GEERDES, Edith (Bolhuis) 1929-2017

GEERDES, SINNEMA, BOLHUIS

Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 3/12/2018 at 12:36:00

Edith (Bolhuis) Geerdes

FUNERAL SERVICE:
Monday, August 14, 2017 at 10:30 am
Grace Reformed Church
520 Maxwell Street
Waterloo, Iowa

BURIAL:
Following Luncheon at
First Christian Reformed Church Cemetery
12420 185th Street
Wellsburg, Iowa

Edith Bolhuis Geerdes was born January 7, 1929, near Bozeman, MT, daughter of Tüenis and Gertrude (Sinnema) Bolhuis. She was raised in Montana graduating with the Manhattan High School Class of 1947. Education was extremely important to Edith. She attended Montana State University (Missoula), Eastern Montana College of Education (Billings), Calvin College (Grand Rapids, MI) and the University of Northern Iowa in pursuit of the degrees necessary to teach as certification requirements changed throughout her career.

Edith’s first teaching job was at Timothy Christian School in Wellsburg which afforded the opportunity for her to meet Jonas Geerdes. The couple was married by Rev. Alfred Hannink on October 2, 1953, in the church parsonage of the First Christian Reformed Church of Wellsburg.

In addition to teaching, Edith helped Jonas on their farm near Wellsburg where she had a large garden and canned and froze fruits and vegetables to last throughout the year. In the summers she helped with the farm work and prepared meals for the men. She was also an active member at her church. After retirement, the couple moved to Waterloo where Jonas passed away in 1994. Edith remained in Waterloo until her health required her to move to Monticello to be closer to her children.

Edith passed away at the Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Tuesday, August 8, 2017, at the age of 88 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jonas; her brothers, Albert Bolhuis and Norman Bolhuis; her sisters, Minnie Kamerman and Cena Ragan; and her loving companion of 15 years, Charlie Schumacher. Edith is survived by her sons, Brad (Sherry) Geerdes of Monticello and Gregg (Mary Murphy) Geerdes of Iowa City; her grandchildren: Jeremy (Nicole) Geerdes of Des Moines, Brian (Karoline) Geerdes of Wasilla, AK, Ross (Kendrin) Geerdes of New Vienna, IA, Jonas Geerdes, Jim Geerdes, John Geerdes, Katherine Geerdes, and Jude Geerdes all of Iowa City; and 3 great-grandchildren: Rebekah, Andrew and Sullivan.

Memorials may be directed to the Grace Reformed Church of Waterloo or the Waterloo Senior Center.

Source: Parrott & Wood funeral home