Roberta Jane (Veldhouse) EEKHOFF

VELDHOUSE, EEKHOFF, POGGE, ROWLAND, MOORE, PERLONGO, HELMICK

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 1/23/2010 at 10:59:08

12 May 1943 -- 7 July 2002

18 July 2002
Kanawha Reporter, Kanawha, Iowa

Roberta "Bert" Eekhoff, 59, of Nevada, Iowa, formerly of Kanawha and Forest City, died on Sunday, July 7, 2002 at her home following a lengthy struggle with a degenerative brain stem ailment. Memorial services were held on Wed., July 10, at the Nevada Baptist Church with Pastor Dennis Reynolds officiating. Soloist Julie Ulrich sang "Just Think" and "In the Garden". The congregational hymns included "Blessed Assurance", "It is Well With My Soul', and "Victory in Jesus".

Bert, the daughter of Dale and Jennie Pogge Veldhouse, was born May 12, 1943 in Renwick. Bert married Albert Eekhoff on October 27, 1961 at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church. The couple made their home in Forest City for a number off years before moving to Nevada in 1978. While living in Forest City, Bet and Al owned and operated Bert's Burgerama. When the family moved to Nevada, Bert devoted her time to raising her daughters. Bert enjoyed spending time with her family and loved to camp, boat and have picnics. She loved to pack up the family and go on vacation, especially if it was near the ocean.
Bert made profession of her faith in Christ when she was 23. She was an active member of the Nevada Baptist Church. She enjoyed being with people and helping others through charities and her church. She instigated the distribution of Christmas boxes and fruit baskets that are still delivered to shut-ins throughout the community. As Bert's disease progressed, it shadowed her vibrant life and personality. But the disease never defeated her love for God, family and laughter.

Bert is survived by her husband Albert of Nevada; four daughters - Jodi Rowland and her husband Steve of Castro Valley, California; Juli Eekhoff and Joni Eekhoff, both off Nevada, Iowa; and Jaci Moore and her husband Mike of Davenport; three grandchildren - Trevor, Carlie and Casey Rowland; and two sisters - Joan Perlongo of Cyprus, California, and LaVonne Helmick and her husband Keith of Moravia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Jennie Veldhouse, and an infant son - Albert, Jr.