Bruxvoort, Minerva (Jansen) 1916-2007

BRUXVOORT, JANSEN, ELSCOTT

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/26/2008 at 19:23:47

Minerva Jansen was born on October 23, 1916, in Mahaska County, Iowa. She was the second of four children that were born to John and Artie Elscott Jansen. She attended Sully Grade School. On January 14, 1938 she married Clarence Bruxvoort in the parsonage of Sully Christian Reformed Church. Minerva and Clarence were blessed with seven children: Arlene Joanne, Harold John, Henry Charles, Betty Lou, Roger Dale, Marilyn Kay, and Linda Faye.

Minerva and Clarence spent the early years of their marriage in the Sully / Newton, Iowa area. Clarence held various jobs including farming. Some of the happiest times in Minerva's life were caring for her children, especially when they were young.

In 1962 the family moved to New Sharon, Iowa where they operated a dairy farm. Minerva kept very busy cooking and baking for her family and all of the hired help. In 1970 they moved to Pella, Iowa. Clarence was employed as a custodian for Pella Christian Grade School and First Christian Reformed Church as well as employment at Van Gorp Manufacturing. Clarence passed away on October 16, 1991 at the age of 78 years.

Minerva continued living in their home until June, 1999 when she became a resident at Hilltop Manor. She very much enjoyed visiting, playing games, having fun participating in many practical jokes with other residents and staff. In 2005 she moved to the Long Term Care Facility at Pella Regional Health Center. In 2006 she also received care at the Pella Comfort House for several months where their wonderful attention improved her condition so she was able to return to the Long Term Care facility. There Minerva was content and waited patiently for the Lord to call her home on Tuesday morning, March 27, 2007 at the age of 90 years, 5 months, and 4 days.

The last two verses of her favorite passage, Psalm 27, were a testimony to her life: "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Those who will cherish her memory are five children, 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. They and their familes are: (Arlene J.) Robert J. and Lois Van Houwelingen, of Pella, Henry C. and Nancine (De Bruin) Bruxvoort, of New Sharon, Betty L. and Geoffrey Horvath, of Grand Rapids, MI, Roger D. and Marlene (De Vries) Bruxvoort, of Reasonor, Marilyn K. and Bruce Bandstra, of Pella and Linda F. and Wade Dawley, of New Sharon.

Along with many blessings in life, Minerva endured some very difficult times, including the deaths of her infant son - Harold John, daughter - Arlene Joanne, husband - Clarence and grandson - Arthur Charles (Chip) Ybema. She was the last surviving member of her original family, prededed in death by her parents, John and Artie (Elscott) Jansen, her brothers Delmer and Howard and her sister Lorene Van Rees. She is survived by her sister-in-law Jeannette (Delmar) Jansen of Newton.

From her deceased husband's family the following surviving sisters-in-law are: Anne (Bruxvoort) Van Kalsbeek, of Orange City, Martha (John) Bruxvoort of Luverne, MN, Hermina (Bruxvoort) Bloemendaal of Orange City and Verda (Gilbert) Bruxvoort of Visalia, CA.

The Pella Chronicle, May 18, 2007