Cecelia Kuiper, 81, of Montezuma passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, Apr. 19, 2016, at her home at Lake Ponderosa. Funeral services were held Friday, Apr. 22, at the First Presbyterian Evangelical Church in Montezuma. Burial was in the Sully Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Evangelical Family Center.
Cecelia Delores Kuiper, the daughter of Lambert and Irene (Bennink) Olsthoorn, was born Dec. 29, 1934, near Reasnor. She attended Country School in Jasper County and Peoria Christian School before receiving her GED. On Dec. 16, 1955, Cecelia was united in marriage to Jerald Kuiper near Lynnville. To this union two daughters were born, Lois and Mary. Cecelia worked for Pella Hospital and cleaned houses before they purchased a farm near Monroe. Cecelia was a typical farmer's wife milking cows and helping with the chores. In 1974, Jerald and Cecelia moved to Lake Ponderosa near Montezuma. Cecelia was a very crafty woman and enjoyed quilting, sewing, crocheting, painting, and embroidering. She also enjoyed gardening. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grand-mother, Cecelia absolutely loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Evangelical Church where she served as a deacon. She was also a member of the Forest Home Club, LGT Neighborhood Club, the Lura Dixon Guild, and the Ponderosa Lake Association.
Her memory will be cherished by her husband, Jerald Kuiper of Montezuma; her two daughters, Lois (Ted) Grier of Otley and Mary (Ken) Osborn of Cedar Rapids; five grandchildren, Jessica (Nick) Marino, Jameson (Ashley) Grier, Jordan (Sarah) Grier, Abigail (Ron) Huckins, and Emily (Steven) Bell; six great-grandchildren with three more on the way, Scout, Averi, Eisley, Brayden, Ashlyn, and Alexa; and two sisters, Lucille (Donald) Van Wyk of Pella and Marlena (Dave) Eschweiler of Fort Wayne, IN. Cecelia was preceded in death by her parents.
