Obituary of Ed Donkersloot

Edward Donkersloot, the son of Nick and Marie (Koster/Seimens) Donkersloot was born July 21, 1925 at Boyden, Iowa. Ed graduated from Boyden High School in 1943 and was then drafted into the Army in November 1943. He served with the 1st Infantry Division "The Big Red One" during World War ll. He was wounded in the Battle of Hurtgen Forest, Germany, November 1944 and was one of 8 soldiers remaining from his troop of 160. In 1949, Ed graduated from Morningside College with degrees in accounting, religion, and psychology. He married Alma Rons and they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this past year. After college, they made their home in Sanborn, IA where Ed farmed, ran a fertilizer plant, and was a seed corn salesman for many years. He was active in many community groups including being an elder in the church and serving on the city council. Ed was a resident at the Hartley Care Center since September 2011. Ed was always surrounded by his loving family. He enjoyed being the patriarch and carried with him a sense of pride of each one of his family members. He was passionate about history, and enjoyed many travels around the world. Ed was endowed with that twinkle in his eye and ability to see humor in day to day events. He was a gentle soul. He is survived by his wife Alma, four children: Leanne (Jeff) Cline, Elgin, IA, Mary (Steve) Donkersloot-Proffitt, Los Angeles, CA, Mark Donkersloot, Sanborn, Rhonda (Eric) Rosenbaum, Dakota Dunes, SD; 10 grandchildren: Nick Donkersloot, Luke Cline, Corina Anema, Alma Sexton, Kate Cline, Delia Donkersloot, Ashley Donkersloot, Emily Gunderson, Andrew Rosenbaum, and Jackson Proffit, 6 great-grand children, sisters Mae Vis and Ilene Donkersloot and family friend Steve Raymond of Tulia, TX. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ray, son Lyle, and grandson Gavin. Celebration of Life Edward Donkersloot Born ~ July 21, 1925 Died ~ January 11, 2013 Age ~ 87 years 5 months 20 Days Funeral Service 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 15, 2013 First Reformed Church Sanborn, Iowa Officiating ~ Rev. Gary Hegstad Organist ~ Arlene Dykstra Pianist ~ Judy Dykstra Trio Art Bosch ~ Rhonda Rosenbaum ~ Leannne Cline Special Music “In The Garden” ~ “How Great Thou Art” Congregational Singing Processional ~ “Victory In Jesus” #353 Recessional ~ “When We All Get To Heaven” #772 Pallbearers Nick Donkersloot Luke Cline Andrew Rosenbaum Jackson Profitt Chad Anema Keith Sexton Aaron Gunderson Honorary Pallbearers Corina Anema Alma Sexton Kate Cline Delia Donkersloot Ashley Donkersloot Emily Gunderson Ushers Galen Beyer ~ Steve Schuver ~ Ron Egdorf Interment Roseland Cemetery ~ Sanborn Military Rites Earl T. Conaway Post #318