Bernice Marie Bennink was born December 15, 1916, in Cherry Grove, located southeast of Peoria, Iowa, to William and Grace De Jong Van Dusseldorp. She died on Wednesday, November 4, 2009, at the Oskaloosa Care Center at the age of ninety-two.

At a young age Bernice's mother passed away. Later her father married Rachel Kolenbrander. Bernice received her early education at the Summit Grade School near Otley, Iowa.

On January 30, 1941, Bernice was united in marriage with Henry Arie Bennink at the home of her parents near Olivet, Iowa. Bernice and Henry were blessed with three daughters: Joyce, Donna, and Sheila. The family lived on a farm southeast of New Sharon for many years. Bernice enjoyed being a housewife and mother to her daughters. She was a member of the Central Reformed Church in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Bernice is survived by her three daughters: Joyce and Wayne Sopher of Oskaloosa, Iowa, Donna and Robert Zugg of New Sharon, Iowa, and Sheila and Joe Whitfield of Washington, Illinois; five grandchildren: Jason and Pam Brown, Steve and Melanie Sopher, Marla and Scott Williams, Michael Whitfield, and Cheri and Duane Helmick; seven great-grandchildren: Austin Williams, Cody Williams, Kristin and Tim Keegel, Mallory Sopher, Marissa Sopher, and Shea Sopher; and step-great-granddaughter: Shannon Helmick; three brothers: Wilbur, Elmer, and Arlan Van Dusseldorp; and sister: Marjorie Buckrope.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, on August 24, 2009; her parents: Grace De Jong Van Dusseldorp, William Van Dusseldorp, and Rachel Kolenbrander Van Dusseldorp; her parents-in-law: John and Carrie Bennink; and three brothers: Fred Marion, Carl, and Gerald Van Dusseldorp.

FUNERAL SERVICES

10:00 A.M. Saturday, November 7, 2009
Central Reformed Church
Oskaloosa, Iowa

VISITATION

Begins at noon, Friday, November 6, 2009
with family present 6:00 - 8:00 P.M.
Garden Chapel Funeral Home
Pella, Iowa

MEMORIALS

Central Reformed Church
Oskaloosa, Iowa

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