Vernon "Vern" Bolkema

Sibley, IA

     Vern Bolkema age 74 of Sibley, IA died Friday, May 3, 2019 at Prairie View Healthcare Center in Tracy, MN.

      A Memorial and Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 PM Wednesday, May 8^th at the First Presbyterian Church in Sibley.  Family invites friends to gather at 1:00 PM at the church for a time of fellowship prior to the service.

     In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.

     Vernon Dale Bolkema was born on October 22, 1944 in Sheldon, IA, the son of Elze’ and Tillie (De Vries) Bolkema.  He grew up in the Sheldon and Archer area and later graduated from Western Christian High School in Hull, IA.  On May 14, 1965, Vern married Nella Koel in Sibley, IA and to this union three daughters were born, Kris, Karen and Nikki.  They were married for twenty-five year and then he married Lois Stratmeier on May 7, 1994 and to this union three step-children were added to his family, Vicki, Ron and Pam.

     Vern worked various places throughout his life selling office equipment, driving truck for Sibley Glass, managed the Sears store in Sibley, drove semi for Mouw Trucking among others, sold Lite-Form and built fireplace cabinets for a time.

     He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sibley.  Vern enjoyed riding his Gold Wing and during that time he was a member of the Northwest Iowa Motorcycle Club. 

     He loved to play golf, garden and go on road trips with his wife Lois to sight-see.  He was very proud of the fact that for all the miles he drove semi he never got a scratch on his truck. 

      Special memories were a trip to Colorado on motorcycle, and spending time outside on the patio.  Vern always was willing to help anyone in need.  He liked making things out of nothing with his hands.  He was always first to help with everything.  He will be remembered for his little sayings.

     Vern is survived by his wife of twenty-five years, Lois Bolkema of Sibley, IA; three daughters, Kris (Bill) Morrison of Ames, IA, Karen (Breck) Wasmund of Sibley, IA and Nikki Van Westen and Brian Hinrichs of Tracy, MN; two step-children, Vicki (Duane) Vande Garde and Ron (Shari) Van Engen all of Sibley, IA; eleven grandchildren and six step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren; one brother, Ervin (Gladys) Bolkema of Sheldon, IA; and other extended family.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brothers, Clarence and John; and step-daughter, Pam Wollmuth.