Esther (Barkema) DORENKAMP

BARKEMA, DORENKAMP, PALS, DOWNING, PARKS, GUTH

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:54

March 3, 1921 ---- March 9, 2018

Esther Dorenkamp, 97, died Friday, March 9, 2018 at the Rockwell Community Nursing Home. Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday at Zion Reformed Church, rural Sheffield, with Rev. Chris Meester presiding. Interment will be in Zion Reformed Church Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Monday at Retz Funeral Home, Sheffield.

Esther was born March 3, 1921 at Belmond, daughter of Dick and Minnie (Pals) Barkema. She attended rural school, walking a mile each way, in the Belmond area. After schooling she worked for area families as a hired girl. She met Dick Dorenkamp at Immanuel Reformed church outside Belmond. Esther was united in marriage with Dick Dorenkamp February 20, 1941 at the Immanuel Reformed Church parsonage. They made their home on a farm in the Belmond area. In 1959 they moved to the Sheffield area where they continued to farm. They retired in 1975 and moved into Mason City.

Esther was a longtime member of Zion Reformed Church where she taught Sunday School and was a member of Zion’s Reformed Church Women. She enjoyed making quilts, gardening and having growing plants in her house at all times. She enjoyed being around children, especially her grandchildren.

Surviving family members include her children: Duane (Doreen) Dorenkamp, Mason City; Jim (Jan) Dorenkamp, Sheffield; Karen (Dennis) Downing, Austin, TX; Ardith (Bob) Parks, Alexander; 13 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; brother: Dick Barkema, Jr.; sister: Amelia Guth; many nieces and nephews. Esther is preceded in death by her husband Dick, daughter Janet Dorenkamp, grandson Drew Dorenkamp, her parents, 4 brothers and 3 sisters.

Esther’s family is thankful for the excellent care and respect she received from the staff at the Rockwell Community Nursing Home.

https://www.retzfh.com/obituaries/