Marie "Toots" Hiemstra, Beloit  (1918 - 2012)

May 29, 1918 - January 29, 2012
Marie “Toots” Hiemstra, age 93, went to her heavenly home on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012, at Harbor House in Beloit, surrounded by her family. Marie “Toots” Hiemstra was born on May 29, 1918, to Abraham and Sadie (Odens) Risseeuw, on a farm near Perkins, SD. As a young child she moved with her family to the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Marie had a special part of caring for her seven siblings through the years. In the early 1930s the family moved to Lakeview, SD, where she had the majority of her education. The family moved to Wisconsin in 1937 in the midst of the depression, and continued farming.
Marie graduated from Clinton High School in 1938 and from the Rockford Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1946. She received further surgical training at the John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. As an RN, Marie did home care, was Dr. J. Schrock’s office nurse, worked at Meadow Park Nursing Home, and retired from Beloit Memorial Hospital. Nursing was never work to her, but rather a joy.
Marie, a charter member of Emmanuel Reformed Church in Clinton, WI, had a strong Christian faith, and was faithfully involved in the women’s organizations and life of Emmanuel. She freely gave of herself to anyone in need, both in the church and in the community.
Marie married David G. Hiemstra on Feb. 25, 1948, at her parents' farm home just outside of Clinton. They were married 51 years and farmed north of Clinton for more than 40 years.
Marie loved company, treasuring her extended family and friends. She was a good baker, and her cinnamon rolls and pies disappeared quickly. Large family reunions in various states were one of her greatest pleasures.
Blessed to have had her as their mother are her two daughters, Naomi (Bruce) Wilterdink of Beloit, WI, and Eunice (James) Veldhoff of Holland, MI. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Jean (Bob, fiancé) Wilterdink, Daryl (Bonnie) Veldhoff, Mark (Nicole) Veldhoff, Jessica (Jose) Alvarez, and Michael (Stacie) Veldhoff. Great-grandchildren include Ruby Wilterdink, Matthew Proper, Ava Veldhoff and Cooper Veldhoff. Marie is also survived by two brothers, Ivan (Delores) Risseeuw and Phillip (Dona) Risseeuw; one sister, Wilma (Ron) Meyers; sisters-in-law: Lucille Hiemstra and Elma Hiemstra; brother-in-law, Nanno (Alice) Hiemstra; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, David in 1999; sisters: Caroline Logterman, Elma Kruizenga, and baby sister in SD, Berniece Gunnink; brother, Harlin Risseeuw; brothers-in-law: Marion Logterman, Erwin Kruizenga, and Harold Gunnink; and sister-in-law, Janice Risseeuw.
The family extends their sincere thanks for the wonderful care
given to Marie by the loving and compassionate staff
members of Harbor House and Beloit Regional Hospice.
Marie’s funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012, in EMMANUEL REFORMED CHURCH, 319 East Street, CLINTON, with Rev. Clyde Rensink officiating. Friends will be received on Tuesday at the CHURCH from 9:30 a.m. until a family prayer at 10:45 a.m.
Following the service the cortege will proceed to Clinton Cemetery for interment. Memorials may be made to Beloit Regional Hospice and Harbor House, Beloit.
BRIAN MARK Funeral Homes
504 Milwaukee Road, Clinton
362-2000, brianmarkfh.com