Obituary of Irma Ruth Jacobsma

    Irma Ruth Jacobsma, daughter of Gerrit and Kate (Van Oort) Post, was born on a farm in Sioux County, IA on February 5, 1934. She was baptized at Grace Reformed Church in Middleburg, IA.

    In 1936, Irma moved with her family to a farm in Center Township in O’Brien County, Iowa.  She attended Center #2 country school through the 8^th grade, being the only student in her grade for all nine years (primary through 8^th grade). She then attended Hartley High School in Hartley, IA, graduating in 1952. Following high school, Irma was employed as a telephone operator in Sheldon, IA.

    On November 5, 1953, Irma was united in marriage to Marvin Jacobsma. They farmed near Hartley for three years before moving to a farm near Everly, IA where they resided for ten years. In 1967, the family relocated to a farm near Hartley.

    Irma worked beside Marvin throughout all their farming years. She was an avid gardener, freezing and canning the produce she grew. She loved to bake and sew for family and friends. After the children were raised, she earned her CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certificate, working at a nursing facility as well as doing home care. She was also an Activity Director at Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley for over 20 years.

    Having been a longtime Iowa Farm Bureau member, Irma had served as O’Brien County Women’s Chairman for many years. She belonged to the Hartley Christian Reformed Church and Sanborn First Reformed Church where she participated in various activities. Irma had a gift for writing and shared her memories in written format entitled, “Wanderings of an Old Farm Wife”.

    Following Marvin’s death in 2012, Irma remained on the farm and was actively involved in the farming operation with her sons. In the fall of 2022, she became a resident at Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley, and in April 2023, resided in the Assisted Living community there until November of this year. On Friday, December 22, 2023, Irma joined loved ones who had gone before.

    She is survived by her children: Gregory Jacobsma of Hartley, IA, Mona (Michael) Scaletta of Wahpeton, IA, Amber McClintic of Sheldon, IA, and Mark (Paula) Jacobsma of Sioux Center, IA; grandchildren: Bruce (Tracy) Jacobsma, Ryan (Becky Jo) Jacobsma, Kristin Sharp (Matt Robins), Greg Jr. (Barb) Jacobsma, Amber (Tyler) Winkelman, Karen (Wayne) Earney, Paul (Shayli) Scaletta, Katie (Mark) Schmith, Carly Jacobsma, and Mitchell Jacobsma; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; her brother, John (Evelyn) Post of Sanborn, IA; one sister, Glenda (Dean) Schroeder of Hartley, IA; sister-in-law, Penny Post of Fostoria IA; other relatives and friends.

    She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin; her parents; brothers: Harvey (Ann) Post, and LeRoy Post; sisters: Gladys (Conrad) Prins, and Jeanne (Ronald Geerdes and Marvin Olhausen), a sister in infancy, Beverly Post; and son-in-law, Curtis McClintic.