Gerdena Mae Van Hemert was born in Jasper County on June 21, 1927, to Ed C. and Gertie (De Penning) Van Hemert. She was raised in the Otley area where she attended school through the eighth grade. She married Forrest Roorda on December 16, 1948, at her mother's home. Forrest and Gerdena were members of Otley Reformed Church where she was active with many of the church's organizations. She participated in the Girls League, Banner Bearers Circle, Dorcas Circle, Sunday School, and the church choir. Gerdena was also a Campfire Girls Leader. Gerdena enjoyed sewing and baking, especially bread. Gerdena is survived by her husband Forrest, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild, her sister Verna (Merlin) Van Dyk of Pella, and her sisters-in-law Nellie Van Hemert of Waverly and Shirley (Walt) Ward of Pella. Family: Gloria and Ken Van Zee, Pella Steve and Tiff Van Zee Caleb, Ethan, Anna, Tori Van Zee Teresa and Travis Thompson Courtney, Candace Thompson Tim and Sara Van Zee BreElle, Reese, Zach, Sarae, Albear Van Zee Marcia and Ron Schut, Pella Jeff and Beth Schut Austan, Kjierstan and Weston Witzenburg (and son Jamesan), Josalan, Paytan,Lauran, Londan, Calvan Schut Rodney and Emily Schut Morgan, Addy, Niko Schut Doug and Ruth Roorda, Lake Ozark, Missouri Adam Roorda Ashley Roorda Jan and Dave Erickson, Pella Jonathan and Justine Erickson Kyle Erickson Amanda Erickson and fiancAC. Brandon Simon Barb and Craig Maasdam, Sully Curtis Maasdam Monica and David Nikkel Katelyn, Alivia, Colton Nikkel Shelby and Drew Shinkle Darel Roorda Gerdena was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers: Elmer and Ray Van Hemert. She will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.

Memorial Service

Private family burial will occur prior to the service
10:30 AM, Friday, September 11, 2015
Otley Reformed Church
Otley, Iowa

Visitation

12:00 PM, Thursday, September 10, 2015
Family present 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Garden Chapel Funeral Home
Pella, Iowa

Memorials

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Otley Reformed Church or Wesley Life Hospice Care