Bernard Jacobsma

BERNARD JACOBSMA was born on September 24, 1938 to Bert and Hattie (Van Maanen) Jacobsma in Rock Valley, IA. He was raised in Rock Valley and attended Christian school in town. During his childhood, Bernie was a member of the Rock Valley Christian Reformed Church where he was baptized in October of 1938 and made his Profession of Faith in 1962. On January 25, 1961, Bernie was united in marriage to Kathleen Oostra at the Protestant Reformed Church in Hull, IA. The following year, the couple moved to Doon, IA where they lived for four years until 1966, when they relocated to Inwood, IA. In 1974, the family moved to Luverne, MN. Through his work life, Bernie worked as a farmer and in the yard sorting animals at IBP. Bernie and Kathy shared their home together until Monday, June 18, 2018 when Bernie died peacefully under hospice care at the age of 79 years, 8 months, and 24 days.

Bernie was a member of the American Reformed Church in Luverne. He enjoyed attending auctions, which led to his hobby of collecting toys. He spent many hours tinkering with his machinery and tractors and had a knack for repairing almost anything that was broken. Bernie was a hard worker and was willing to give of his time and talents to help those who needed it. Though he wasn’t a man that said, “I love you”, his love was demonstrated in what he did for you. His family meant everything to him. Bernie trusted in the Lord no matter what the circumstances. Faith in God will sustain us.

Bernie is lovingly remembered by his wife, Kathleen; children, Donald (Gail) of Sinai, SD, Darrell (Julie) of Stanchfield, MN, Barbara (Robert) Tilstra of Rock Rapids, IA, Bonita (Michael) Zschetzsche of Sleepy Eye, MN, Brenda (Rodney) Vanden Top of Rock Rapids, IA, David (Jennifer) of Canton, SD, Douglas (Erin) of Luverne, and Dale (Suzy) of Hull, IA; brother, Harold (Glenda) of Luverne; siblings-in-law, Carol Jacobsma, Mary Jacobsma, and Arie (Darlene) Bliek; 14 grandchildren, Meggan and Tyler (Erin) Jacobsma; Nik (Heather), Jordan, and Kailey Jacobsma; Jenna, Jacob, and Joseph Tilstra; Joshua (Heidi), Travis Vanden Top and Kathryn (Chris) Huber; Morgan, Dalton, and Gretchen Jacobsma; step-grandchildren, Aaron Allen, Tim and Taylor Johnson; a great-grandchild, Jace Jacobsma; and two great-step-grandchildren, Axel Johnson and Ava Johnson. He was preceded in death by his son, Dwayne in July of 1979; parents; four sisters, Jennie Groen, Kate Postma, Lucy Bolkema, and Coba Bliek; and three brothers; Peter Jacobsma, Gerrit Jacobsma, and Robert Jacobsma.

Memorials may be directed to the Sanford Luverne Hospice.