Bulthuis, Byron 1948-2014

BULTHUIS, SLAGTER, MASTBERGEN

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/29/2015 at 12:45:54

Byron Bulthuis, 66, of Le Mars, Iowa passed away Thursday, December 25, 2014 at Unity Point Health – St. Luke’s in Sioux City.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2014 at Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Le Mars. Pastor Ken Vanderploeg will officiate. Burial with military honors conducted by the Wasmer American Legion Post 241 of Le Mars will be in Memorial Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2014 at Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars. Visitation will resume from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Monday at the church. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.carlsenfuneralhome.com.

Casket bearers will be representatives in public safety from Le Mars and Plymouth County. Honorary casket bearers will be his grandchildren.

Byron Duane Bulthuis was born November 1, 1948 in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Henry and Leona (Slagter) Bulthuis. He attended school in Danube, MN and graduated from Danube High School. Following his graduation, he attended Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa where he graduated with a B.A. in Theatre and Drama. While in college, he met his future wife, Lynda Mastbergen.

Byron and Lynda were married June 5, 1970 in Hartley, Iowa. Byron and Lynda made their home in Le Mars. Following college, Byron joined the National Guard. He served in the guard for 8 years. In 1976, Byron began his career with the Le Mars Ambulance Service, first as an EMT, and later as a Paramedic and Co-Director. When Byron retired, he had served with the ambulance service for over 30 years. Byron was also a social worker for special needs adults in Le Mars.

Byron was a longtime member of Calvin Christian Reformed Church, where he sang in the choir, directed the children’s Christmas pageant, and served on church council. He was active in the Postal Playhouse for many years, having directed, acted, and assisted with many plays. He also served on the playhouse board for many years. Byron was also a member of the Wasmer American Legion Post 241 in Le Mars. Byron also coordinated the antique exhibits for the Plymouth County Fair for many years. Through the years, Byron enjoyed crocheting, knitting, camping, and traveling locally and abroad, including Arizona, California, and Europe. But most of all, Byron loved the times spent with grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his wife of over 44 years, Lynda of Le Mars; a son: Sean (Heather) Bulthuis of Chula Vista, CA, and their children: Henry and Elizabeth; a son: Sid (Christie) Bulthuis of Rock Valley, IA, and their children: Trygve, Miles, and Simon; two brothers: Gaylon (Pam) Bulthuis of Blomkest, MN, and David (Linda) Bulthuis of Willmar, MN; a sister: Vicki (Vern) Zimmer of Blomkest, MN; his in laws: Ross and Elaine Mastbergen of Paulina, IA, Jeff and Jan Burton of Chandler, AZ, and Denise Mastbergen of Le Mars, IA; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Leona Bulthuis.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials can be made in Byron’s name to the Calvin Christian Reformed Church music fund, Postal Playhouse, or the Le Mars Ambulance Service.

Source: Carlsen Funeral Home online obituary.