Harmelink, Doris (Mrs. Herman) 1918-2005

HARMELINK, VANPUTTEN, DEZEEUW

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 7/20/2014 at 13:02:33

Sioux Center News of Feb 16, 2005

Doris Harmelink, 86, of Sioux Center died Wednesday, February 9, at the Sioux Center Community Nursing Facility. Funeral services were Saturday at ll a.m. in the chapel of First Reformed Church of Sioux Center with the Rev. Roger Voskuil officiating. Interment was in Newkirk Cemetery.

Mrs. Harmelink was born to Pleun and Lillian (Van Putten) De Zeeuw on December 18, 1918 in Sioux Center. She graduated from Sioux Center High School and went on to receive her teaching certificate. She began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse east of Sioux Center. On May 27, 1942, she married Herman Harmelink at her parents' home in Sioux Center. The couple farmed near Newkirk and she continued teaching in rural schools for many years. Later she began taking night classes at Northwestern College where she received her formal teaching degree. She taught in the Newkirk Public Middle School for many years. She was a dedicated teacher who challenged her students. She was extremely fond of the children she taught over the years and always felt honored to be recognized by former students later in their life.

At the age of 52 she suffered a severe stroke which left her with limited speech and mobility. The couple settled in Sioux Center at the New Homestead where she remained very independent for several years. On January 24, 1991, she lost her husband of 48 years. After his death she moved to Franken Manor until November of 1998 when she became a resident of the Sioux Center Community Nursing Facility.

She was an intelligent woman and appreciated music. Over the years she appreciated the wonderful outings she and her sisters took the first Monday of each month. She was a member of Newkirk Reformed Church and more recently the First Reformed Church of Sioux
Center.

Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Gene and Sandie Harmelink of Brantwood, Wisconsin , and Bryce and Ginny Harmelink of Casper, Wyoming; daughter-in-law, Shelly Brenneman of Sioux Center; seven grandchildren; three sisters, Edith and Herman Sietstra of Boyden, Frances and Art Schuiteman and Freda and Peter Mouw all of Sioux Center; two brothers-in-law, Adrian Punt and Andrew Benneman, both of Sioux Center; and several nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her son, Lyle Harmelink; and two sisters, Gertrude Punt and Joan Brenneman. Memorials are preferred to the New Nursing Home Project, in care
of the Sioux Center Community Hospital Foundation.