John Gersema

GERSEMA, REINTS, BOLHUIS, PIPER, DEGOOTE

Posted By: dbeier (email)
Date: 7/16/2010 at 16:17:38

John Gersema, 90, of Shell Rock, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa.

John was born on January 16, 1916 in Albion Township to George and Cena (Reints) Gersema.

John grew up in Butler county and attended school in the Swanton School District. While still in school, John helped on the family farm. John married Minnie Bolhuis April 5, 1937, at the Stout Reformed Church, and made their home in the Parkersburg area until they moved to Shell Rock in 1942. John and Minnie continued farming until they retired in 1976. Involved in gardening and raising vegetables and preparing them for the Farmers' Market, he never really quite retired. The farmer's market was always enjoyable for him and gave him the opportunity to interact with people.

John was a member of the First Baptist Church of Shell Rock for many years. John always enjoyed an opportunity to go fishing or hunting. His fishing poles were ready most any time. An occasional fishing trip to Minnesota with friends was particularly special to him. In later years, he especially enjoyed reading, and playing board games and cards with family. Spending Sunday afternoons with his granddaughters was a highlight.

John and Minnie spent their life together until March 4, 2004 when she passed away.

One son, Gary and his wife, Gary and Karen make their home in Bondurant, Iowa; two grandchildren, Andrea Gersema of Des Moines, Julie Piper and her husband Scott of Kuna, Idaho; seven great granddaughters, Emily, Abby, Hannah, Sarah, Grace, Amy and Megan Piper all of Kuna, Idaho. John is survived by two brothers, Joe and Chris Gersema both of New Hartford, Iowa and one sister, Hannah DeGroote of Parkersburg, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers Raymond and Henry "Hank" Gersema.

Funeral services will held on Friday, January 20, 2006 at 10:30 am at the Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly, Iowa with Pastor Robert Chambers officiating.

Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Shell Rock, Iowa.

Friends may call from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Thursday at the Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to First Baptist Church in Shell Rock.