Frances Colenbrander ’44 Vermeer

Frances “Fritz” Ruth Vermeer was born July 4, 1922, the daughter of Rev. Henry and Fannie (Kooiker) Colenbrander in Orange City, Iowa. She was raised in Orange City along with her 3 siblings. Education was her calling, so she attended Northwestern College for two years before continuing her education at Hope College in Holland, Michigan for another two years. While attending Northwestern, she met her husband, Arnie. They were united in marriage on June 12, 1946, after Arnie’s honorable discharge from the U.S. Army. After their wedding, they moved back to Iowa where they both taught at Melvin School. Three years later they moved to Sioux Center where Frances continued teaching elementary school. Frances taught elementary school for 33 years and loved working with children. Frances and Arnie were blessed with two children, Linda and Bob.

Frances was a member of New Life Reformed Church in Sioux Center. She enjoyed spending time with family as well as “The Gang” of friends golfing and playing cards. Additionally, she enjoys sewing, baking and attending or watching sporting events.  She and Arnie loved attending IHSAA state basketball playoffs, watching golf and listening to Northwestern College events.   Most importantly was her time with the Lord and her role as a prayer warrior for her entire family.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Linda (Evan) De Boer of Rock Rapids, Iowa, and Bob (Laura) Vermeer of Waterloo, Nebraska; 6 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; as well as extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnie; parents, Henry and Fannie; brothers, Paul and Harold; sister Elizabeth Paekel and great granddaughter, Dylin Vermeer Sears.

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