Geneva Lucille Wissink

Sibley, IA

     Geneva L. Wissink, age 100, of Sibley, IA passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Heartwood Heights in Sibley.

     A Celebration of Life will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, November 25, 2023, at First Reformed Church in Sibley, Iowa.  Burial will precede the service at the Hope Cemetery in Hull, IA. at 8:45 AM.

     Geneva Lucille Wissink passed away peacefully at Heartwood Heights in Sibley on November 18, 2023, just nine days short of her 101st birthday, surrounded by her four loving children.

Geneva was the daughter of John and Jane (Hymens) Wolfswinkel. The youngest of seven, she was raised on a small dairy farm a mile west of Hull, Iowa. When Geneva was eight, the family moved into Hull where she attended the Christian school and high school. She then worked at the Beehive grocery store for three years before her marriage to Laurence Wissink in May 1941.

The newlyweds moved to Sibley where Laurence bought a cream route to provide for their new life together, and where they would welcome their six children. They became active at First Reformed Church in Sibley. Laurence later owned and operated Farm Equipment Company, which included a Pontiac/Cadillac dealership; then he moved on to ownership of the local bowling alley. When he accepted a job with New Holland Machine Company as a salesman, it led to a promotion, and in 1962 after 21 years in Sibley, the family moved to Ankeny, Iowa.

The Wissinks joined Bethany Reformed Church in Des Moines, where Geneva became involved with Bible study groups, teaching Sunday School, and quilting for charity. They made many friends with whom they loved to play cards and socialize. Geneva and Laurence were league bowlers and later learned to play bridge, which became a lifelong enjoyment for Geneva. She became known among friends and family for her sharp wit, which showed itself until the last day of her life on earth. Geneva took pride in making quilts for each of her kids, and afghans for each grandkid. She was a dedicated homemaker who tirelessly turned out delicious meals and desserts for her family and others, in addition to keeping a spotless home. Her cookies and bars were renowned among her children, eventual sons- and daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.

The family always looked forward to their annual July vacation to Lake Miltona, Minnesota, a tradition spanning decades. Precious memories were formed with fishing, swimming, tubing, waterskiing, and Geneva floating in the waves in an inner tube. As the children married and had their own children, the tradition continued for a few more years. After Laurence retired, he and Geneva enjoyed a number of winters in Texas, Florida, and Arizona.

In March 1990, a devastating tornado blew through Ankeny, destroying their home and most belongings. Laurence was experiencing health problems so the couple made the decision to return to Sibley, close to family, and rejoined First Reformed Church. Geneva was the primary caregiver for Laurence until he passed away in late 1995. She continued to live in the same home for 21 more years, until moving to Heartwood Heights in 2016. She lived out the rest of her life there in amazingly good health, loving the environment and enjoying the camaraderie of the other residents and attentive staff.

Geneva was a devoted, faithful ambassador for Christ, a prayer warrior who shined as an example of grace and contentment to her descendants. Survivors include her children, Lois (John) Van Diepen, Jay (Diane) Wissink, Bonnie (Curt) Welsh, and Pamela (Dennis) Johnson;12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband of 54 years, Geneva was preceded in death by an infant daughter and son, Laura and Monte; her parents; four brothers, Burnie, Hyman, John, and Henry Wolfswinkel; and two sisters, Johanna Van Wyk and Dillie Wolfswinkel.

Memorial gifts may be designated to First Reformed Church of Sibley.

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