Obituary of Berendina (Dena) Gearhart

Berendina "Dena" Gearhart, age 79, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2024, at Mercy

One in Des Moines, Iowa, surrounded by her children. Born on August 6, 1945, in Apeldoorn,

Netherlands, Dena was the cherished daughter of Aart and Nellie Schulenklopper. At the age of

7, she and her family immigrated to Newton, Iowa, in 1952, alongside her beloved sisters,

Wilma (Postma) and Cora (Vander Heiden) .

Dena graduated from Newton Senior High School in 1964 and, just two days later, married the

love of her life, Marvin L. Gearhart, on June 5, 1964. Their 56 years of marriage were filled with

love, resilience, adventure, and joy. Together, they raised three wonderful children: Jolie,

Darren, and Matthew.

Dena’s life was defined by her deep dedication to caring for others. Initially working as a dental

assistant for Dr. Rabedeux and Dr. Woodbury, she later chose to stay home and devote herself

fully to raising her children. Her nurturing spirit also extended to other children, as she opened her home and heart to care for them. At the age of 60, Dena’s passion for caregiving took a new turn when she earned her CNA degree and began working for Skiff Home Health Care.

When her husband Marvin suffered a life-altering accident in 2010, Dena became his dedicated

caregiver, selflessly providing the love, care, and skill necessary to support him as a

quadriplegic. Her strength and devotion were nothing short of remarkable, and her steadfast

support allowed Marvin to live with outstanding health under her care for many years.

After Marvin's passing in 2020, Dena found companionship and comfort in her relationship with

Darrell Zegers. For the past three years, Darrell brought new laughter, love, and adventure into

her life. Their time together was a blessing, filled with cherished moments as they explored life’s new chapter together.

Dena was a devoted grandmother; her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She cherished

every moment with them, always showing up to encourage and support their many endeavors.

Her family will forever remember her as a woman whose heart overflowed with love, kindness,

and generosity.

She is survived by her daughter Jolie Lee of Johnston, IA, her son Matthew Gearhart of Adel, IA, her sisters Wilma Postma of Newton and Cora Vander Heiden of Sun City, FL, sisters in law, Jane Wolf and Marsha Gearhart of Newton, IA, and  her

grandchildren: Emily Benedict (Chad) of Newton, IA, Trevor Gearhart of Newton, IA, Nicholas

Lee (Hannah) of Plymouth, MN, Hannah Metzger (Brett) of Columbia, MO, and Landon

Gearhart of Newton, IA. She is also survived by her great-granddaughters, Harper Benedict and

Kimber Gearhart, both of Newton, IA, and many nieces and nephews.

Dena is now reunited in heaven with her loving husband Marvin, her son Darren, her parents,

and other beloved family members who preceded her in death, including her brothers-in-law,

Henry Vander Heiden Jr. and John Postma and her son-in-law John Lee. Dena and Marvin are

together once again, dancing in their new, healed bodies, and we know they are camping and

boating as they so loved to do in life.

Her family finds comfort in knowing she is at peace, and her legacy of love, selflessness, and

strength will live on through the many lives she touched.

A celebration of Dena's life will take place at Newton Church of the Way at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 4^th.  The family will greet friends from 10 am until service time and again following the service at lunch. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends From Iowa El Salvador Foundation, in honor of her compassionate and caring spirit. Dena and Marvin both have participated in this mission trip in the years past and has been near and dear to their heart.

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