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Gysbertha “Bertha” Ver Meer Brouwer

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Gysbertha “Bertha” Ver Meer Brouwer

Birth	:	27 Mar 1926 Pella, Marion County, Iowa, USA
Death	:	6 Dec 2018 Pella, Marion County, Iowa, USA
Burial	:	Black Oak Cemetery, Mahaska County, USA
Coordinate	:	41.3922005, -92.8542023
Description	:	Gysbertha Ver Meer was born on March 27, 1926, in Pella, Iowa, daughter of A.T. and Jennie (Van Heukelom) VerMeer. She would later be known as Bertha, Berts, Mrs. Brouwer, and ended her days on earth as Bertie to many and as Gramma Great by my grandchildren and as Great Nanny by Jerry’s. I called her Mom. My mom attended Sunday school and catechism classes where she “always aimed to memorize more texts than any other pupil and get the highest honors from my teacher” at First Christian Reformed of Pella, where she made Profession of her Faith in June... Read More	Gysbertha Ver Meer was born on March 27, 1926, in Pella, Iowa, daughter of A.T. and Jennie (Van Heukelom) VerMeer. She would later be known as Bertha, Berts, Mrs. Brouwer, and ended her days on earth as Bertie to many and as Gramma Great by my grandchildren and as Great Nanny by Jerry’s. I called her Mom. My mom attended Sunday school and catechism classes where she “always aimed to memorize more texts than any other pupil and get the highest honors from my teacher” at First Christian Reformed of Pella, where she made Profession of her Faith in June of 1944. Mom was also a member at the Newton Christian Reformed Church in Newton, Iowa and was currently a member of Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella. Most of my mom’s formal education was at Pella Christian Grade and High School, graduating with nine other students in May of 1944. During Mom’s high school days, she was unsure of her future. She considered becoming a secretary or receptionist, a missionary and even (for a brief time) a farmer’s wife. Her family traveled quite a bit where she “witnessed the beauty of God’s creation and His almighty power in governing this universe.” But she also saw “the corruptness of this nation and the people of low morals.” She was confirmed that “something should be done about that matter.” She wasn’t interested in a career where she could only “earn quick money without doing much for the Master’s cause.” So with the aid of a 98 dollar scholarship, she enrolled at Calvin College in September of 1944, with the goal of becoming a teacher. My mom met John William Brouwer in August of 1945 on the merry-go-round at Pella Christian Grade School, and they were married on June 2, 1948. Following their marriage, my parents moved to Battle Creek, Michigan where Dad worked at Kellogg’s and Mom taught school for a year. On September 7, 1951, my brother, Jerry Arlan, was born, and in 1952 they moved to Newton, Iowa where I, Becky Luann, was born on March 30, 1954. Mom and Dad were part of a group of like-minded parents in Newton who desired that their children receive a Christian education. The Newton Christian School opened in August, 1957 and Mom started teaching there and serving as principal from 1958 to 1963. She began teaching in the 3rd and 4th grades at Pella Christian School in 1965, so that she could transport Jerry to Pella Christian High School (along with several other students). When Jerry could drive, my parents became the Newton to Pella Christian bus service providers, sending two 9 passenger station wagons (sporting wood paneling!) to Pella each day. We continued this service until I graduated in 1972, at which time my mom continued the commute, spending the time in planning and praying. Mom began to further her education at William Penn College in Oskaloosa, Iowa, earning her BA Degree in 1979. It was during the years between 1975 and 1987 that her seven grandchildren were born. When Dad retired from Maytag they moved to Pella in 1982, where Mom continued to teach until her retirement in May, 1988. Mom was a school teacher for a total of 33 years, 24 of those spent at Pella Christian Grade School. Her mission statement: “My primary goal is for my pupils to see Christ in me, to realize I am an instrument of His love.” After they had both retired, they were blessed with 17 years of winters spent in Melbourne, Florida, which they thoroughly enjoyed, but due to failing health, they discontinued that in 2005. By then a new chapter in their life was beginning as they became great- grandparents, and our family was blessed with 25 great- grandchildren in 13 years. Nothing brought more joy to my mom’s final years than those precious children who called her “Gramma Great”, along with her special friend, Micah, who called her Gramma Bertie. They were living at Vriendschap Village in Pella, when my dad died on April 16, 2010. Mom then moved to Fair Haven, where she endured a significant stroke shortly before her 89th birthday. Following a couple of months of rehab at Jefferson Place, she became a resident at The Cottages where she lived in Friesland and Zeeland before moving to Noord Holland in January of 2017. It was there in her room, where she had lived for nearly 2 years, that she spent her final days being cared for with great love and compassion, until she passed into glory early Thursday morning, December 6, 2018, at the age of 92 years. Well done, mom, rest in peace. Written by daughter, Becky. Bertha will be remembered by a great number of former students (including her physician Dr. Doug Kanis), her faithful shepherd Lois Van Houweling, friends and staff from The Cottages, and her family: Jerry and Nancy Brouwer of Comstock Park, Michigan Jonathan and Tawni Brouwer Blake and Maylyn Renee and Ken Litscher Jonathan, Gabriel, Hope, and Gideon Becky and Gary Vos of Newton, Iowa Jill and Dan Fynewever Jenna, Josie, Jadyn, and Julia Jayne and Gerrik Schepel Brandon, Andrew, and William Joseph and Renae Vos Elaina, Maggie, and Trevor Jordan and Tara Vos Jonah, Audrey, Reuben, Elise, and Simon Jamison and Stephanie Vos Brooklyn, Hunter, Korie, and Johanna Of Bertha’s original family she is survived by her sister, Ruth and husband Rev. Dick Stravers of Holland, Michigan and brother-in-law, Dale Vos of Pella. Those remaining of her husband, John’s, family are his sister, Henrietta (Bastian) Vander Velden of Newton, Iowa, his brother, Bill Brouwer and wife, La Vonne of Melbourne, Florida, and sisters-in-law, Lois (Garrett) Brouwer of Alma, Arkansas and Darlene (Allan) Brouwer of Prairie City, Iowa. Bertha was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Brouwer; her parents, A.T. and Jennie VerMeer; her brother, Rev. Wilbur (Bud) VerMeer and his wife, Helene; her sister, Ednabel Vos; and her parents-in-law, John William and Aleida (Vande Vis) Brouwer. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 10, 2018 at 10:00 am, Calvary Christian Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa. Interment will follow in the Black Oak Twp. Cemetery near Pella, Iowa. Visitation will be all day Sunday at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home where the family will be present Sunday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested for Pella Christian Grade School.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Gysbertha “Bertha” Ver Meer Brouwer's memorial?
Gysbertha “Bertha” Ver Meer Brouwer's memorial is located at: Black Oak Cemetery, Mahaska County, USA.
When did Gysbertha “Bertha” Ver Meer Brouwer death?
Gysbertha “Bertha” Ver Meer Brouwer death on 6 Dec 2018 in Pella, Marion County, Iowa, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Gysbertha “Bertha” Ver Meer Brouwer's memorial?
Latitude: 41.3922005
Longitude: -92.8542023

Family Members:

Parent

Albert T. “A. T.” VerMeer

(1895 - 1981)

Jennie Van Heukelom VerMeer

(1902 - 1989)

Spouse

John W. Brouwer

(1927 - 2010)

Siblings

Ednabel “Bel” Ver Meer Vos

(1933 - 2018)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Black Oak Cemetery
Mahaska County, USA
Coordinate: 41.3922005, -92.8542023

2. Porter Grove Cemetery
Harvey, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 41.3502998, -92.8764038

3. Howard Cemetery
Leighton, Mahaska County, USA
Coordinate: 41.3400000, -92.8612000

4. Graceland Cemetery
Pella, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 41.4300003, -92.9103012

5. Centennial Cemetery
Mahaska County, USA
Coordinate: 41.3857994, -92.7771988

6. Oak Wood Cemetery
Pella, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 41.4096870, -92.9282000

7. Evergreen Cemetery
Leighton, Mahaska County, USA
Coordinate: 41.3572006, -92.7881012

8. Saint Marys Cemetery
Pella, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 41.4336014, -92.9158020

9. Vierson Cemetery
Pella, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 41.4235090, -92.9387260

10. Appel Cemetery
Mahaska County, USA
Coordinate: 41.4474983, -92.7861023

11. Peoria Cemetery
Peoria, Mahaska County, USA
Coordinate: 41.4620018, -92.8040009

12. Parsons Cemetery
Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 41.3136300, -92.8707470

13. Olivet Cemetery
Leighton, Mahaska County, USA
Coordinate: 41.3147011, -92.8238983

14. Timber Ridge Cemetery
Pella, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 41.3781400, -92.9672340

15. Buwalda Cemetery
Pella, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 41.4450000, -92.9485500

16. Welle Farm Cemetery
Pella, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 41.4258000, -92.9644500

17. Sandridge Cemetery
Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 41.4831009, -92.8897018

18. Eureka Cemetery
Durham, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 41.3274994, -92.9480972

19. t'Lam Cemetery
Pella, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 41.3849983, -92.9816971

20. Mitchell Cemetery
Lacey, Mahaska County, USA
Coordinate: 41.3918000, -92.7223500

21. Gregory Cemetery
Tracy, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 41.2910770, -92.8815070

22. Klein Cemetery
Pella, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 41.4199000, -92.9907000

23. Butler Cemetery
Leighton, Mahaska County, USA
Coordinate: 41.3100014, -92.7643967

24. Baldwin Cemetery
Mahaska County, USA
Coordinate: 41.4831009, -92.7761002