Wanda R. Willemsen, 87, went home to be with her Savior on Jan. 13, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. A time of remembrance and celebration of life was at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 18, at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton. As an expression of sympathy, memorials may be designated to the American Diabetes Association, Alzheimer’s Association, or to Wanda’s family in her name. Burial was in the Silent City Cemetery in Monroe.
Wanda Ruth Willemsen was born Dec. 12, 1930, on a farm east of Reasnor, the daughter of Robert and Celia G. (Millgate) Van Gorp.
Jan. 9, 1957, Wanda and Marion D. Willemsen were united in marriage in Kellogg. She was a homemaker all her life and will be greatly missed. She also helped with her husband’s electric business, retiring in 1998 after 28 years. She was of the Lutheran faith and enjoyed her family, flowers, and gardening.
Wanda is survived by her husband, Marion; brothers, Eldred Van Gorp of Newton and Carroll (Lois) Van Gorp of Reasnor; her sister, Charlotte (Jerry) Damman of Newton; several nieces and nephews; and many good neighbors and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Laverne Van Gorp Sr.; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Dick and Gertie Willemsen; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Jean Van Gorp, Grace Van Gorp, Harold Willemsen, Richard and Janice Willemsen, and Margaret and Dean Hammer.
