Obituary of Kenneth Elgersma

Memorial Tribute Kenneth Lee Elgersma, the son of Bessie (De Vries) and Ernest Elgersma, was born in Hartley, IA on April 10, 1936. He grew up in rural Hartley, IA, and attended the Sanborn Christian Reformed School through the 8th grade. At age 21, he moved to Denver, CO, where he met Elizabeth Kamp. The two were married in Denver in 1960. During this time, Kenny was working construction, and their first two daughters were born. In 1965, the family moved to Iowa where they farmed north of Sanborn, and their third daughter was born. Later, he worked construction, and in 1973, formed E & R Construction with Larry Reitsma. He retired from the construction business in 2000. Kenny had a strong faith and was active in the Sanborn Christian Reformed Church as a Sunday school teacher, Cadet Counselor, member of the Evangelism committee and Building committee, and an Elder, where he served as Vice-President. He also served on the Sanborn Christian School Board, the Sanborn Golf and Country Club Board, the Board of Review for O’Brien County, and was a Crossroads Instructor. Kenny was a loving, fun, dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. If he didn’t actually go shopping with his wife and daughters, then he enjoyed the “fashion show” when they got home. He loved to spend time with his family and friends who will miss him greatly. One of his favorite times was having the whole family in church with him. He also loved the outdoors, especially gardening, golfing, fishing, camping and watching birds. He enjoyed sharing his garden proceeds with anyone who wanted some. Bowling, playing cards and games, and collecting coins were also a big part of his life. Following a long and courageous battle with cancer, Kenny passed away at the Orange City Health Center in Orange City, IA on Monday, April 18, 2011, at the age of 75. He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson Jason Koldenhoven; three brothers, Earl, Gerald and Eugene; a brother-in-law, Harold Kreykes, and a sister-in-law, Gladys Elgersma. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Elizabeth; three daughters and their husbands: Cindy and Brian Koldenhoven of Sanborn, Robbi and Ken Hoekstra of Sheldon, IA, and Vonda and Steve Post of Sioux Center, IA; his grandchildren and great-granchildren: Brent (Lindsey) Koldenhoven, Kaylen and Alivia, Michael (Cassi) Koldenhoven, Jordan, Taylor, Riley, Connor and Kenli Hoekstra, Jessi, Mitch and Mason Post, Ronni (Post) and Grant Postma; one sister, Ida Kreykes of Sanborn; other relatives and many friends. Celebrating the life of Kenneth Lee Elgersma Born ~ April 10, 1936 Died ~ April 18, 2011 Age ~ 75 years 8 days Memorial Service 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 21, 2011 Christian Reformed Church Sanborn, Iowa Clergy ~ Pastor Greg Dyk Organist ~ Thelma Elgersma Pianist ~ Starla Reitsma Soloist ~ Sheila Lammers “Beyond the Sunset” Congregational Singing “Oh, For a Closer Walk” “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” “By the Sea of Crystal” Pallbearers Brent Koldenhoven Michael Koldenhoven Jordan Hoekstra Taylor Hoekstra Riley Hoekstra Connor Hoekstra Mitchell Post Mason Post Grant Postma Honorary Pallbearers Jessica Post Veronica (Post) Postma Kenli Hoekstra Cassi Koldenhoven Lindsey Koldenhoven Flower Attendants Howard & Joyce Poppema Larry & Alvina Reitsma Bernie & Judy Visser John & Bev Elgersma Ushers John Prins Lee Van Tol Jim Van Dyke John Sybesma Interment Roseland Cemetery ~ Sanborn, Iowa 10:15 a.m. prior to the memorial service