Dixie Kay Duinink was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa on April 20, 1949, to Jaybe and Ada (De Haan) Steenhoek, the oldest of their three daughters.  She attended Pella schools and was a 1967 graduate of Pella Community High School.

On July 18, 1967, Dixie married Earl Duinink, at the Third Reformed Church in Pella. They were blessed with two sons, Jesse Lee in 1970, and Jayme Lane in 1975. After living several years in Pella, Earl and Dixie moved their family to an acreage south of town.  After Earl's passing, Dixie moved back to Pella.

Dixie was a faithful partner for many years in her husband's grain trucking business.  When they had to start very early, she would often leave a list of chores for Jesse to finish before she got home.   Dixie worked right alongside of Earl, scooping corn and cleaning out bins.  Those who knew Dixie well said that she could drive truck better than most men and out work many of them.   In the 1970s, she and Earl and their boys spent many summer Saturdays at the Eddyville Dragway where they were in charge of the motorcycle classes.

Dixie was part of 4 generations who have worked at Pella Regional Hospital, including her mother, son Jesse and granddaughter Cortney. Dixie worked for Pella Corp. and, for many years at Pella Printing as well as keeping the detailed records for Oakwood Cemetery.   Dixie enjoyed refinishing wood furniture, and crafting. She also enjoyed sports: pitching for her softball team, bowling, and golf. Dixie always loved attending her kids and grandkids activities.  She loved caring for her horses and dogs.

Dixie passed away at the Pella Comfort House at the age of 76, after a long battle with COPD.

Those left to cherish her memory are her two sons, and their families.

Jesse and Anne Duinink, Pella

Jayme and Stacey Duinink, Pella

Grandchildren:

Brayden Duinink

Courtney (John) Fetty

David Herr

Cullen Smith

Great granddaughter:

Ensly Smith

Of her original family, Dixie leaves two sisters: Bonnie (Kermit) Duin of St. Joseph, Missouri, and Jayni (Galen) Van Wyk of Pella, and in-laws Marilyn Duinink, Glen and Patty Duinink, Carl and Connie Duinink as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Dixie was preceded in death by her husband Earl, parents Jaybe and Ada Steenhoek, and grandsons: Marc Earl, Terry Alvin, and Camden Lee.

Hospice of Pella - Day of Care
Pella IA

Marion County Humane Society
Knoxville IA
Web: http://marioncountyhumane.org