Obituary of Wanda Ruth Willemsen

Wanda R. Willemsen

Wanda, went home to be with her Savior on January 13, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.

A time of remembrance and celebration of life will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 18, 2018, at the Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton. Visitation will be 5p.m. until 7p.m., on Wednesday, January 17, at the funeral home. As an expression of sympathy, memorials may be designated to the American Diabetes Association, Alzheimer's Association or to Wanda's family, in her name. Burial will be in the Silent City Cemetery in Monroe.

Wanda Ruth Willemsen, 87, was born December 12, 1930, on a farm East of Reasnor, the daughter of Robert and Celia G. (Millgate) Van Gorp.

On January 9, 1957, Wanda and Marion D. Willemsen were united in marriage in Kellogg. She was a homemaker all her life and will be greatly missed. She also helped with her husband's electric business, retiring after 28 years, in 1998. She was of the Lutheran faith and enjoyed her family, flowers, and gardening.

Wanda is survived by her husband Marion; brothers: Eldred Van Gorp of Newton and Carroll (Lois) Van Gorp of Reasnor; her sister Charlotte (Jerry) Damman of Newton; several nieces and nephews; and many good neighbors and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Laverne Van Gorp Sr.; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Dick and Gertie Willemsen; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Jean Van Gorp, Grace Van Gorp, Harold Willemsen, Richard and Janice Willemsen, and Margaret and Dean Hammer.