Wilma Van'T Hul

WILMA VAN'T HUL was born on October 11, 1923 to Sander (Sam) and Wilhemina (Minnie) De Zeeuw in Maurice, Iowa and grew up on a farm near Rock Valley, Iowa with her family. Wilma eventually met Gerben and the couple was married at her Mom’s home on May 29, 1945, while Gerben was home on a weekend leave from the United States Navy. Gerben was based in California. Wilma and Gerben lived there until his departure for overseas duty. Following his return, the couple lived in Hull, Iowa. Gerben worked as a mechanic before farming with his Dad on a farm by Rock Rapids, IA and Wilma worked as a homemaker to their children and helped in various areas on the farm. Over the next number of years they farmed near Luverne, Minnesota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Edgerton, Minnesota, before finally purchasing a farm south of Leota, Minnesota. Through those years they continued to crop farm as well as work with dairy, hogs, beef cattle and poultry. Wilma and Gerben were blessed with four children and 44 years of marriage.

Gerben passed away in January of 1990 and in November of 1992, Wilma moved to a home in Leota. On May 5, 2011 Wilma moved into the Edgebrook Estates where she resided until she became a resident at the Edgebrook Nursing Home on August 13, 2015. Five days after suffering a stroke, Wilma passed peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at the age of 93 years. She looked forward to the day when she would see her “Daddy” again, who had passed away of cancer when she was only 16 years old.

Wilma was a faithful member of Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church in Leota. Throughout her life Wilma enjoyed tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. She sewed many clothes for her children as they were growing up. She faithfully attended her Women’s Bible study. For 20 years she sold Fuller Brush products and took pleasure in visiting as she stopped by people’s homes with her merchandise. She enjoyed music and often spoke fondly of singing with her siblings as they grew up together. Through the years Wilma enjoyed crafting various yarn projects. Many quick breads and cookies were brought to those in need.

Wilma is lovingly remembered by her children, Sharon Vander Waal of Oostburg, Wisconsin, Roger (Donna) Van’t Hul of Pipestone, Minnesota, Linda (Leland) Vanderaa of Edgerton, and Nancy (Milo) Van Dyke of Leota; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law; and one brother-in-law. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerben; son-in law, Wayne Vander Waal; great-grandson, Riley Bosma; parents, Sander and Wilhemina; brothers, Gilbert and Stanley De Zeeuw; and sisters, Harriet Vugteveen, Alice Stegenga, and Cynthia Feekes; an infant sister; and several much beloved, but miscarried, great-grandchildren.