Obituary of Bertha Meernik

Memorial Tribute Bertha Alice (Hofman) Meernik, the daughter of Ben and Cornelia (Bonnes) Hofman, was born on December 6, 1919 in Sanborn, Iowa. She spent her childhood years in Sanborn, and attended the Sanborn Christian School. On January 28, 1944, Bertha was united in marriage to Gilbert Meernik at Sanborn, Iowa. The couple farmed for a short time, and then lived the rest of their lives in Sanborn, except for two years in Parkesburg, Iowa. They were blessed with three children: Barbara, Sandi and John. Bertha worked for a few years in the cafe at Bowl Mor Lanes in Sanborn, but the majority of her time was spent taking care of her family. She dearly loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Hobbies included gardening, sewing, and quilting. She often won ribbons for her varied handiworks at the O’Brien County Fair. For fun, Bertha enjoyed playing Rumicube and Dominoes. Friends were important to her, and she especially loved having morning coffee at Pronto with a group of her lady friends. She was a member of the Sanborn CRC and Cornerstone United Reformed Church of Sanborn. She passed away at Sanford Sheldon Hospital on April 15, 2008, at the age of 88. Survivors include her children: Barbara (John) Schulte of Sibley, IA, Sandi (Buryl) Mellema of Aurora, CO, and John (Diana) Meernik of Gilbert, AZ; seven grandchildren and thirteen (soon to be fourteen) great-grandchildren; one brother Dick (Polly) Hofman of Sanborn; one sister Dorothy Bosma of Sheldon, IA; two sisters-in-law: Lucille Hofman of Sanborn and Janet (Jon) Rens of Sheldon, IA; one brother-in-law Charles Andringa of Sanborn; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gilbert; four sisters and their husbands: Agnes (Bert) Solsma, Engelina (Bill) Damstra, Cornelia (Dick) Solsma, and Gertrude (John) Hengeveld; one brother John Hofman; a brother-in-law Marvin Bosma; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Jim and Gert Zonnefeld; and sister-in-law Mina Andringa. A Celebration of Life… Bertha A. Meernik Born ~ December 6, 1919 Died ~ April 15, 2008 Age ~ 88 years 4 months 9 days Memorial Service Cornerstone United Reformed Church ~ Sanborn, Iowa Saturday, April 19, 2008 ~ 2:00 p.m. Officiating ~ Rev. G.I. Williamson Organist ~ Donna Hofman Soloist ~ Nikki Hunter (granddaughter) “Great is Thy Faithfulness” Congregational Hymns Processional ~ “Amazing Grace” “Rock of Ages” “Jesus Loves Me” Recessional ~ “Blessed Assurance” Pallbearers Todd Mellema Landon Meernik Matthew Noyes Brian Hunter Jeremy Nesvold Gary Kreykes Ushers Dan Alons Rich Balt Interment Roseland Cemetery ~ Sanborn, Iowa Prior to the church service at 1:00 p.m.