Donna Mae Rypkema

George, IA 

     Donna Rypkema, age 85, of George, Iowa died Friday, November 27, 2020 at Avera Merrill Pioneer Hospital in Rock Rapids, IA.

     A private family service will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at the Jurrens Funeral Home of George, IA, with Pastor Brian Schafer officiating.

     Burial will follow at the Evergreen Lawn Cemetery in George, IA.

     Public visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 4th at the Jurrens Funeral Home of George.  Family will not be present.

      Memorials may be directed to: Lyon County First Presbyterian Church or a local charity of your choice.

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Donna's Funeral Folder

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     Donna Mae Rypkema was born on June 9, 1935, in Sibley, Iowa, the daughter of William and Anna (Buss) Hassebroek. She grew up on farms near Sibley and Ashton.

     In 1953, Donna graduated from George High School. She was united in marriage to John W. Rypkema on June 4, 1954. To this union, five children were born - Steve, Kathy, Mary, Jacque, and Jim. She and John farmed Southwest of George and were active in the farming neighborhood. There were very few dull moments with 5 kids and a busy farming operation.

     Donna was a life-long learner, and after all her children graduated from high school, Donna was brave enough to enroll in nursing school, graduating in 1986. She worked as an LPN at Rock Rapids Health Care Center. She and John moved to George in 1993. During this time, they enjoyed travelling and were Texas "snowbirds" for many years. Donna was active in Red Hats and cherished the friends made there. She truly missed their monthly outings during this Covid pandemic.

     Donna was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was creative and enjoyed painting, crocheting, quilting, and sewing. She sewed many beautiful outfits for her daughters and sewed gifts for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. More recently, Donna enjoyed sewing pillowcases to give to friends who might need a smile. However, Donna's biggest joy was music. She loved to sing and play the piano. The home was often filled with music. Donna would play piano while her kids would sing and practice for special music on Sunday. Donna still loved to practice playing hymns, especially "How Great Thou Art." Donna was a member of Lyon County First Presbyterian Church in George, where she gave her talents in many areas, including sewing large banners to adorn the church. She was also an active member of the Dorcas Society.

     Donna dearly loved times with her family, with her pea salad being the most popular dish at these gatherings. Donna could also be adventuresome, and her grandchildren have many fond memories that make them smile. She liked to share what she had learned on YouTube and TedTalks.

     She is survived by her husband of 66 years, John; and their children and families, Steven Rypkema of Midlothian, TX and son Egan (Courtney); Mary (Mark) Behrens of George, IA and their children Amanda (Scott), Anthony (Rochelle), and Austin (Holly); Jacqueline (Rod) Nagel of Fayetteville, AR and their daughters Elizabeth and Anna (Travis); and James (Klarice) Rypkema of George and their sons Brad (Ashley), Brian, and Jason (Olivia). Survivors also include 11 great-grandchildren, Kate, Reed, Taylor, Mason, Bentley, Jackson, Cameron, Emmalyn, Amelia, Chloe, and Beckett.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Anna Hassebroek, her daughter, Kathilyn Sue, an infant granddaughter, Lindsey Kay Nagel, her brother Oran and twin­ brother Donald Hassebroek, and her sisters Beatrice Monkemeier and Ethel Augsburger.