Stursma, Donald Rex 1931-2006

STURSMA, RUS, GRITTERS

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/29/2006 at 20:52:34

Donald Rex Stursma was born on October 11, 1931 near Pella, Iowa. He was the second of four children that were born to William C. and Leona (Rus) Stursma.

Don attended Pella Christian Grade School and graduated from Pella Christian High School in 1945. During his early years Don worked at many places including, Jaarsma Bakery, Marion County Road Department and Pella Block and Tile Company.

Don was united in marriage with Alberdeen "Alb" Gritters on June 3, 1952, at the former Protestant Reformed Church parsonage at 609 Peace Street. Their lives together had begun and lived their entire married life in the Pella area, except for about two years when Don was in the United State Army. They lived in Manhattan, Kansas for about three months in late 1952, then Don received orders to go to Korea. He was in the Korean War from March of 1953 to July of 1954 and served honorably in the United States Army.

During that time their oldest daughter Jacki Lynn, was born on July 7, 1953. In following years they were later blessed with the birth of two sons, Jimmy Lee on June 8, 1955, and Jerry Dale on June 6, 1957.

Don later joined his brother-in-law, Duane Dingeman at work at Pella Construction where he worked for over 20 years. In 1965 Alb and Don helped build their own home on an acreage northeast of Pella.

On June 6, 1974, Don survived a severe heart attack and his health would never be the same. This change required Don to work at something inside and less physically stressful. He worked for many years as an inside salesman for the Farmers Cooperative in Pella and retired in 1994. He and Alb had just sold their home in the country and were planning on moving to town together later this month. For reasons only known by God, His plan was different. Don passed away of a heart attack during their morning walk at home with his faithful wife by his side on Tuesday, June 13, 2006. Don attained the age of 74 years, 8 months and 2 days.

Those who will cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Alb; their three children and their spouses, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Of his original family he leaves two sisters, Marilyn De Vries of Knoxville, Iowa and Patricia and Gene Kamerick of Pella; a sister-in-law, Lillian (Norman), Mrs. Ralph Van Roekel of Pella. Of Alb's family he leaves her brothers and sister and their spouses. They are: Frank and Revena Gritters, Goldie and Duane Dingeman, Edgar and Regina Gritters and Arnie and Nancy Gritters, all of Pella.

He was preceded in death by his parents, father, William C. who died in 1983, and mother, Leona who died in 1981, and his brother Norman R. Stursma who both died in 1966 at the age of 36 and brother-in-law, Vernon De Vries.

Don enjoyed family activities and spending time with his many friends. He made his profession of faith in 1951 at the Protestant Reformed Church in Pella. Don was faithful member of the Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella, where he was active as a elder, deacon and enjoyed singing in the choir. Don was also an instrumental board member for Hospice of Pella and supported them with his time and his insight.

Don and Alb selflessly gave prayer and encouragement frequently to those at the hospital, nursing home, and other church member shut-in's. Don's hobbies included gardening, reading, walking and working in his garage/workshop. Don loved to hear the songbirds every morning. He also liked to travel and attend airshows and go down to the Mississippi River to watch the barges navigate the locks there. The family and church children will remember with fond memories his faithfulness as a loving husband, Dad, "Grandpa Don" and Grandpa Great.

Memorials may be designated for the Calvary Christian Reformed Church or Hospice of Pella.

The Pella Chronicle, June 29, 2006