Bartman, Nellie, Mrs. Ted, 1922-2002

BARTMAN, KOOIMA, VANBEEK

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/28/2010 at 20:21:06

Nellie Bartman
Birth: August 21, 1922
Death: March 19, 2002

Nellie Bartman of Rock Valley died March 19, 2002 at Hegg Memorial Hospital at the age of 79. She was a life-long resident of Rock Valley where she was born August 21, 1922. Nellie's parents were Sebert and Mary (Van Beek) Kooima. Nellie was one of 8 children. She attended Rock Valley Christian Grade School and Rock Valley High School. She went on to attend Northwestern College in Orange City, receiving a teaching certificate. That led to five years of teaching: 3 years in rural country schools and 2 at Rock Valley Christian School.

On March 17, 1947, Nellie was united in marriage to Theodore Bartman of Rock Valley. Ted and Nellie farmed north of Rock Valley until his death on May 15, 1980. In 1982 Nellie moved to Rock Valley. She was a member of Calvin Christian Reformed Church. Nellie adamantly voiced her love for Jesus Christ and the Word of God. Nellie spent countless hours volunteering in many different activities and organizations. She still spent many hours on the farm, especially at planting and harvest time.

Nellie is survived by 2 sons and their wives, Brent and Kathy of Worthington, MN and Todd and Julie of Rock Valley, and 2 daughters, Muriel Arkema (Carl) of North Muskegon, MI and Randa Cole (Bernie) of Las Vegas, NV. Nellie's much loved grandchildren include: Tim and wife Christy, Ryan and fiance Jaclyn, Trent Arkema, Patrick Bartman, Brooke, Dana and Theo Bartman, as well as one great-grandson, Logan Arkema.

Surviving brothers and sisters include Simon Kooima, Clarence (Jr) Kooima, Tena Eppinga, Ann Ver Berg and Ruth Schleis all of Rock Valley. Surviving in-laws include Herb and Barb Bartman of Grand Rapids, MI, Art Kooima of Rock Valley, Harriet Block of Portland, OR, Jesse Bartman, Grand Rapids, MI, Ann Atkinson, Grand Rapids, MI and Janet Ranschau of Sioux Falls.

Preceding Nellie in death were her husband Theodore, her sister Everdean Kooima, and brother Peter Kooima.

Source: Rock Valley Bee, March 21, 2002.

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A similar, somewhat shorter obituary, appeared in the Sioux Center News (March 27, 2002). It does, however, add the following paragraph about her community involvement:

She enjoyed volunteering in the community. She was involved in the Senior Citizens, Meals on Wheels and the Hospital Auxiliary. She was also very active in Calvin Christian Reformed Church. She had a love for music and enjoyed cooking in her home and on the family farm. Her grandchildren and their activities played a very important part of her life.

This obit also gives the name of her brother Clarence's wife: Winifred.