Donna L. Terlouw, 78, of Pella, passed away very unexpectedly on Sunday, Apr. 6, 2025, in Oklahoma City, OK. Funeral services were at 2 p.m., on Tuesday, Apr.15, at Berean Baptist Church, Pella. Interment was in the Oakwood Cemetery, Pella.
Donna Kooistra, a daughter of David and Pauline (Vander Wilt) Kooistra, was born Feb. 9, 1947, on a farm in Jasper County, two miles east of Killduff. Donna received her education by attending Killduff Country School and finished in Lynnville Sully High School through the 12th grade.
Upon graduation, she worked at Windpower Mfg. In Newton. Aug. 25, 1967, she was united in marriage with Harlan Charles Terlouw in the Sully Christian Reformed Church. To this union, three children were born: Sharla Denae, Sheila Dawn, and Sharlene Deanne. Following their marriage, Donna worked at Van's Grocery Store in Pella, followed by cleaning the Pella Medical Clinic with her sister-in-law Joy Kooistra. She then continued to clean at the Boomsma's offices, waitressed at Central Park Cafe where she spoke fluent Dutch to her customers, and then to Fairhaven where she worked 30+ years.
Harlan, her husband, worked at Vermeer Mfg. Once married, they moved into an old farmhouse of Harlan's dad and fixed it up to live in. They moved to a cute little house on Spruce Drive and then to their longtime dwelling on Vermeer Road where they started their family. Donna excelled in her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed being a seamstress making her girls' dresses all the same, doll clothes, blankets, clothes for her grandkids, and prom dresses, as well as all three girls' bridesmaids dresses for the weddings. One of Donna's hobbies was cross-stitching in which she made wedding announcements for all three girls and made birth announcements for all her grandkids. She loved to spend time playing the organ and piano and contributed that talent in the churches she attended. In her spare time, Donna loved scrapbooking and putting pictures away in albums. Donna with her mom, Pauline, spent countless hours canning assorted fruits, vegetables, beef, and chicken. Donna was very skilled in cooking and baking; her favorites were homemade buns, cinnamon rolls, and M&M bars. Donna and Harlan had been blessed with 57 years of marriage.
Donna's health declined a few weeks ago and she passed away very unexpectedly. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband Harlan, her three daughters Sharla (Bryan) Dieleman, Sheila (Kenny) Clay, and Sharlene (Duane) an Wyk; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and her sister Verla Rae Hoekstra of Pella.
Donna was preceded in death by her brother Merlin Dale Kooistra, who passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 23, 2019, at age 62; and her parents. Donna accepted Christ at an early age and loved the Lord. She attended Berean Baptist Church for many years. Donna will be greatly missed by her family.
