Dieleman, Carolyn (Johannes) 1940-2008

DIELEMAN, JOHANNES, VAN HAAFTEN, PIERSEL

Posted By: Ernie Braida (email)
Date: 1/12/2010 at 11:41:14

Carolyn Joan Johannes was the first of three children that were born to Cleo and Dorothy Irene Piersel Johannes. She was born on August 6, 1940, at Barnes City, Iowa.

Carolyn received her grade school education at the Brush College, West Center and Lacey Country Grade Schools. Carolyn graduated from Lacey High School at Lacey, Iowa with the Class of 1958 and during high school enjoyed playing basketball.

While attending high school, Carolyn met Ronald Dale Dieleman, a son of Elmer and Emma Van Haaften Dieleman. Carolyn's mother and Ron's mother were concerned about their children dating, Carolyn's mother concerned about her dating a Dutch boy and Ron's mother concerned about him dating an American girl. But both being Christians continued their dating and made Jesus Christ the center of their relationship and on September 16, 1960 , were united in marriage at the Third Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa. Their marriage was an awesome experience and they were blessed with three wonderful children: Jeffery Allen who was born on July 2, 1961, Debra Joan who was born on February 22, 1963 and Cathy Diane who was born on July 25, 1968. Carolyn had worked as a Dental Assistant in Oskaloosa, Iowa prior to their marriage and then became a devoted homemaker.

While raising her family she also found time to be a Teacher's Aide in the North Mahaska School District at New Sharon, Iowa. Carolyn then shared her talents as a Secretary at the Third Reformed Church in Pella while Ronald farmed 10 miles east of Pella and also worked at Vermeer Manufacturing. Carolyn served in this capacity at the church for 25 years and because of her ill health had to retire in 2003.

Carolyn was a cancer survivor for 10 years and succumbed to this illness on Sunday evening, November 9, 2008, while being cared for at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella. During her entire lifetime of 68 years, 3 months and 3 days Carolyn truly exemplified a servant's heart, a gracious spirit and what it meant to be a witness for Jesus Christ.

Those who will remember this spirit are her faithful, loving, devoted husband of 48 years, Ronald; their son, Jeffery A. Dieleman and his wife, Deborah (Krotz) and their two children, Paige and Chase Dieleman of Washington, Iowa; their daughter, Debra J. and her husband, Steven Boyd of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and their two daughters and their husbands: Jennifer and Duke De Jong and their son, Samuel De Jong of Marion, Iowa, Niccole and John Thomas and their two sons, Mikale and Noah Thomas of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Cathy D. and Mark Law and their two daughters: Emily and Kaitlyn of Newton, Iowa. Carolyn leaves her younger sister and brother, Linda Johannes, Roger Johannes and his wife, Marilyn of Oskaloosa, Iowa; and two brothers-in-law and their wives: Merle and Peggy Dieleman of Bettendorf, Iowa, Ed and Marcia Dieleman of Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Cleo and Dorothy Johannes; her parents-in-law, Elmer and Emma Dieleman; and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Wilma (Dieleman) and Chester Terpstra. Carolyn's journey of faith began while worshipping in the balcony of the old Third Reformed Church. She made profession of her faith there and remained a faithful servant of Jesus Christ while attending and serving Third Reformed Church the remainder of her lifetime.

She and Ronald enjoyed their visits to Branson, Missouri and Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. She enjoyed reading and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. Carolyn's most enjoyable time was being a mother and grandmother and that time spent with her family.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella

Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home