Wesselink, Vera (Mrs. John A.) 1914-2002

WESSELINK, NEWGARD, RISSER

Posted By: Janet Bosler - Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/23/2013 at 20:17:42

Northwest Iowa Review October 19, 2002

Born: 2-9-1914
Died: 10-23-2002

Vera Josephine Wesselink, 88, formerly of Sioux Center, died Monday, October 14, at the Payson Care Center in Payson, Arizona.

Mrs. Wesselink was born February 9, 1914, in Forreston, Illinois, the daughter of the Rev. Joseph M. and Frances (Risser) Newgard. She graduated from the Wilton, Iowa High School and Central College in Pella. She was a school teacher at Newkirk, Hull and Hartley. She married John A. Wesselink, and they made their home in Sioux Center, were she was a homemaker. He died March 13, 1979.

She was a member of the First Reformed Church and later the New Life Reformed Church, both in Sioux Center. She was active in the women's organizations of the churches, as well as being involved in the Federal Women's Club and serving on the board of directors of the Sioux Center Public Library.

In addition to life as wife, mother and grandmother, she gave piano lessons, accompanied her husband in his singing, took an active interest in civic and environmental issues, and tended her garden, greenhouse and indoor plants.

Survivors include her four children, Trudy and her husband Lowell, Vande Berg of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Brian Wesselink of Canton, Georgia, Paul Wesselink and his wife Mary of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Joan and her husband Craig Williams of Scottsdale, Arizona; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Gerald and Marlin Newgard; and two sisters, Thelma Lary and Ona Cooke.

A family committal service will be held at a later date at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Sioux Center.