Bonnema, Melvin 1919-2012

BONNEMA, BROWN, HAVERHALS

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/29/2012 at 20:21:43

Melvin Bonnema
Melvin Bonnema, 92, of Sioux Center, IA died Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at the Sioux Center Community Hospital in Sioux Center.
A memorial service will be held on Friday at 11:00AM at the Lebanon Christian Reformed Church with Reverend Duane Tinklenberg officiating.

Melvin Richard Bonnema was born September 5, 1919 to Peter and Leafy (Brown) Bonnema in Sioux County, Iowa. He was raised on a farm near Hawarden, Iowa and attended school through the eighth grade at Eagle Township country school.

Melvin was joined in marriage to Gertie Haverhals on February 7, 1941. The couple made their home on a farm near Hawarden. Melvin enjoyed farming and blacksmithing. The couple retired and moved to Sioux Center in 1994.

He was a lifelong member of the Lebanon Christian Reformed Church. In his free time Melvin enjoyed working with his hands which was evident by his handiwork. After retiring from farming, Melvin liked to sew quilts, do cross stitch as well as paint by number.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 71 years, Gertie Bonnema of Sioux Center; six children: Leora and John Van Middendorp of Rock Rapids, Marlene and Jay Broek of Ireton, Gervin and Helen Bonnema of Orange City, Cheryl Frost of Holland, MI, Joyce Williams of Waverly, IA, and Duane and LeaAnn Bonnema of Hawarden; 21 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; a sister, Beulah Statema of Rock Valley; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Elmer and Artie Bonnema of Sioux Center and Harold and Millie Bonnema of Seal Beach, CA, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by a son-in-law, Gary Frost; granddaughter, Rebecca Bonnema; great-granddaughter, Lillian Broek; sister, Mae Fedders; and two brothers: Ralph and Lawrence Bonnema.

Source: Memorial Fuenral Home, Sioux Center, IA., obit.