Obituary of John Elgersma

John Elgersma, son of Harry W. and Hattie (Kramer) Elgersma, was born on December 1, 1934 at Sanborn, IA. He was baptized December 23, 1934, and confirmed May 27, 1956. John spent his youth in the Sanborn area where he received his grade school education at Sanborn Christian. He then attended High School at Western Christian in Hull, IA. In 1953, John served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1955. Years later, he would be among those who participated in the 2015 Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. On February 15, 1957, John was united in marriage to Beverly J. Zinn at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hartley, IA. This year, they celebrated 60 wonderful years together. To this union was born one son, Brian. The family lived in Hartley from 1957 through 1991 when they relocated to Sanborn late in the year. Following his marriage, John drove truck for several years, and was later employed at Eaton Corporation's hydraulics Division at Spencer, IA, retiring in 1995. Over the years, many summers were spent at West Lake Okoboji, and retirement only allowed for more time on the water doing what John liked to do best...fishing. He was also a member of the Hartley American Legion and St. Paul's Lutheran Church where he served as an elder. John passed from this life on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at the age of 82. Preceding him in death were his parents; his sisters: Josie Van Den Berg, Jennie Vanden Berg, Effie Starkenburg, Tena Elgersma, Margaret Veltman; and brothers: Bill Elgersma, Jake Elgersma, Sam Elgersma; and an infant brother and sister. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Beverly; his son, Brian both of Sanborn, IA; three grandchildren: Amy (Ryan) Rahbusch, and their children: Trevin and Bently of Sutherland, IA, Kristin (Scott) Roorda, and their children: Jaidalyn, Mason, and Cade of Paullina, IA, and Brandon (Brittany) Elgersma of Sanborn, IA; sister, June Van Dyke; brother, Ray (Phyllis) Elgersma both of Sanborn, IA; sisters and brothers-in-law: Elaine Buenger of Aurelia, IA, Bernadean Florke of Spencer, IA, Forrest Zinn of Arcadia, CA, and Kenneth (Karen) Zinn of Lakefield, MN; other relatives and friends. Celebration of Life John Elgersma Born ~ December 1, 1934 Died ~ April 19, 2017 Age ~ 82 years    4 months    18 days Memorial Service Saturday, April 22, 2017 ~ 11:00 a.m. St. Paul's Lutheran Church Hartley, Iowa Clergy ~ Pastor Chris Nitzel Organist ~ Donna Ahlers Musical Tribute Janice Van Dyke "How Great Thou Art" Congregational Singing Processional ~ "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" #770 "To God Be The Glory" Insert "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" #809 Pallbearers Steve Van Den Berg Les Elgersma Jerry Elgersma Jerry W. Elgersma Dave Elgersma Jeff Elgersma Tom Van Dyke Brandon Elgersma Dale Elgersma Honorary Pallbearers Amy and Ryan Rahbusch Kristin and Scott Roorda Brandon and Brittany Elgersma Ushers Bill Pippy ~ Harv Westerman Military Graveside Rites Hartley American Legion Arthur W. Kirchhoff Post #288 Interment Roseland Cemetery Sanborn, Iowa