Thelma Vaandrager

Thelma Vaandrager, age 87, of Sheldon, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Sanford Sheldon Medical Center in Sheldon. Funeral Services will be Thursday, February 21, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at the First Christian Reformed Church in Sheldon. Rev. Aldon Kuiper officiating. Burial at 1:15 P.M. Thursday, February 21, at East Lawn Cemetery in Sheldon. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 20, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the First Christian Reformed Church in Sheldon. Thelma Ann Vaandrager, the daughter of John and Pauline (Van Kooten) Tien was born in Prairie View, Kansas on May 21, 1931. She lived her youth in Prairie View, Kansas where she began her education in a country school and later attended high school in Long Island, Kansas, graduating in 1949. Thelma continued her education at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan where she received a teaching certificate. Thelma taught at the Prairie View, Kansas school and Sheldon Christian School. She was united in marriage to Kenneth Vaandrager of Sheldon, Iowa on August 10, 1955 at the Luctor Christian Reformed Church in Kansas. Their entire 63 years together was spent in Sheldon, which included helping Ken on the farm. She also worked at the Christian Retirement Home. Thelma was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Sheldon. In her love for children, she taught Sunday School and was a Gems leader for many years. She was also involved in Crossroads Prison Ministries correspondence. Thelma's life was centered around the love of God and the love she had for her family. She was a very loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Thelma was on kidney dialysis for almost 8 years. Throughout her health trials she never complained and always had a contagious "smile". Thelma loved to cook and bake for family and friends. She also stayed busy through her love of crafting, embroidery, knitting, and crocheting. Thelma enjoyed attending family functions with Ken and visiting with friends. She liked doing jigsaw puzzles, word finds and playing Spinner. Thelma lived at Sanford Sheldon Care Center the last 2 � years and passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Sanford Sheldon Medical Center. Those left to cherish her memories are husband: Kenneth Vaandrager of Sheldon, IA; daughter: Gayla Vaandrager of Rock Valley, IA; son: Keith (Marcia) Vaandrager of Sheldon, IA and their children, Melisa Vander Plaats (Rylie), Susan (Jason) Moser (Brittney, Dalton, Keyton, Blake), Steve (Chasitie) Vander Plaats (Tyler, Emma, Kaitlyn); son: Kevin (Darla) Vaandrager of Sheldon, IA and their children, Krista (Ross) Oolman (Deacon), Koni (Rick) Leusink (Annie, Case, Kip), Kole (Christina) Blankespoor; 2 brothers: Clarence (Betty) Tien, Marion (Joyce) Tien; sister: Wanda (Calvin) Schemper; sister-in-law: Ann Tien; other relatives: Everdean (Abram) Van Dyke, Bonnie (William) Nanninga, Gretta Vaandrager; numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother: Henry Tien; parents-in-law: Gerrit and Bertha Vaandrager; brother-in-law: Francis (Bud) Vaandrager; brother-in-law/sister-in-law: Clarence and Thelma Verhoef. In Loving Memory Of Thelma Vaandrager Born: May 21, 1931 Passed Away: February 16, 2019 Age: 87 years, 8 months and 26 days FUNERAL SERVICE Thursday, February 21, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. First Christian Reformed Church, Sheldon, Iowa Family Prayer Service at 10:45 A.M. OFFICIATING Rev. Aldon Kuiper MUSIC Organist: Yvonne Bolkema Congregational Songs Processional: "Abide With Me" PH # 470 During the service: "How Great Thou Art" Sing for Joy # 36 Recessional: "When Peace Like a River" PH # 445 CASKET BEARERS Jason Moser Steve Vander Plaats Dalton Moser Keyton Moser Rick Leusink Ross Oolman Kole Blankespoor INTERMENT 1:15 P.M. East Lawn Cemetery, Sheldon, Iowa Following the Funeral Service, prior to Interment, the family invites all for fellowship and lunch at the church. ARRANGEMENTS BY Andringa Funeral Home Sheldon Funeral Service Larry R. Andringa, Funeral Director