Esther Jean Sandholm

NOTICE: Rock Rapids, IA Esther Jean Sandholm, age 88 of Rock Rapids, IA died Saturday, November 26, 2011 at Sanford Hospital in Rock Rapids. Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, November 30th, 2011 at Bethel Reformed Church in Lester, IA with Pastor Donald Baker officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 29th from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM with the family present from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids. Esther Jean Stafford was born in Yuma, Colorado September 25, 1923 to Paul and Leah (Atherton) Stafford. She lived on a farm with her parents and sister Laurine until she was in the third grade. In 1933 the family moved to Iowa where she attended Stennett School. When she was a freshman they moved to another farm where she went to Coburg School where she graduated from high school in 1942. She married Franklyn Sandholm October 30, 1942. Franklyn was in the service at the time. She worded at the Murphy Calendar factory (Red Oak, IA) in the office as a typist. After Franklyn got out of the service, they moved to Red Oak. They moved to Rock Rapids, in 1961. She worked in an Insurance office for a while. Then at Rows Clothing Store. After retiring, she enjoyed several bridge clubs and neighborhood coffees. She belonged American Legion Aux. and VFW Aux. Jean was a member of Bethel Reformed Church in Lester. On January 5, 2010 Jean moved to Lyon Manor in Rock Rapids. This past Saturday, Jean passed away at Sanford Hospital in Rock Rapids at the age of 88. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by four children and their spouses. Eldine (Marsha) Sandholm of Hartford, SD; Jay (Cyndi) Sandholm of Sheldon, IA; Linda (Harold) Meester of Lester, IA; and Sandra (Paul) Wollmuth of Sheldon, IA; Fifteen grandchildren, twenty eight great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; and sister, Laurine Maxwell of Cabool, MO. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Franklyn.