Jacqueline “Jaci” Eekhoff, 60, of Sioux Center, died Sunday, Mar. 18, 2018, at Sioux Center Health Hospital in Sioux Center.
A private family prayer service was held Thursday morning, Mar. 22, with burial following at Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center. A memorial service was held on Mar. 22 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center with the Revs. Anson Veenstra and Bob Pollema officiating.
Born July 2, 1957, in Oskaloosa to Dewey and Tillie Veenstra, just a little more than two years after her parents arrived in America, Jaci Veenstra was the second of eight children. Growing up, Jaci helped her mother with work in the house. Her heart for hospitality was evident from a young age and continued throughout her earthly life. A passion for serving and helping led Jaci to nursing school. She transferred to Dordt College where she met Vern Eekhoff. Jaci and Vern were married Nov. 3, 1979. They were blessed with three daughters — Elizabeth, Veronica, and Amanda. Though Jaci wore many occupational hats, most important to her was being a wife and a mother. Jaci worked as janitor at Faith Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center where she was an enthusiastic attendant for her church family. Known for her attention to detail, commitment to quality and desire to help where and whenever possible, Jaci lived a life of servitude.
Working hard was a joy and no task was too much. She enjoyed projects that required her to help others. Jaci did what she believed in and was committed to it. Jaci used the gifts God gave her to give the glory to God. All along she preferred to remain behind the scenes, yet was always open and giving. While Jaci was hoping to spend more time with her grandchildren, she was eager to enter heaven. We know she will have their place prepared.
Jaci is survived by her husband, Vern; and daughters, Elizabeth (Eric) De Groot of Ontario, CA; Veronica (Mike) Hoekstra of Hull; Amanda (Jacob) Hall of Sioux Center; and, like a son, Michael (Erin) Eekhoff, of Everson, WA; 14 grandchildren; mother, Tillie Veenstra; four brothers; three sisters; and mother-in-law, Viola Eekhoff.
She was preceded in death by her father, Dewey Veenstra; and father-in-law, John M. Eekhoff
