Bonnema, Joan (Mrs. Marlyn "Doc") 1931-2024

BONNEMA, HOFMEYER, NIEMEYER

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/18/2024 at 18:55:45

Mrs. Joan Bonnema, age 93, of Orange City, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at the Happy Siesta Health Care Center in Remsen.

A visitation with the family present will be held on Saturday, March 16, from 9:30am to 10:30am, at the Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Orange City. There will be a funeral service on Saturday, at 11:00am, at the church with the Rev. John Tock officiating. Interment will follow the service at the West Lawn Cemetery in Orange City. The Oolman Funeral Home in Orange City is in charge of arrangements.

Joan Wilmina was born on January 12, 1931, in Orange City, the daughter of John and Dorothy “Dora” (Niemeyer) Hofmeyer, Jr. She was raised in Orange City, where she attended the Orange City Christian School and graduated from the Northwestern Academy.

She was united in marriage to Marlyn “Doc” Bonnema on September 26, 1951. Aside from a brief time in Sioux City, the two built their life together in Orange City, where they raised their family. Doc passed away on June 7, 2001, in Sioux City, after almost fifty years of marriage.

Joan enjoyed having a feeling of purpose and working. She worked various jobs in Orange City, including 58 years working for Pluim Publishing, 23 of which included helping with the Ad-Visor after it was established in 1974. She also spent several years working at K-Products and Northwestern Bank, both in Orange City, and at Hope Haven in Rock Valley.

Joan was a true part of the community. She was a long-time member of the Calvary Christian Reformed Church, where she was a Calvinette and a Sunday School teacher for several years. She was also a member of the Orange City Christian School’s Monica Society and served on the Orange City Area Health System Auxiliary, assisting with arranging banquets and auctions for both. In her younger years, Joan enjoyed bowling, and won several trophies while bowling in a league. She loved going for coffee, fellowshipping with others, and playing card games with friends and family.

Joan was very independent, and never wanted to be a burden. She was happy to help those in need, frequently giving rides to church, medical appointments, hair appointments, and coffee breaks. During her time in the hospital, her family was blessed to see a glimpse of the community she had built for herself over the years. She was so thankful for everyone who showed up to support her in her time of need.

Joan is survived by two daughters-in-law, Treva Bonnema and Deb Bonnema; five grandchildren, Jessica (Tyler) LaKose, Jason (Jenny) Bonnema, John Bonnema, Jodi (Clay) Witte, and Jeremy (Nikki) Verschoor; ten great-grandchildren, Anissa (Sam) Buller, Madison Verschoor (Jeremiah Watters), Macey (Tanner) Swift, Sullivan Verschoor, Decker Verschoor, Dylan Bonnema, Kayle Bonnema, Brady Bonnema, Joellen Bonnema, and Karlyna Bonnema; one great-great grandchild, August Watters; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her three sons, Randy Bonnema, in infancy, Dan Bonnema, and Larry Bonnema; two grandchildren, Joellen Bonnema and Eric Bonnema; three sisters, two in infancy, and Henrietta (George) Tamminga; and one brother, John (Elma) Hofmeyer.

Memorials will be given to the Orange City Christian School or the Unity Christian High School.

Source: Oolman Funeral Home online obituary.