Eileen Bouwman

EILEEN KATHRYN BOUWMAN was born on May 15, 1922 near Doon, Iowa to Peter and Susanna (Westra) Stallinga. She was raised on a farm near Rock Rapids, Iowa, receiving her education through the 8th grade at a country school in Lyon County. On September 2, 1941, Eileen was united in marriage to Walter Bouwman on her parent’s farm. Following their marriage, they lived and farmed near Lester, Iowa until 1952. They then moved to a farm near Jasper, Minnesota, where they farmed until their retirement in October 1982. Following their retirement they moved to Luverne, Minnesota. In their retirement years, they enjoyed various trips within the United States. On June 15, 2001, Walter passed away at the age of 82. Eileen moved into a twin home in Luverne on September 1, 2005 and then in October of 2011, she moved into assisted living at Poplar Creek in Luverne. Eileen entered Lyon Manor in Rock Rapids, Iowa on November 30, 2015 where she lived until she died peacefully on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at the age of 93 years, eight months and five days.

Eileen lived a faithful life, bringing the Kingdom of God into her home and instilling it into the lives of her children. She was a devoted wife and mother. Eileen was a member of the American Reformed Church in Luverne. She enjoyed being a part of sewing groups in the area. She crocheted coat hangers, enjoyed playing cards with friends and traveling and taking bus trips. Eileen enjoyed cooking and baking, this was one skill that she passed down to her children and grandchildren. Most importantly, Eileen loved the time she was able to spend with her family.

Eileen is lovingly remembered by her children: Wayne (LaVonne) Bouwman of Sioux Falls, SD, John (Janice) Bouwman of Sioux Falls, Douglas (Marcia) Bouwman of North Port, Florida and Patricia (Michael) Nelson of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania; 14 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Lynn Haraldson; and one sister, Wilma Bouwman of Lester, Iowa. She is preceded in death by her husband, Walter; son, Bruce; granddaughter, Christine; grandson, Jon; daughter-in-law, Gloria; one brother, Gerald; and sister, Donna.