Lois Vande Garde

Rock Valley, IA: Lois Vande Garde, 94, of Rock Valley, died Thursday, February 14, 2013 at Hegg Memorial Hospital in Rock Valley. A memorial service will be held at 11 am Saturday, February 16 at Porter Funeral Home with Rev. Todd Schlitter officiating. Burial will be prior to the service at 9 a.m. at Hope Cemetery in Hull, IA. A visitation with the family will begin at 10 am Saturday at Porter Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

Lois Oostenink was born May 2, 1918 at Hull, daughter of William and Anna (Brouwer) Oostenink. She attended Hull Public School and graduated in 1936. Following graduation, she attended St. Joseph's School of Nursing for a short time and later attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney where she earned a B.A. in Education. She then began her teaching career in Palestine, Texas until moving to Essex, Iowa where she taught English, speech, and drama for many years until her retirement. She was an innovative speech teacher who earned many accolades at the district and state levels. Teaching was a true passion.

As an active member of Pioneer United Methodist Church, she served on the church board and was a longtime member of the Friendship Circle. Family meant the world to her. Her daughter, 3 granddaughters, and great-grandchildren were a top priority in her life and brought her much joy.

She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Glenda (Jerry) Burgers of Rock Valley; granddaughters, Rachel (Deric) Langenhorst and children, Alex, Mason, and Ella; Sara (Chris) Shuey and children, Haylee, Devin, and Kyle; Leah Steenhoven and children, Wyatt, Whitney, Wynona, and Wyleigh; her sister, Dolores Stange of Sherman, TX.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, William and Anna; sister, Dorlene; and brothers-in-law, Henry C. Boeve and Delmar Stange.