Funeral services for Lois Klyn, 93, of Pella, were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at Peoria Christian Reformed Church. Memorial contributions are preferred for Pella Pro-Life or Peoria Christian School.
Lois Nadine Hoksbergen was born June 25, 1931, near Leighton. She was the third of seven children born to Ray and Johanna (Van Haaften) Hoksbergen. The family attended Second Christian Reformed Church in Pella, where Lois was baptized. During the terrible Depression of the 1930s, the family relocated to a farm northwest of Taintor, and she lived there until her marriage. Not many people went to college at that time, but Lois was privileged to attend Central College in Pella, where she earned her teaching certificate. She taught at Sully Christian School before she was married and, later, at Peoria Christian School.
Lois was united in marriage to John Klyn on Dec. 23, 1950, at Peoria Christian Reformed Church. In January 1952, John was inducted into the U.S. Army. While stationed at Fort Eustis, VA, their first child, Judith Lynn, was born. John was discharged from the service in December 1953, and they made their home on a farm north of Pella. They were blessed with two more daughters, Kathleen Joan and Bonnie Lou. The family moved to a farm near Peoria in 1961.
July 8, 1964, at the age of 11, Judith was killed in a bicycle/car accident. Following this untimely tragedy, another daughter Julie Lynn was born Jan. 7, 1966. She lived only three hours. Lois and John kept their faith through it all.
Six years later, they welcomed their son Jon Alan into the family. Lois was a dedicated homemaker, while also working at Hilltop Manor. Taking care of her family was a joy. She enjoyed gardening and preserved much of the produce that was grown. She gave loving attention to colorful flower beds. She had an avid interest in family history and compiled information, which she organized into a genealogy book of the Hoksbergen family and of the Klyn family. She volunteered at Birthright of Oskaloosa, Pella Pro-Life, the Bible League, and Peoria Christian School.
Lois and John shared 67 years of married life. John passed away on July 12, 2018, at the age of 87 years. Lois joined him in Heaven Wednesday evening, Jan. 15, 2025, at the age of 93 years.
Those who will cherish their memories are three children and their spouses: Kathy (Verlan) Arkema of Pella, Bonnie (Darrell Boot of Pella, and Jon (Pamela) Klyn of Pella; 16 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Lois also leaves one sister Theresa Bruxvoort along with brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Marvin Klyn, Marion and Glenda Klyn, Sidney Klyn, and Linda Klyn.
She was preceded in death by her husband John; two daughters Judith Lynn and Julie Lynn; granddaughter Brandie Boo; her parents; siblings and siblings-in-law Ralph and Lois Hoksbergen, Harold and Clazina Hoksbergen, Dorothy and Jacob Rus, Alma and Loren Witzenburg, Donald Bruxvoort, and Janice Hoksbergen; parents-in-law Gerrit and Katherine Klyn; siblings-in-law Ruth and Henry Vande Wall, Arthur and Betty Klyn, Gerald and Margaret Klyn, Sylvia and Cecil Vander Molen/Tony Langstraat, Ray and Angeline/Lois Klyn, Marge and Arthur Sneller, Phyllis Klyn, Mary Klyn, Lawrence and Valda Klyn, and Lester and Joyce Klyn.
Lois and John were lovingly devoted to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, sharing with them their Christian faith and heritage that was such a vital part of their lives.
