Fannie Deelstra

Fannie Deelstra, 90, of Colton passed away Sunday, November 20, 2011.

Funeral services will begin at 2:00 pm Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at First Reformed Church in Colton. Burial will be in Colton Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Tuesday at the church.

Fannie (Reurink) Deelstra was born June 18, 1921 at the family home in Colton, SD to Gerrit and Jennie (Hein) Reurink. She was the oldest of eight children. Fannie was baptized and made profession of faith at First Reformed Church in Colton, of which her father was one of the founders. In her early years Fannie spent much of her time with her younger sisters and caring for children.

Fannie and John Deelstra were married October 2, 1941. They enjoyed forty-nine years together and were blessed with four children: Carol Jean, Daryl Duane, Stanley Gerald and Kathleen Joy. While John was serving his country during WWII, Fannie worked as a housekeeper, bookkeeper and cared for children. Upon John’s return from the service, they moved to a farm near Hartford and eventually purchased and settled on a farm near Franklin, SD where they raised their family and farmed until retirement in 1979.

Fannie was a devoted farm wife, homemaker, mother and grandmother. She was a fantastic cook and a meticulous housekeeper. She helped with all of the family chores including tending a large garden and canning a variety of produce. She also enjoyed meeting and making friends with her many Avon clients. While living on the farm and after retirement in Colton, Fannie was always a gracious hostess and a good friend to many. She especially enjoyed baking for people and inviting family and friends over to enjoy her hospitality and good food. Doing handiwork, playing games and visiting friends were among Fannie’s favorite activities. She also found being actively involved in her church rewarding. Fannie taught Sunday school, played the church organ, was a kitchen helper and Bible study leader. She spent her life living what Jesus taught in His word.

God escorted Fannie home on Sunday, November 20, 2011 at the age of 90. In heaven she will be united with her infant son, Daryl Duane, daughter, Kathleen Joy, husband, John as well as a host of relatives and friends

Fannie’s memory will be cherished by her daughter, Carol (Virgil) VanStelton, Sibley, IA; son, Stanley (Elaine) Deelstra, Renner, SD; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; brother Frank Reurink; three sisters, Dorothy Vander Weerd; Jeanette Farr and Carrie Hanneman; numerous nieces; nephews; relatives and friends.

Fannie was preceded in death by her husband, John; parents; infant son, Daryl; daughter, Kathleen Bramstedt; a brother and two sisters.