Minnie Roorda was born to Ed and Jennie (Keuning) Den Besten on the family farm near New Holland, South Dakota on December 14, 1918. She was the fifth of eleven children in her family. Minnie attended the New Holland Christian School through the eighth grade; following graduation she assumed more responsibilities to help raise younger brothers and sisters. By the fall of 1936, due to the Great Depression, the family moved to a farm near Otley, Iowa.

Minnie was employed in the Pella Overall Factory until her marriage to Edgar J. Roorda on February 26, 1944. After three years of farming, the couple moved to Pella where Minnie encouraged and supported Edgar in his building business.

Minnie and Edgar were blessed with four children: Eunice, Sandra, Edwin, and Bruce. As a homemaker, Minnie particularly enjoyed baking for her family and others. She also shared her gift of hospitality by hosting many guests in her home.

As a charter member of Trinity Reformed Church, Minnie was active in the Women's Guild and Circles. She was instrumental in designing how meals could be served at the church during Tulip Time.

After nearly 40 years in their home at 909 Lincoln Street, Minnie and Edgar moved to Fair Haven and then to the Pella Manor. They enjoyed traveling and the winters they spent in Texas. While living at the Pella Manor, Minnie ironed for the laundry department of Fair Haven. In her leisure she loved reading books and proudly learned to use the computer to communicate with friends and family.

At the time of her death, Minnie was a resident of Hilltop Manor.

Minnie was preceded in death by her parents, nine siblings, her husband, and a stillborn son Roy Dwane. She is survived by four children: Eunice (Tom) Bollen of Ft. Plain, New York; Sandra (the late Daryl) Van Steenis of Pella; Edwin (Gloria) Roorda of North Chili, New York; and Bruce (Denise) Roorda of Marshalltown; and her sister, Violet (John) Engbers of Rock Valley, Iowa. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren: Jolene (MinSik) Wiggins, Jennifer Bollen, Jeffrey Bollen, Brian Van Steenis, Jana (Bob) Schuring, Teresa (Joel) Miller, Michael (Martha) Roorda, Sarah Roorda, Aaron Roorda, Melanie Roorda, Derek, Roorda, Nicole Roorda, and 10 great-grandchildren.

FUNERAL SERVICE

10:30 A.M., Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Trinity Reformed Church
Pella, Iowa

VISITATION

Beginning at 2:00 P.M., Monday, November 11, 2013
with family present 5:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Garden Chapel Funeral Home
Pella, Iowa

MEMORIALS

Trinity Reformed Church
Hearthstone

FAMILY

Husband: the late Edgar Roorda
Children: Eunice (Thomas) Bollen - Ft. Plain, NY
Sandra (the late Daryl) Van Steenis - Pella, IA
Edwin (Gloria) Roorda - North Chili, NY
Bruce (Denise) Roorda - Marshalltown, IA

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