Koerselman, Benjamin H. 1929-2005

KOERSELMAN, VAN OORT

Posted By: Linda Ziemann (email)
Date: 4/14/2005 at 11:53:30

Benjamin H. Koerselman, 76, of Merrill, died Wednesday, March 30, 2005, at his home in Merrill.
Benjamin Harold Koerselman was born March 1, 1929, on the family farm in Dale Township, rural George, the son of John and Hendrika (Van Oort) Koerselman. Ben attended country school in Dale Township. He was united in marriage to Anna Mae Van De Vegte on Feb. 24, 1950, at the Christian Reformed Church in Rock Rapids. Ben and Anna Mae lived on a farm near Sheldon for a few years and later moved to Rock Rapids where Ben worked in floor covering installation for Modern Home Store for several years. In 1959, the family moved to Merrill and Ben continued his career installing floor coverings for Fashion Floors in Sioux City until his retirement in 2003.

Ben was a longtime member of Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Le Mars where he had served as Sunday school superintendent for 15 years, taught catechism for several years, assisted with Bible school for several years, was a past elder and had served on the church council. He enjoyed taking the youth of the church swimming and water-skiing at Lake Shetek and Lake Okoboji in the summer. Ben enjoyed fishing, boating and camping with his family.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Anna Mae of Merrill; three children, Sharon and her husband, Robert Niessink of Anchorage, Alaska, Byron and his wife, Mary Koerselman of Maurice, and Debra and her husband, Randy Lewis of Adel; 13 grandchildren and two great-granddaughters; two sisters, Ann and her husband Richard Van Meetern of Sheldon, and Josephine and her husband, Emil Lang of Rock Valley; several sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, John and Hendrika (Van Oort) Koerselman; five brothers, John, Gerrit, Tony, Albert, and Herman Koerselman; a sister, Geraldine Hofmeyer; and two nephews.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Le Mars with the Rev. Dale Fopma officiating. Interment will be at 10 a.m. at the Hillside Cemetery in Merrill. Visitations will be after 3 p.m. today (Monday) at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars. The family will be present after 6 p.m. to greet friends followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren: Shannon Niessink, Christopher Niessink, Cody Niessink, Matthew Niessink, Joshua Niessink, Jordan Niessink, Ryan Lewis, Heath Lewis, and Skylar Lewis. Honorary casket bearers will be the "Young People of the Church".

Memorials can be forwarded for the purchase of Bibles for Camp Oasis at the Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Le Mars.