Obituary of Elizabeth Jean Elgersma

    Elizabeth Jean “Liz” Elgersma was born February 17, 1940, in Denver, Colorado, the oldest of four children of John William and Marguerite (Spady) Kamp. After graduating from Denver South High School, she landed a job with the local telephone company. Liz met Kenny Lee Elgersma in Colorado as he had moved there from Iowa to work for relatives in the construction industry.

    On Monday, September 19, 1960, Liz and Kenny were married in Denver. Their first two daughters, Cindy and Robbi, were born here before the family relocated to Iowa in 1965. Being used to life in the big city, it was only natural that Liz moved to the Midwest with some hesitation…now calling a small, remote acreage near Sanborn, Iowa their “home”. Eventually, she came to love the peace and quiet, and the safety that a close-knit community affords. Their family was made complete when Vonda was born a short time after they had moved.

    Along with keeping her household in order, Liz worked part-time jobs while the girls were growing up. She and Kenny both loved to travel and with Kenny being an “outdoorsman”, that included a few camping trips as well. Lots of memorable times were had as a family with nothing more than a fishing pole in the lake.

    Following Kenny’s passing in 2011, Liz remained in Sanborn and became a faithful participant in the Crossroads Prison Ministries. She volunteered for mission work in Mississippi and was also very active in her own church. Traveling was still something she enjoyed, but there was usually a puzzle happening on the table at home. Playing cards and board games or just getting lost in a good book were other relaxing pastimes; however, nothing could take the place of spending time with her kids and grandkids.

    On Saturday, June 28, 2025, Liz went home to be with her Lord. Left to treasure her memory are her three daughters: Cindy (Brian) Koldenhoven of Sanborn, Iowa and their children: Brent (Lindsey) Koldenhoven also of Sanborn and Michael (Cassie) Koldenhoven of Otsego, Minnesota, Robbi (Ken) Hoekstra of Sheldon, Iowa and their children: Jordan (Ashtyn) Hoekstra also of Sheldon, Taylor (Jaci) Hoekstra of Irvine, California, Riley (Lexi) Hoekstra of Orange City, Iowa, Connor (Jacki) Hoekstra and Kenli (Dalton) Poppema both of Sheldon, Iowa. Vonda (Steve) Post of Sioux Center, Iowa and their children: Jessi (Chad) De Vries also of Sioux Center, Ronni (Grant) Postma of Ireton, Iowa, Mitchell (Caitlin) Post of Hawarden, Iowa and Mason (Josie) Post of Sioux Center, Iowa; 27 great-grandchildren, with three more expected later this year; her siblings: Bill (Dee) Kamp of Washington, Peggy (Randy) Westerberg and Dave Kamp of Colorado; sisters-in-law: Jan Kamp of Nebraska and Corky Elgersma of Sanborn; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

    In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Jason Koldenhoven; and Kenny’s brothers and sister: Earl (Gladys) Elgersma, Gerald (Verla) Elgersma, Eugene Elgersma and Ida (Harold) Kreykes.