Nick Bloemendaal

Doon, IA: Nickolas “Nick” Bloemendaal, 85, of Doon, Iowa died Monday, April 11, 2016 at Sanford Rock Rapids Medical Center. Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 15 at Doon United Reformed Church with Rev. Simon Lievaart officiating. Private family burial will be prior at Hillside Cemetery of Doon. Visitation, with the family present, will be from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14 at Doon URC. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials go to Doon Christian School or Doon United Reformed Church.

Nickolas Bloemendaal, son of Cornelius “Case” and Hattie (Bakker) Bloemendaal, was born August 11, 1930 at home near Doon. He graduated from the 8th grade at Doon Christian School. Nick married Tressa Otten on March 7, 1952 and they moved to the family farm where they lived all their married life and raised their family. They farmed and milked cows, morning and night. Later Nick worked at Kooima’s Machine in Rock Valley as a machinist. He enjoyed rebuilding cars and could make just about everything work. He liked fishing, trapping, and collecting things for future use.

Nick’s faith was very important to him. He always led mealtime with prayer, and God’s word was read faithfully at every meal - although he requested Tressa’s permission to skip over the “Begats” and a psalm was read if time was a factor! Church attendance was mandatory except in cases of appendicitis, which then an absence was permitted. The “Eerste Banky” was usually available for a family of 8 who arrived just in time. Someone else coined the phrase “Do not handicap your children by making a life of ease for them” but Nick put in into practice.

Nick spent the last year of his life at the Rock Rapids Health Center. He appreciated being warm after many years of working in the cold.

Nick is survived by his wife, Tressa of Rock Rapids; children, Cheryl (Bob) Weerheim of Harrisburg, South Dakota, Cliff (Kathy) Bloemendaal of Mendon, Missouri, Darla (Gail) Van Berkum of Doon, Darrell (Dorri) Bloemendaal of Hull, Iowa, Rick Bloemendaal of Doon; daughter-in-law, Gwen Van Voorst of Hull, Iowa; 18 grandchildren; 21 + (one more soon) great-grandchildren; sister, Fannie Riemersma of Gig Harbor, Washington; and brother-in-law, Elmer Van Den Top of Rock Valley.

Nick was preceded in death by his parents; son, Norwyn Bloemendaal; sisters, Grace Van Den Top, Jennie Klarenbeek, Margaret Roghair; brothers, William, Pete, and Eilert Bloemendaal.

Visitation

6:00 - 7:30 PM ,Thursday, April 14, 2016
Doon United Reformed Church
608 Rice Avenue Doon, Iowa, Lyon 51235

Memorial Service

2:00 PM ,Friday, April 15, 2016
Doon United Reformed Church
608 Rice Avenue Doon, Iowa, Lyon 51235