Leona Jeanne Eggink

Allendorf, IA

 Leona Jeanne Eggink, age 89 of Allendorf, Iowa died Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

      Burial will be at 9:30 AM at the Baker Township Cemetery near Melvin, IA.  A memorial service will be 10:30 AM, Tuesday, September 19th the First Reformed Church of Melvin, with Rev. Al Honken officiating.

      Visitation will be Monday, September 18th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley.

      For a complete obituary and online registry please visit:  www.jurrensfuneralhome.com

      Leona Jeanne Eggink was born on February 20, 1934, in Orange City, Iowa, Leona was the daughter of John and Henrietta (Muilenberg) Stander.  She grew up in a close-knit community, cherishing the simple joys of life and building lifelong relationships with those around her.

      Leona went to country school outside of Orange City. Growing up, she helped her dad with chores and farming. Leona attended Northwestern College for 2 years and received an Elementary Education teaching degree. She taught 1st Grade in Melvin.    

       She was united in marriage to Charlie Eggink on July 26, 1957, at First Reformed Church in Orange City, IA. They made their home in Allendorf, IA.     

      Leona's nurturing nature led her to become a devoted homemaker, caring deeply for her children and creating a warm and loving atmosphere within her home. Her kindness extended beyond her own family, as she also worked as an aide at the local Middle School. Leona's unwavering commitment to supporting and guiding the younger generation made a lasting impact on the lives she touched.

     Throughout her life, Leona approached each day with grace and a genuine concern for others. With her gentle spirit and compassionate heart, she was able to find joy in the simplest moments, treasuring life's blessings and teaching her children the value of gratitude and resilience. Leona loved to sew.  She also enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, going or watching the Sibley-Ocheyedan sporting events, making quilts for Linus Blanket Project with other women of the church. Leona was a long-time member of the First Reformed Church of Melvin, was involved with Bible study, RCWM, and a 4-H leader for many years.

      Five children, Charlotte (Rich) Rollefson of Sibley, IA, Leroy (Kolette) Eggink of Sibley, IA, Rodney Eggink of Zimmerman, MN, Twila (Kevin) Heemstra of Ocheyedan, IA, Keith (Karin) Eggink of Jackson, MN; twelve grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; sister, Ruth (Stan) De Haan of Orange City; brother, Jack (Norma) Stander of Orange City; two sisters-in-law, Luella Eggink of Sibley, IA and Berdena Ackerman of Minneapolis, MN; and brother-in-law, Henry (Irene) Eggink Littleton, CO.

      She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Henrietta Stander, husband of 61 years, Charlie Eggink; brother-in-law, Harold Eggink; brother-in-law, Curtis Ackerman.