Obituary of LaVera Krikke

Memorial Tribute LaVera Cornelia (Runia) Krikke, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was suddenly called to heaven to her Lord and Savior on Friday, March 11, 2016, following a short bout with pneumonia, along with a weakened heart. LaVera was born February 1, 1930 on a farm near Sibley, IA, to John and Gertie Runia. Her elementary education was received at a country school between Sibley and Ocheyedan, IA. She continued her education and graduated from Sibley High School. After high school, LaVera was employed at the Sibley State Bank. She met her future husband, Jake Krikke, when he worked on the Runia family farm near Sibley. Jake and LaVera were married January 17, 1950 in the Christian Reformed Church at Bigelow, MN. The couple farmed for one year north of Sanborn, IA before Jake was drafted into the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge, the couple resumed farming on this place, and lived there until 1987, when they moved into Sanborn. In 1985, LaVera suffered a massive heart attack with doctors telling her she would be sitting in a chair for the rest of her life. However, God had others plans, and her heart became stronger and stronger over time, enabling her to resume a normal lifestyle. In October 1990, Jake passed away, and LaVera moved to a smaller house in Sanborn, living there until September of 2013 when she moved to Prairie View. LaVera was a very active homemaker; helping with farm chores, cooking, baking, canning, and tending to her gardens and flowers, and yet, she somehow always found time to be at her sewing machine. Her very meticulous seamstress abilities were seen in the clothes, wedding and bridesmaid dresses, curtains, doll clothes, mending, quilts, and other sewing projects which were appreciated by family and friends. She was a member of the Cornerstone United Reformed Church in Sanborn, and the Ladies' Wednesday afternoon Bible Study. In years past, she enjoyed mission trips to Port Gibson, MS. She also enjoyed traveling, playing cards, word search puzzles, and helping her children and grandchildren on many house projects. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jake; one brother, Lloyd Runia; and one sister, Marlene Runia. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Sandra and Edwin Kreykes of Sanborn, IA; Eldon and Doris Krikke of Hartley, IA; Audrey Elgersma of Paullina, IA; Brian Elgersma of Sanborn, IA; and Gary and Starla Krikke of Sanborn, IA; 13 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; one brother, Marvin and Janice Runia of Sibley, IA; and one sister-in-law, Evelyn Runia of Sibley, IA. Celebration of Life LaVera Krikke Born ~ February 1, 1930 Died ~ March 11, 2016 Age ~ 86 years 1 month 10 days Memorial Service Wednesday, March 16, 2016 11:00 a.m. Cornerstone United Reformed Church Sanborn, Iowa Clergy ~ Rev. Dan Donovan Organist ~ Donna Hofman Musical Tribute Great-Grandchildren "Amazing Grace" "Jesus Loves Me" Congregational Singing Processional ~ "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" #408 "The Lord's My Shepherd" #38 Recessional ~ "By The Sea Of Crystal" #469 Casket Bearers ~ Grandchildren Heather Aaron Holly Iwema Maria Hawkins Eric Krikke Emily Spronk Heidi Van Wyk Kari Van Beek Amy Rahbusch Kristin Roorda Brandon Elgersma Joshua Krikke Nathan Krikke Amber Krikke Ushers Junior Postma Arlen Hofman Interment Roseland Cemetery Sanborn, Iowa