Gwen Bousema

Gwen Bousema, age 84, of Sheldon, Iowa, passed away on Friday, December 7, 2018 at Sanford Sheldon Care Center in Sheldon. Funeral Services will be Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 10:30 A.M. at the First Christian Reformed Church in Sheldon. Rev. Luke Wynja officiating. Burial to follow at East Lawn Cemetery in Sheldon. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 12, from 3:00 to 8:00 P.M. with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Andringa Funeral Home Sheldon Funeral Service in Sheldon. Gwendolyn "Gwen" Ruth Bousema was born on September 4, 1934 in Sheldon, Iowa. She was the daughter of Ike and Wilhemina (Reinsma) Woudstra. She lived her youth in Hospers where she attended the Hospers Christian Grade School and Western Christian High School in Hull, Iowa. Gwen received her LPN degree from Practical Nurses Training in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She worked in Sheldon at Dr. Zoutendam's office for many years. She was united in marriage to Bernard Bousema of Sheldon, Iowa on June 10, 1959. They lived in Sheldon where they owned and operated Bernie's Water Care for nine years. Gwen worked at home for the business. Gwen was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church where she was a self-taught organist for many years and was involved with playing for the children's Christmas programs at church and the Christian School. She attended Bible Study and lead Coffee Break Bible Study Ministries. Gwen and Bernie enjoyed attending sporting and music events for their children and grandchildren. Gwen loved music and was strong willed. She will be remembered as a loving, caring, wife and mother. She passed away on Friday, December 7, 2018 at Sanford Sheldon Care Center in Sheldon. Those left to cherish her memories are her husband of 59 years, Bernard Bousema of Sheldon, IA; son and daughter-in-law, Harlan and Kim Bousema of Sheldon, IA; 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Cher and Curt Pingel of Pella, IA and Jill and Brian Sipma of Lynden, WA; 7 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Irwin and Marlene Woudstra of Hospers, IA; sister-in-law, Trudy Woudstra of Sheldon, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Lloyd Woudstra. In Loving Memory Of Gwen Bousema Born: September 4, 1934 Passed Away: December 7, 2018 Age: 84 years, 3 months and 3 days FUNERAL SERVICE Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 10:30 A.M. First Christian Reformed Church, Sheldon, Iowa Family Prayer Service at 10:15 A.M. OFFICIATING Rev. Luke Wynja TIME OF REMEMBRANCE Harlan Bousema and Cher Pingel MUSIC Organist: Yvonne Bolkema Special Music by Rev. Dave Van Kley Song: "When Peace Like a River" Congregational Songs Processional: "By the Sea of Crystal" During the service: "Great is Thy Faithfulness" "Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone" "Blessed Assurance" Recessional: "Hallelujah Chorus" CASKET BEARERS Trent Pingel Brandon Bousema Tyler Sipma Zach Sipma James Steenhoek INTERMENT East Lawn Cemetery, Sheldon, Iowa Following interment, the family invites all for fellowship and lunch at the church. ARRANGEMENTS BY Andringa Funeral Home Sheldon Funeral Service Larry R. Andringa, Funeral Director