Alma Jean was born in the tiny town of Taintor, Iowa, to Ray and Johanna Hoksbergen. Even though her beginning was small, during her nearly eight decades of life, her sphere of influence was vast and touched people and nations around the world. She had a carpe diem attitude for the journey of life and often shared fond memories of cruises and trips to Albania, Mexico, Israel, and Italy. When her health began limiting travel, she choose to live victoriously and vicariously through friends and family.

She met the love of her life, Loren Witzenburg while riding around the square, and this unlikely couple got married on December 26, 1958. The two set out on a path that was unconventional for the town of Pella, but was part of God's plan for impacting those they encountered. Loren's heart trusted in her with a secure confidence, and he didn't lack for it; she comforted, prayed for, and encouraged him all the days of her life. He will continue to sing her praises, knowing that many wives have done nobly, and well…but she excelled them all.

Loren and Alma loved their five children who rose up and called her blessed. She doted on her twenty-three grandchildren and when they were at their youngest, she spent time helping out in their homes. As the grandchildren grew older, she and Loren were co-directors for Cousins' Camps, attended games and performances, and also took them out for a specially-tailored 10th birthday celebration. She was determined that every family member was celebrated on their special day…the more celebrations the better.

In spite of meager finances, Alma found creative ways to provide extraordinary food for her household. She relished and savored food (spiritual food too), and loved to experiment to create the most pleasing dishes she could for sometimes picky palates. At a moment's notice, Alma shared her 'Oreo Cookie Hospitality' with anyone — local, national or international.

Like her mother before her, she opened and extended her hand to the poor, and reached out her filled hands to the needy. In her long, elegant script, she wrote thousands of personal notes of encouragement containing Scripture and prayer. Alma was an excellent spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman who loved deep and loved well until her physical heart wore out. She was passionate about knowing God and making Him known.

Alma was a valiant prayer warrior who prayed without ceasing and equipped herself with a spiritual and mental strength for her God-given task. She penned innumerable prayer journals–filled with acronyms of PTL (Praise The Lord) and TYJ (Thank You Jesus) for every answered prayer. Even in her final days, she kept a prayer journal until her hands were too shaky to write, but that didn't keep her from pouring out prayers and blessings for as long as she had breath.

She mentored countless young mothers with her skillful and godly wisdom– prayed for them and their children as if they were her very own. Teaching women of kindness, and giving them counsel and instruction was continuously on her tongue. Alma inspired and influenced children through teaching at a small Christian school, as well as various children's ministries. Everyone she ministered to knew they were her favorite, the most important, in that moment.

Alma was known for her heart-warming smile even during her final earthly days, smiled at the future, knowing that she and her family were prepared. Strength and dignity were her clothing and her position in Christ was strong and secure. She was a woman who feared the Lord [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect] and wanted to make Him known, which resulted in numerous Bible studies, churches and prayer meetings.

As she neared the end of her life, she proclaimed the blessing over her children, "May my ceiling be your floor — take it from here." On June 17th, Alma peacefully left this world and was welcomed with rejoicing into heaven hearing God say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Family
Lynda (Ron) Bateman
Zachariah
JoHanna
Joshua (Jordan)
Aaron
Abigail

Lisa Witzenburg

David (Jayme) Witzenburg
Megan
Logan

Douglas (Loretta) Witzenburg
Gretchen (Dalton) Webster
Connor
Emma

Gregory (Kristen) Witzenburg
Kaylee
Garret
Keagan
Carter
Ashton
Lexi
Kiera
Emma
Karly
Charlotte
Brielle
Elsie
Canaan

Celebration Of Life service

5:30 P.M., Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Federated Fellowship Church
Pella, Iowa
Private family graveside service
prior to celebration of life service

Family

Husband: Loren Witzenburg, Pella
Children:
Lynda and Ron Bateman, Kansas City, Missouri
Lisa Witzenburg, Pella
David and Jayme Witzenburg, Altoona
Doug and Loretta Witzenburg, Sigourney
Greg and Kristen Witzenburg, State Center