, IA, with Marcus Ditsworth officiating.

Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 17th from 2:00 to 8:00 PM, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids.

Dixon Lee Nagel was born December 11, 1935 at his parents’ home in Rock Rapids, Iowa, the son of John J. and Alma (Siebsen) Nagel. He attended the community schools and graduated from Rock Rapids High School in 1955. He also worked for Phil Hess in the bakery. He entered the U.S. Navy for a short while, receiving a medical discharge in 1956. He returned to Rock Rapids and was united in marriage to Nancy Lea Morgan on August 13, 1960. He rejoined the bakery until 1962 when he and Nancy moved to Spirit Lake, IA where he worked for Glen’s Bake Shop. He then purchased the Bakery in Houston, MN. In 1970 he returned to Rock Rapids and worked for Lambert Van Olst and later Dave Dreesman at Golden Crust Bakery in Rock Rapids. In 1996 Dixon suffered a stroke and soon after was diagnosed with sarcoidosis of the lungs.

Dixon enjoyed fishing, and camping at Marble Beach, Newton Hills, Lake Pahoja, and especially Island Park. He had several dogs through the years and adored each of them. He loved old cars and was a charter member of the car club Accelerators of Rock Rapids.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Nancy Nagel of Little Rock, IA; five children, Clark (Tammy) Nagel of Davenport, IA, Monday (Dan) Durrence of Rock Rapids, IA, Shannon “Tuzz” (Sheila) Nagel of George, IA, Heather (Don) Blom of Inwood, IA and Cory (Rita) Nagel of George, IA; thirteen grandchildren; one great-grandson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Alma Nagel; one brother, Leo Nagel; and two sisters, Florence Menage and Isabel Ross.

Severna Park, Md.

May 10, 2012

Tracy Beth Vander Kolk, 16, a resident of Severna Park, MD, died on May 10, 2012 at Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie.

She was born on January 30, 1996 in Sioux City, Iowa and raised in Severna Park, MD. She attended Oak Hill, Severna Park Middle School, Severna Park High School and was on the Principal Honor Roll.

She was a member of the Severna Park Cross Country, Indoor Track and Varsity Lacrosse teams, National Honor Society, Methodist Youth Fellowship, and the SP Lax Club.

Tracy loved animals and the environment, enjoyed snowboarding, hiking, being outdoors, music and singing. She enjoyed visiting her family in Spirit Lake, Iowa. She had a keen sharp wit and lightening fast sense of humor.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Clarence “Clem” Vander Woude.

She is survived by her parents, Tanya and Keith Vander Kolk of Severna Park; her brother, Grant John Vander Kolk of Severna Park; her sisters, Elly Marie Vander Kolk and her twin sister, Rachel Ann Vander Kolk of Severna Park; her grandparents, Carolyn Vander Woude of Spirit Lake, Iowa and Gerrit and Betty Vander Kolk of Doon, Iowa; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Family and friends may visit on Monday, May 14, 2012 from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of the Fields Church, 1070 Cecil Avenue, Millersville, MD 21108. Interment will be in Our Lady of the Fields Cemetery in Millersville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA of Anne Arundel, 1815 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403.

Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com

Beaver Creek, Minn.

May 8, 2012

Theodora Ann Kracht was born to Francis and Maggie (Van Batavia) De Graaff on November 5, 1934 in Hull, Iowa. To all those who knew and loved her she became “Theo.” She attended Hull Public School graduating in the class of 1952 then attended Northwestern College graduating 1955 with a degree in elementary education. Theodora’s first teaching position was a country school later that same year. On April 18, 1955 she met the love of her life, Bert Kracht. The couple was united in marriage on February 17, 1956 and made their first home on a farm by Rock Rapids, Iowa. The couple later crossed the nearby border to a farm in Minnesota and in 1968, Theo and Bert moved to Beaver Creek, Minnesota. On Tuesday, May 8, 2012, Theo went to be with her Lord at the age of 77 years, six months and three days.

She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Beaver Creek, Minnesota where she and Bert served as Sunday School Superintendents. Theodora enjoyed her family and reveled in spending time together sharing love and laughter. She and Bert really enjoyed square dancing and made a wonderful partnership both on and off the dance floor for over 56 years. Theo was employed at the Luverne Hospital caring for the newborn babies in the nursery for a number of years and later returned to teaching as a substitute teacher in the Hill-Beaver Creek School district. She enjoyed working with children and adults and was a true teacher through and through. Theo was honored in 1975 by being named “4-H Mother of the Year.” She had a tender heart and truly enjoyed her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She stayed very close to her sister, Carole Kleyer, with her weekly trips to Sioux Center, Iowa on Mondays for stitching.

Theodora touched the hearts of many. Her goal in life was to bring joy, love, and happiness to the lives of her family and friends; just as she said many times her parents had done for her. She did this each and every day with encouragement and love for everyone. Her legacy will live on through her survivors especially her beloved husband of 56 years, Bert Kracht of Beaver Creek, Minnesota; her four children, Leon and Linda Kracht, Delbert and Dianne Kracht, all of Pipestone, Minnesota, Carl and Deanne Kracht of Baltic, South Dakota, and Darla Kracht and Scott Goodheart of Beaver Creek, Minnesota; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sister, Carole Kleyer of Sioux Center, Iowa; and sister-in-law, Beverly DeGraaff of Hull, Iowa; many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Maggie; a grandson, Nicholas John Kracht; her brother, Norman DeGraaff; a brother-in-law, Paul Kleyer; and a great niece, Megan Kleyer.

The Rock Rapids city council met in a special session to discuss and approve a grant for the Pearl Street project. The council approved the application for an Iowa Department of Transportation’s RISE grant.

The city is making plans to continue Pearl Street 350 feet north of Highway 9. The street will create more opportunities of development growth as well as convenience for employees in the area.

For the application, the estimated cost of the project is $163,000. The city is asking for IDOT to cover 80 percent of the costs. IDOT will decide in June and the city will move forward from there. If the grant is awarded, the city will move forward immediately with plans and have the street finished before winter.

One factor IDOT will look at in deciding the amount to grant, if any, will be the number of jobs the street will help create once complete. The main focus for the information is based on Simply Said.

As the DSA (Direct Selling Association) 2012 Rising Star Award finalist, Simply Said, LLC, of Rock Rapids anticipates 100 percent sales growth again this year. Simply Said is negotiating for purchase of property along Pearl Street. These negotiations are not complete.

“To make this a feasible option for us, we will need to have Pearl Street paved for our delivery and pick-up trucks,” said Brad Leuthold of Simply Said. “This RISE Grant is a great opportunity for us and the community.”

The Pearl Street project is necessary for access into the development and the safety and well being of those using Pearl Street. Submission of the grant application doesn’t commit the city to do the project. If the project is successful, Simply Said, LLC plans to move into an existing structure along Pearl Street and develop additional property as needed.

grant application

Things aren’t always what they seem. This rang true for Beth De Kam of Rock Rapids as she traveled across the world to Jos, Nigeria. Although she did not work in the fields as she intended, she treasured the time she spent in Africa and the memories she made.

De Kam traveled to Jos to do mission work through the organization Christian Reformed World Missions. She was in Nigeria Sept. 1, 2011 to April 1. While there, De Kam was placed in many different settings and fieldwork.

“I had big hopes for community development in my long-term work in Nigeria,” De Kam said. “I quickly realized that’s not really what was going to happen.”

De Kam worked in a reading clinic at Open Doors, a school where they teach verbal and written English to primarily adults who have little to no education. They learned through reading Bible scriptures and writing letters about their days.

Two of De Kam’s students were 12 years old. They each had moved to the city with relatives to have a better education setting. Had they stayed in their home villages, they would have had to walk hours to reach a schoolhouse for the next level of education.

“Listening to the children’s stories, it was easy to realize how much the kids at such a young age are facing and the innocence they are losing,” De Kam said.

De Kam also worked with an organization called Serving in Mission. She worked with a children’s choir at a local orphanage where kids were affected by HIV AIDS.

“It was really neat to see the attitudes of the kids change toward westerners,” De Kam said. “Especially in the villages, they don’t have much interaction with them, and I began to realize the vast variety of preconceived thoughts, not just what we have of what an African lifestyle might be like, but also what they have of a western life.”

Many Nigerians believe all westerners act the same as those in Hollywood movies.

“Sometimes it was very frustrating having those conversations and learning how to be patient with them,” Beth said. “They are very biased; but that’s all they knew.”

In the country, Muslims and Christians live in close proximity of each other but do not interact well with each other. Multiple car bombs were targeted toward churches while De Kam was there, but due to high security in Jos, the overall damage was not near as bad as the bombers intended.

“The worst part, in my opinion, was the after-effect,” De Kam expressed. Oftentimes, the younger generations would retaliate and often take revenge, creating more tension between the religions and groups, and sometimes resulted in more deaths. The quiet days, however, were when De Kam got the most nervous because of the eerie feeling in the air.

Other conflicts in Nigeria are contributed to the countless tribes in the country. All have a distinct culture but live in close proximity to each other.

“It would be like all the towns in Lyon County having our very own, distinct culture,” De Kam explained.

With the ministries De Kam was a part of, the missionaries teach the people of Nigeria how to be loving and compassionate toward their neighbors.

De Kam ended up leaving Nigeria earlier than originally planned. The school quarter was completed the end of March, and De Kam felt this was a good time for her to depart.

“I felt deeply in my heart my time there was to be shorter than intended,” De Kam said. The past few months De Kam was overseas had been stressful with extra security measures and bombings in the city. Had she not gone home, the organization would have sent her back home two weeks into April for safety reasons.

“Overall, it was definitely a reality check,” De Kam said. “It wasn’t just an experience, it was a season of my life.” De Kam sees herself staying in the Midwest for now, anyway. She wants to help with cross-cultural needs of those in the Rock Rapids area.

33

Grimes, Iowa

May 9, 2012

Jay Taber, 33, died unexpectedly, Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center-West Lakes in West Des Moines. He was born June 5, 1978, in Newton, Iowa, to Michiel and Beverly Taber.

Jay graduated from Newton High School in 1996 and received a degree from DMACC in Information Technology. He married Alyssa Cleveringa on September 4, 2004. He was a volunteer fire fighter and EMT for the Grimes Fire Department. Jay had worked for Wells Fargo in the IT area since 2006. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, a season ticket holder for Iowa State football and enjoyed attending I-Cubs games. Most of all, Jay loved spending time with his family, especially his wife and son.

Jay is survived by his loving wife, Alyssa; son, Aaron Michael Taber; parents, Michiel and Beverly Taber of Newton; brother Michiel (Angela) Taber of Des Moines; niece, Samantha Taber; paternal grandmother, Lucille Taber of Newton; maternal grandmother, Betty Klingensmith of Newton; parents-in-law, Michael and Valerie Cleveringa of Rock Rapids; brother-in-law, Eric (Leslie) Cleveringa of Harrisburg, SD; paternal grandmother-in-law, Arlene Cleveringa of Orange City; and maternal grandmother-in-law, LaVonne Simonson of Ruthven, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Leon Taber; maternal grandfather, Forrest Klingensmith; paternal grandfather-in-law, James Clevering; and maternal grandfather-in-law, Richard Simonson.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 12, 2012, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave. The family will greet friends from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 11, 2012, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given to the family to start a college fund for Aaron, in loving memory of Jay.

Online condolences may be made to:

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

Athos, an 18-month old German Sheppard, is being trained to be a part of the Lyon County Sheriff’s Department. The department purchased Athos through the Lyon County Riverboat Foundation grant given to them last year. The grant was for $17,100.

Athos arrived in Iowa Jan. 29 from Slovakia. A North Iowa canine trainer worked with him for a few months. He is being trained on nine different narcotics, suspect apprehension, tracking, article recovery, and officer protection. Three weeks ago, he met his new owner, Deputy Sheriff Rob Ver Meer.

For the first week, Athos spent all his time bonding with his new family. Ver Meer and Athos are now in their second week of training together with the North Iowa canine trainer in Humboldt.

Before coming to America, Athos received basic obedience training. In sight of this, Ver Meer uses Slovak when giving commands to Athos such as “Sadni” for sit and “Nah” for no.

A dog kennel, known as a “hot dogger,” has replaced the backseat in Ver Meer’s car. Ver Meer has a button on his duty belt that can open the back door to release Athos to assist Ver Meer.

Ajax, the former police dog for Lyon County, had to be euthanized due to serious health issues.