De Penning, Gerald J.

DE PENNING, HESS, ROORDA

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/21/2005 at 17:06:11

Funeral services for Gerald J. De Penning, 85, of Pella were held July 13, at the First Reformed Church in Pella, the Rev. Kenneth A. Dykstra officiating and Seminarian Sue Klimstra assisting. Music was provided by organist Barb Nunnikhoven and a duet sung by Michael and Ruth Ann Kuhn.

Interment was at Oakwood Cemetery in Pella. Casket bearers were "Sons and Grandchildren" - Jaren L. De Penning, Dennis G. De Penning, Loren G. De Penning, Paula S. Bierle and her husband, Todd, Becky J. McIlrath and her husband, Harley and Eric J. De Penning.

Gerald John De Penning was born on February 21, 1917 in Jasper County, near Kilduff, Iowa. He was the third child that was born to John and Mabel Lillian Hess De Penning. Gerald received his grade school education at the Andreas and Elk Creek Township Country Schools. Then many years later, as a senior citizen, he obtained his GED from the Pella Community Schools in Pella.

On February 12, 1941 he was united in marriage with Leona Mae Roorda at his grandparents, Walter and Gerdena De Penning's home in Pella. To this union three sons were born: Jaren Lee, Dennis Gene and Loren Glen. Gerald and Leona continued living on her parents, Abraham and Dena Van Houweling Roorda, farm just west of Pella following their marriage. Gerald farmed there until he retired and they moved to a new home they built west of Pella in 1981.

Since June of 2001 they have been residents of Fair Haven East in Pella. Gerald was always very active during his lifetime. He had been a member of the Farm Bureau and served as a 4-H Club leader. Following his retirement, he was the Marion County manager for the Pella senior citizens congregate meals program; drove school bus for the Christian Opportunity Center and served on the board; and was active with the Prison Fellowship Ministries at Newton. He did woodworking and was an avid reader.

Gerald was diagnosed with lymphoma ten years ago.

Gerald was a faithful member of the First Reformed Church in Pella where he served as a Sunday School teacher, on the Consistory as both a Deacon and an Elder, and had been active with the Men's Brotherhood.

On July 10, he passed away at the Pella Regional Health Center in Pella at the age of 85 years, 4 months and 19 days.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Leona M. De Penning, their three sons and their wives: Jaren L. and Beverly (Joosten) De Penning of Urbandale, Dennis G. and Lynne (Dunn) De Penning of Lexington, Kentucky and Loren G. and Joyce (Chambers) De Penning of Pella; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Of his original family, Gerald leaves three sisters and their husbands: Annie and Louie Schippers of Pella; Nellie and Ira Veldhuizen of Oskaloosa; Evelyn and Arthur De Cook of Pella; a brother, Wallace De Penning and his wife, Clara of Des Moines; and a sister-in-law, Betty (Clarence) De Penning also of Des Moines.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents: John and Mabel De Penning; his sister, Margaret and her husband, Paul Kiser; and a brother, Clarence L. De Penning.

Arrangements were handled by Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home in Pella.

Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Pella Comfort House.

The Pella Chronicle, August 16, 2002