Zomermaand, Gerrit 1918-2006

ZOMERMAAND, VANVOORST, NIESSINK

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 9/18/2013 at 00:23:19

Source: Rock Valley Bee (3-after 9-2006)

Born: March 20, 1918
Died: March 9, 2006

Gerrit John Zomermaand was born March 20, 1918 to Egbert and Petranella (Van Voorst) Zomermaand in Rock Valley, Iowa. He was one of fifteen children including his twin sister Henrietta Niemeyer.

As he grew up he worked for many farmers in the area. In January of 1943 he enlisted in the service, first in the Army Air Corp and later in an infantry. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. On April 5, 1943 he was joined in marriage to Johanna Niessink of Sioux Center. The couple exchanged their vows in South Mills, South Carolina. Gerrit was then stationed in Germany and later Japan. He arrived home from Japan in February of 1946. The couple moved to a farm one mile east of Sioux Center where six of their children were born. In 1963, they moved to a farm near Struble, Iowa. Gerrit became ill in 1969, and spent 7 months in an Omaha hospital. From that point on he was in poor health due to heart, lung and blood disease. He moved into the town of Struble, in 1975 and lived there since. On March 9, 2006 at 11 A.M., he went home to be with his Lord at his home in Struble. He was surrounded by the love of his wife of 63 years, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he loved and enjoyed very much.

While living in the Sioux Center area, Gerrit was a member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church and then after moving to Struble, he became a devoted member of Calvin Christian Reformed Church of Le Mars.

Gerrit is survived by his wife, Johanna; six children and their spouses: Garald and Karen Zomermaand of Rock Valley, Mary and John Van Hill of Le Mars, Henry and Sharon Zomermaand of Maurice, Jan and Bob Hughes of Struble, Chuck and Elaine Zomermaand of Struble, Bonnie and Ken Hunter of Harris, Iowa; 21 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; six sisters: Hennrietta Niemeyer of Inwood, Anna Vande Wege of Missouri, Nellie Mesman of California, Alice Topp of California, Rolena Wissink of Ankeny, Albertha Van Hofwegen of California, Hattie Boeve of California; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Nelva Jo; son-in-law, Steven Swier; grandson, Kelly Zomermaand; brothers: Bert, Rich, Henry, and John Zomermaand; sisters: Minni Van Beek, Lucy Vande Wege and Jennie Droog.