Obituary of Pauline Terpstra

A time remembering the Life of Pauline Terpstra will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 9^th at the Christian Reformed Church in Newton, Iowa.  A visitation with the family will be held at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 8 and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Pauline Terpstra, 100 years old, formerly of Newton, the daughter of Hendrik and Cornelia Van Kooten, was born at the family home in Tracey, Iowa on August 25, 1917.  On June 24, 1936 Pauline was united in marriage with George A. Terpstra at her parent’s farm near Oskaloosa.

Pauline and George made their home in Newton and were known for their generous spirit and their love and care for others.  She was a faithful member of the Newton Christian Reformed Church and was a charter member of the Mary - Martha Circle.  Pauline dedicated her life to her family and supported her husband, George, throughout his 43 years, in his seed businesses, in Newton.

Pauline went to her eternal home Monday, December 4, at The Cottages in Pella.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of almost 62 years, George, on June 19, 1998; her grandchildren, Michele and Aaron Van Waardhuizen, her sons-in-law, Charles Van Waardhuizen, Gerald Kuiper and Gerald Schuiling.  Pauline was one of seventeen children and the last surviving member of her generation.

Those left to honor Pauline’s memory include her six daughters: Gretta (Chester) Geels, Nancy Kuiper, Carole (Henry) Stavinga, Georgia (Sander) deHaan, Frances Van Waardhuizen and Myrna Schuiling; her nineteen grandchildren; her thirty-five great grandchildren and her three great-great grandchildren; her brother-in-law, Albert Terpstra; her sister-in-law, Alice La Rosa and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Pauline’s name are being designated to the Pella Christian High School Endowment Fund or the Newton Christian Reformed Church.  The committal service will be held at the Sully Cemetery following lunch at the church.