Raymond J. Donkersloot

RAYMOND JOHN DONKERSLOOT was born March 1, 1920 to John and Johanna (Rutgers) Donkersloot on the family farm near Sheldon, Iowa. He was raised on the family farm and attended school through the eighth grade. Following his education, he continued to help on the farm. During the summer of 1942, he met his future bride, Alyda Kraayenbrink. On September 3, 1942, Raymond was drafted into the military where he served in WWII with the Army 5th Air Corp and was later decorated with the American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on January 7, 1946 and returned home to Iowa and to Alyda. On February 21, 1947 the couple was united in marriage at the Second Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center, Iowa. They made their home on a farm near Bigelow, Minnesota where they farmed side-by-side. In 1962, they moved to a farm north of Beaver Creek, Minnesota and continued to care for the land and their animals until their retirement in 1994. The couple then moved to Luverne, Minnesota where they built a home. In December of 2005, the couple moved to Bethany Meadows in Brandon, South Dakota. Alyda preceded Raymond in death on October 22, 2007. Raymond continued living at Bethany Meadows and in September of 2012 transitioned to the Bethany Home in Brandon where he died on October 31, 2013 at the age of 93 years, 7 months, and 30 days.

Raymond was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Luverne, where he was active as an elder and a deacon. He was a member of the Hills Christian School Board and also the Rock County Rural Water Board. Raymond enjoyed farming, fishing, and traveling. He was a man who knew how to work hard and took pride in his work. Above all, Raymond loved his family. He especially enjoyed the times he was able to take his grandchildren out to Blue Mound State Park to go camping.

Raymond is lovingly remembered by his children, Patty Bertrand and her husband Nick of Brandon, South Dakota, Dennis Donkersloot and his wife Lisa of Pierre, South Dakota, and Allen Donkersloot and his wife Deb of Brandon, South Dakota; eight grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; four siblings, Gert Donkersloot of Sheldon, Iowa, Till Alons and her husband Dan of Sanborn, Iowa, Albert Donkersloot and his wife Marie of Worthington, Minnesota, and Marvin Donkersloot and his wife Luann of Sheldon, Iowa; and other family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Alyda; parents; great-grandson, Trevor Ray Donkersloot; and two siblings, Hank Donkersloot and Gladys Elgersma.