Versteeg, Kathryn, Mrs. Cedric, 1914-2001

VERSTEEG, SIPMA

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/28/2012 at 21:22:38

Kathryn Versteeg
June 15, 1914-July 19, 2001

ARTESIA, CA--Kathryn June Versteeg, 87, Artesia, CA, died Thursday, July 19, at Artesia Christian Home.

Family graveside services and burial were Tuesday, July 24, at Artesia Community Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at Bethel Reformed Church in Bellflower, CA, with the Rev. John De Jong officiating.

Kathryn Versteeg, daughter of Gerritt and Francis Sipma, was born June 15, 1914, in Hospers, the third of eight brothers and sisters. She spent her childhood in Sheldon, where her father owned a plumbing business.

She met Cedric Versteeg in Sheldon, and they were married July 30, 1937. They lived in Sioux Center, where they owned a dry cleaning business. After her husband's return from service in World War II, they took their two children, Priscilla and Ron, and moved to Bellflower, CA, in 1947. They moved in 1948 into the house on Grand Avenue, where they lived for more than 50 years. They were blessed with another daughter, Kathy, in 1952.

Kathryn Versteeg worked for Olympic Rivet and Screw Company in Downey for 15 years, retiring in 1970. After her husband retired, they did some traveling, including Europe with the Y's Men's Club, the Canadian Rockies via train and pulling a trailer to Florida and the east coast. They were in the state of Washington when St. Helena [i.e., Mount St. Helens] erupted and brought back ash in a mason jar. A few years later, they went on an Alaskan Cruise.

Due to failing health, she moved in March 1997 to Artesia Christian Home, where she lived out her life with her devoted husband. They were faithful and active members of the First Presbyterian Church in Bellflower, CA, for 40 years. She was active in the church as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, deaconess and counselor at youth camp during the summers. She also served the community as a volunteer at Bellwood General Hospital for several years and helped delived Meals on Wheels.

During the few years her father lived with them, she enjoyed having the whole family over for whatever occasion. Her devotion to family and friends was something to behold. The Lord gave her the gift of hospitality. If a visitor showed up at the door unexpectedly, she would throw a dinner together from whatever was in the house. Her love for the Lord gave her the ability to be knowledgeable in the word of God and to live as an inspiration to the family.

Survivors include her husband, Cedric Versteeg; a son, Ron and Pam Versteeg; daughters, Priscilla and Dan Reed and Kathy and Art Armijo; a brother, Glenn Sipma; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Source: Obituary from unidentified newspaper, possibly the North West Iowa Review.