Grada De Bruin, the daughter of  Cornelius and Elizabeth (Van Gilst) Kloosterman was born August 20, 1926, near Leighton, Iowa. Later her family moved to Pella. She  began her education at the Black Oak School and finished her formal schooling when she graduated from eighth grade at the Pella Christian School. She made her profession of faith at the Second Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa.

On October 2, 1947, she was united in marriage to Harry Jr. De Bruin at her parents' home in Pella. She became a member of First Christian Reformed Church in Pella at that time. Grada helped her husband on their farm for 40 years. Much of their time was spent fishing together during those years as well. Junior passed away on May 10, 1988, and two years later she moved to Pella. The last five years of her life she was lovingly cared for by the staff of Homestead of Oskaloosa.

Prior to Junior's passing they developed a special friendship with a young couple who had just moved into their neighborhood. Their weekly visits during the last 37 years of her life allowed Grada to experience the joy of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Grada will be remembered for her steady quiet faith, her contentment with life circumstances, and her witty laugh and smile.

Those left to cherish her memory are her brother Elmer (Darlene) Kloosterman of Pella; special family Bruce and Rochelle De Bruin of Leighton, and their children: Laura (Ephraim) Wilfong, Jason (Karissa) De Bruin, Avery, Kaylee, and Ethan, Kayla De Bruin (fiance Daniel), and Andrea De Bruin; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Junior, her parents Cornelius and Elizabeth Kloosterman, her parents-in-law Harry Sr. and Johanna De Bruin, and her sisters and brothers-in-law: Virginia (Henry) Van Kooten, and Pauline (Marvin) Branderhorst.

Grada was 95 years, 10 months, and 11 days of age at the time of her death.

Pella Christian Grade School

Mahaska Health Partnership Hospice Serenity House
630 N 12th St, Oskaloosa IA 52577