Obituary of Henry Steensma

Henry John (Hank) Steensma, the son of John and Katrina (Sjaarda) Steensma, was born in Iowa on April 18, 1924. Hank lived his youth and received his education in Sanborn until joining the US Navy during World War II. He later returned to Sanborn, where he met the love of his life, Jeanette Green. Hank and Jeanette were united in marriage on August 28, 1952, in Ireton, IA and were blessed with two sons, Jon Gregory and Randall Dean. Following their marriage, they lived near Sanborn before moving to Artesia, CA, in 1955. During the eight years they lived there, Hank worked at a tool and die company. After this Hank and Jeanette resided in Ripon, CA for 24 years. During which time, Hank farmed almonds, walnuts, and grapes and did mechanical work for area farmers. They next moved to Wenatchee, WA for 10 years to be nearer to their son Randy and his family. They returned to Sanborn in 1999 and continued friendships with some of their long-time acquaintances such as the "UB Club" (Unmarried Boys). Hank was a member of the Cornerstone United Reformed Church of Sanborn and the American Legion. He is survived by his children: Gregg and Cheryl Steensma of Ripon, CA, and Randy and Sue Steensma of Wenatchee, WA; grandchildren: Renee’ (Murray) Smith, Eric (Alyx), Brent (Kim), Lisa, and Brad; two sisters: Cynthia Wishnew and Edith (Dan) Nannenga; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Jeanette; his parents; and siblings Nick (Lavina), Bernard (Sadie), and Wineta Steensma; his brother-in-law, Howard Wishnew; and his niece, Pat Steensma. During their later years, Hank and Jeanette traveled extensively, Australia, Europe and Israel being a few of their destinations. They also saw much of the US from their RV and spent their winters in Texas, Arizona, California, and Washington. Hank was able to see much of the Orient while in his 80’s and thoroughly enjoyed his time on a cruise ship. Hank will be remembered for his model trains and 1966 yellow “T-Bird”. His other interests included finance, crossword puzzles, gardening, and tinkering with almost anything that could be fixed. He was a private pilot for a time and enjoyed flying from Southern California to Iowa and other destinations until their move to Ripon. He supported higher education by providing an engineering scholarship at Dordt College and encouraged his grandchildren as they achieved many things. A fall in spring 2009 slowed Hank down, resulting in his move to the assisted living at Prairie View. He enjoyed visiting with the other residents as well as friends and relatives who stopped by. He was faithful in emailing (although “Spell Check” was sometimes ignored) or telephoning others to keep in contact. A special “thank-you” to the Prairie View staff who cared so lovingly for him, friends who visited him, and to the John Steensma and Jim Hofland families for their continued support. In loving memory of Henry “Hank” Steensma Born ~ April 18, 1924 Died ~ July 17, 2012 Age ~ 88 years 2 months 29 days Memorial Service 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 25, 2012 Cornerstone United Reformed Church Sanborn, Iowa Clergy Rev. Todd DeRooy Organist Kris VanBeek Pianist Laura Van Beek Duet Dave & Julie Hofland Special Music “Come To The Savior Now” Congregational Singing Processional ~ “Blessed Assurance” “When Peace Like A River” Recessional ~ Amazing Grace” Pallbearers Gregg Steensma Randy Steensma Eric Steensma Dan Alons James Hofland John Steensma Ushers Henry Hofland ~ Junior Postma Burial Roseland Cemetery ~ Sanborn, Iowa (At 10:15 a.m. Wednesday July 25th) Military Graveside Rites by Sanborn American Legion Earl T. Conaway Post #318