Obituary of Gerald Elgersma

Gerald James Elgersma, the son of Ernest J. and Bessie (De Vries) Elgersma was born on April 12, 1931 on a farm near Sanborn, IA. He spent his childhood years in the Sanborn area and attended Sanborn Christian School. Following his service with the U.S. Army in Korea, Gerald farmed and raised feeder pigs. On October 12, 1955 he married Verla Bras in Ocheyedan, IA. The couple were blessed with three children. Gerald was a salesman for Golden Harvest seed corn and later became an agent with the Elgersma Agency in Sanborn. Hobbies included golfing, and spending time with his brothers and friends. He was a member of the American Legion, and the Sanborn CRC where he served as a Deacon, a Cadet Counselor, and a Young People’s Society Counselor. He served on the Sanborn Christian School Board. Gerald’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a very special place in his heart. He was known as someone who wasn’t afraid to reach out to those in need—especially young people. Many people were fortunate enough to call him their friend. Survivors include his wife Verla; his children and their families: Jeri and her husband, Roy Prins of Sanborn, Dean and his wife Carla (Vos) Elgersma, and Beth and her husband Robert Marks; nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; three brothers: Earl J., Eugene and his wife Corleen, and Kenneth and his wife Liz; one sister Ida J. Kreykes; a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Ernest, his mother Bessie, step-mother Anna, and his brother Elmer. In Loving Memory of Gerald Elgersma Born ~ April 12, 1931 Died ~ December 16, 2006 Age ~ 75 years 8 months 4 days Funeral Service Christian Reformed Church, Sanborn 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2006 Officiating ~ Rev. Greg Dyk Organist ~ Thelma Elgersma Pianist ~ Starla Reitsma Special Music “Come To Jesus” ~ CD “Victory in Jesus” ~ Victory Voices “Star of the East” ~ Jason Alons “Blessed Be the Tie That Binds” ~ Congregation Pallbearers Eric Elgersma Brett Elgersma Alex Elgersma Jon Love Andy Prins Cyle Carlson Matt Marks Flower Attendants Jim and Joy Van Dyke Bernie and Judy Visser Ushers John Prins Lee Van Tol Jim Van Dyke Bud Krikke Interment Roseland Cemetery Sanborn, IA Military Graveside Rites Sanborn American Legion Conaway Post # 318