VanAartsen, Marlys Faye (Mrs. Henry) 1936-2021

VANAARTSEN, BONNEMA, VANDERHAAR

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:35

Obit source North West Iowa Review of Feb 6, 2021

ORANGE CITY—Marlys Faye (Bonnema) Van Aartsen was born on a farm near Steen, MN, on July 18, 1936. She went to be with the Lord on Jan. 23, 2021, at the age of 84.

Marlys grew up in Sioux Center, Iowa, and graduated from the Sioux Center High School. On Aug. 14,1956 she married Henry Van Aartsen and a couple years later they moved to Orange City, Iowa. They had two children, Susan Lynn and Bruce Henry. Marlys was a stay-at-home mother until both her children were in school. She then attended Northwestern College in Orange City and earned a BA in education. Marlys worked 18 years in technical services at Ramaker Library at Northwestern College.

Marlys’ life showed her strong faith and obedience to God. She was an active member of Trinity Reformed Church, where over the years she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, helped sponsor youth groups, and was active in Reformed Church Women.

Marlys was also active in community affairs. At one time she was president of the hospital auxiliary and she also served as president of the Northwestern auxiliary, and was active with the Gideons. She also enjoyed participating in the Orange City Tulip Festival and spent many years as an Adult Dutch Dancer and walking in the “Mode” Show wearing an authentic Dutch costume from Overijsel, given to her from Dutch relatives in the Nijverdal area.

One of her gifts was hospitality. She loved meeting new people, having guests and serving meals. She loved to plan special occasions and trips — she and Henry loved to travel. Her hobbies included making cards, learning new things on the computer and staying in touch with family through many e-mails, She also loved to play games, especially Bridge, Rummikub, and Hand and Foot.

Her parents were John and Ethel (Vander Haar) Bonnema. She had one sister, Phyllis De Kriek, and three brothers, Norman, Merle and Gene Bonnema.

She leaves her husband, Henry, and these family members behind: daughter Susan and her husband Darrell Shull of Estes Park, CO; grandson Jesse and his fiancée Sadie; and granddaughter Jasper and her husband Bill Guildner with great-granddaughter Evelyn; and son Bruce and his wife Lisa Van Aartsen of Columbia, MD; and three grandsons: Matthew, Nicolas (Nick), and Alex.

The family hopes to plan a memorial service sometime in the future to honor her life.