Obituary of Elsie Horstman

Elsie Jean (Elgersma) Horstman, the daughter of Anna (Zonnefeld) and John Elgersma, was born in rural Sanborn, Iowa on March 22, 1928. She spent her childhood on the farm outside of Sanborn. She attended country school through the sixth grade and Sanborn Christian School for grades seven and eight. She married Irvin Horstman on April 10, 1952. Following their marriage, the couple moved to California. They later returned to Sanborn. The couple was blessed with three children: Dennis, LaVonne (Sue), and Laurie. In 2003, Elsie moved to Prairie View Nursing Home in Sanborn. Elsie was a “people person”—she loved doing anything that involved being with others; whether it was fishing with friends, visiting with her sister, taking care of children, or playing bingo. She enjoyed collecting horses, singing in the choir, and making fudge. One of her greatest joys was giving to others. She always looked forward to the Chicago meat run—taking in all the guests. She cherished spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, including many quick card games with Leigha. Elsie was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her newest great-grandchild, but the Lord took her home on March 7, 2009 at the age of 80. She is survived by her children: Dennis and his wife Marybeth Horstman of Arlington Heights, IL, LaVonne and her husband Robert Hewitt of Apache Junction, AZ, and Laurie and her husband Daniel Van Veldhuizen of Primghar, IA; her grandchildren: Kevin (Erin) Horstman, Annie Horstman, Craig (Sarah) Horstman, Angie (Greg) La Belle, Matt Hewitt, Kurt (Melissa) Van Veldhuizen, Kayla Van Veldhuizen, Leigha Van Veldhuizen; her great-grandchildren: Nick Lay and Karli La Belle; her sister, Jean Klaver of Sanborn; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Ronald and Maynard Elgersma; one grandson, Travis Van Veldhuizen. A life remembered… Elsie J. Horstman Born ~ March 22, 1928 Died ~ March 7, 2009 Age ~ 80 years 11 months 9 days Funeral Service 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2009 First Reformed Church ~ Sanborn, Iowa Officiating ~ Rev. Kenneth Carlson Pianist ~ Chris Van Meeteren “How Great Thou Art” #147 “When Peace Like a River” #705 “Because He Lives” #358 “I Need Thee Every Hour” #638 Duet ~ Brad and Joy Smith “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” Oakdale Men’s Quartet ~ “He Touched Me” Pallbearers Denny Horstman Bob Hewitt Kevin Horstman Matt Hewitt Craig Horstman Dan Van Veldhuizen Honorary Pallbearers Kurt Van Veldhuizen Nick Lay Greg LaBelle Tom Conway Ushers Mike Elgersma Mike Visser Flower Attendants Sylvia Andringa Marique Hakeman Interment Roseland Cemetery ~ Sanborn, Iowa