MEDEMA, Pearl 1919-2005

MEDEMA, BOEVE

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 11/16/2008 at 09:01:42

Pearl Medema was born on March 23, 1919 on a farm near Doon, Iowa. She was the daughter of John and Effie (Boeve) Boeve. She attended country school and helped her parents on the family farm southwest of Rock Rapids. She helped in the fields and milking cows.

On September 24, 1941 she was united in marriage to Antone “Tony” Medema in Maurice, Iowa. Together, the couple lived in various places throughout Northwest Iowa. In 1952 they purchased their home in Rock Rapids and remained there for several years. Pearl enjoyed her time with her husband, taking spontaneous fishing trips with the entire family. In 1986, Pearl’s husband, Tony, suffered a stroke and for the next four years Pearl devoted life to taking care of him. On February 25, 1990 Pearl’s husband died ending their marriage of 49 years. She continued to live and care for those around her. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, handiwork – crocheting and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was a member of First Reformed Church of Rock Rapids, active with the Fellowship Circle and Bible study groups. Her family best remembers Pearl as a warm and giving person who spent the major part of her life caring for others. Through the past ten years, it became apparent that Pearl was developing Alzheimer’s disease and on June 6, 2003 she entered the Good Samaritan Center of George, Iowa. On September 25, 2005 Pearl died at the age of 86.

She is survived by two daughters, Anna Marie Medema of George, Iowa and Jan (and Willis) Baker of Rock Rapids, Iowa; three grandchildren, Valerie (and Ed) Sneller of Doon, Iowa, Brian (and Sherry) Baker and Brad (and Stephanie) Baker, both of Rock Rapids, Iowa; six great-grandchildren, Brandon Snell, Joel Sneller, Danielle Sneller, Jayden Baker, Maycie Baker and Emma Baker; two brother, Dick J. (and Gertie) Boeve, and Henry (and Helen) Boeve, both of Rock Rapids; and special friend, Selma Hilbrands of George, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Effie Boeve; her husband, Tony Medema; and a sister, Gertie Brown.

Funeral services for Pearl Medema were held Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at First Reformed Church of Rock Rapids, Iowa with interment in Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids.

(Roste Funeral Home obituary)