Jennie Willemsen, 97½ of Oskaloosa and formerly of New Sharon, passed away Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014, at Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in New Sharon. Burial was in the Friends Cemetery in New Sharon. Memorial contributions may be made to Iowa Hospice.
Jennie Willemsen, daughter of John and Christina (Terlouw) Meppelink, was born July 17, 1916, near Killduff. She graduated from the Sudlow Country School near Killduff. On June 1, 1938, Jennie was united in marriage to Henry Willemsen. To this union five children were born. Jennie and Henry farmed and raised their family in the Taintor area, moving to New Sharon in 1978 following retirement. Jennie was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was the light of her life, and she truly enjoyed spending time with them. Jennie was an excellent cook and an avid reader. She enjoyed gardening, growing flowers, playing the organ, and most of all her family. Jennie’s faith was very important to her, and she attended church while her health allowed. She also enjoyed sharing her love of music at local nursing homes.
Her memory will be cherished by her four children, Dolores “Dee” Willemsen of Windsor Heights, Wayne (Jane) Willemsen of Walnut Creek, CA, Verna (Gary) Conry of University Park, and Allen Willemsen of New Sharon; her daughter-in-law, Margaret Willemsen of Oelwein; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
Jennie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her eldest son, Bruce Willemsen; and seven siblings: John Meppelink, Johanna Vande Krol, Lena Meppelink, Marie Barsness, Susie Meppelink, Stella Meppelink, and a brother in infancy.
