Edward Donkersloot (1924-2013)

DONKERSLOOT, KOSTER SEIMENA, RONS, CLINE, PROFFITT, ROSENBAUM, VIS

Posted By: jane austin (email)
Date: 6/12/2021 at 21:05:24

Edward Donkersloot, the son of Nick and Marie (Koster/Seimena) Donkesloot was born July 21, 1924 at Boyden, Iowa.

Ed graduated from Boyden High School in 1943 and was then drafted into the Army in November 1943. He served with the 1st Infantry Division. "The Big Red One" during World War II. He was wounded in the Battle of Hurtgen Forest, Germany, November 1944, and was one of eight soldiers remaining from his troop of one hundred sixty.

In 1949, Ed graduated from Morningside College with degrees in accounting, religion and psychology. He married Anna Rons and they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this past year. After college, they made their home in Sanborn, Ia, where Ed farmed, ran a fertilizer plant, and was a seed corn salesman for many years. He was active in many community groups including being an elder in the church and serving on the city council. Ed was a resident at the Hartley Car Center since September, 2011.

Ed was always surrounded by his loving family. He enjoyed being the patriarch and carried with him a sense of proe of each one of his family members. He was passionate about history and enjoyed many travels around the world. Ed was endowed wit that twinkle in his eye and ability to see humor in day to day events. He was a gentle soul.

Ed passed away on Friday, January 11, at Sanford Sheldon Medical Center in Sheldon at the age of 87 years, five months and 20 days.

He is survived by his wife Alma, four children: Leanne (Jeff) Cline, Elgin, Iowa; Mary (Steve) Donkersloot-Proffitt, Los Angeles, California, Mark Donkersloot, Sanborn, Rhonda (Eric) Rosenbaum, Dakota Dunes; ten grandhicldren [redacted]; six great grandchildren; sisters Mae Vis and Ilene Donkersloot and family friend Steve Raymond of Tulia, Texas.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ray, son Lyle, and grandson Gavin.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, January 15 at the first Reformed Church in sanborn with Rev. Gary Hegstad officiating. Burial was in Roseland Cemetery in Sanborn with Military Rites conducted by Earl T. Conaway Post #318. Sanborn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Sanborn (Iowa) Pioneer, 17 Jan 2013, pg 7