Haan, Deborah (Mrs. Rev. Bernard J.) 1922-2006

HAAN, HAMSTRA, HARKEMA

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 9/20/2014 at 13:45:31

Sioux Center News October 11, 2006

Deborah Haan
Deborah C. Haan , 84, of Sioux Center went to be with her Lord in glory on Monday, October 2, in Sioux Center, after several months of declining health. Memorial service was Friday at 11 a.m. at First Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center with the Rev. Mark Verbruggen officiating. Interment was in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center.

Mrs. Haan was born June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Elze and Mamie (Hamstra) Harkema. She received her education in the Grand Rapids Christian school system and attended Calvin College for three years. On July 21,1942, she married Bernard John Haan in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They served the German Valley, Illinois, Christian Reformed Church for three years and the First Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center for 18 years. From Dordt's beginning until Bernard's retirement in 1982, she stood by his side while he served as the college's president. As the president's wife she often graciously opened her home to Christian leaders from around the world. In their retirement years, they loved to travel while promoting Christian education.

Her husband of 52 years, the Rev. B. J. Haan, passed away on December. 8, 1994. She was a faithful member of First Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center where she attended the Golden Hour Society and served as their Bible study leader for many years. She served as a teacher for the Friendship Bible Class, and as a pastoral assistant; she taught catechism and led the girls' society. She was also a past president of the Siouxland Missionary Union. She enjoyed cooking, crocheting, sewing, reading, singing, playing games and attending her grandchildren's activities. She served as a speaker for many women's organizations, a volunteer at the hospital, as president of the Christian School Guild (she was one of the founding mothers of the soup supper), and as a director of plays and pageants. Her voice was heard for 20 years on KDCR as the hostess of "From the Family Room." One of her final contributions to the Christian community was the Dordt College 50th Anniversary graduation speech.

Survivors are her children, Katie Lynn Haan, Charles Elson (Ethel) Haan, Deborah Bernice (Daryl) Hibma, Bernard John Jr. (Brenda) Haan, all of Sioux Center, Mamie Lou (Wiebo) Ludwig of Hythe, Alberta, Canada, and Enno Ryan (Lois) Haan of Delavan, Wisconsin; 27 grandchildren; and many great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her sister, Margie Mulder; a grandson; and a daughter-in-law, Sharon Haan. The Haan family prefers memorials be made in her name to the B. J. and Deborah Haan Teacher Education Scholarship, c/o Dordt College, Sioux Center.