Bernadette Catherine Dekker

Bernadette Catherine (May) Dekker was born on November 27, 1918 in Ashton, IA, the daughter of Servatzuis and Mary (Johannes) May. Bernadette grew up in Ashton, and attended and graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School. She then went on to Iowa State Normal School for one year in Cedar Falls, IA. She taught kindergarten through the 8th grade for three years, one year in Holman Township and two years in Gilman Township. On February 24, 1941, she was united in marriage to William Dekker at St. Marys Catholic Church in Ashton, IA. The couple farmed north of Sibley, where she resided for sixty-eight years. Bernadette was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church in Sibley, where she served as a member of St. Andrews Womens Guild. She also was a 4-H leader for many years. Bernadette enjoyed gardening, sewing, fishing and was famous for her strawberry jam. She enjoyed playing cards each Sunday with her brother and sister-in-law. Bernadette was the matriarch of her family and was adored by all. She will be remembered as a loving and caring wife, mom, grandma and great-grandma; as well as a wonderful sister, aunt, neighbor and friend. She will be deeply missed. She is survived by three children, William Jr. (Maribeth) Dekker of Savage, MN, Kathryn Dykstra of Colorado Springs, CO and Janet (Michael) Steele of Fairbury, NE; ten grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren; one brother, John (Faye) May of Sibley, IA; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Dekker; daughter, Eileen Duin; two brothers; two sisters; one grandchild and one great-grandchild. Blessed be her memory.