Virginia Mae Overlander, the third daughter of Fred and Ada (Zoeterman) Overlander, was born on March 26, 1936, in Sioux Center, Iowa. Virgie, as she was affectionately known, attended Sioux Center schools from kindergarten through high school. After graduating, she attended Northwestern Junior College in Orange City, Iowa, for two years, where she completed her teacher training.

Virgie and Dick met at the Sieperda skating rink and were married on June 2, 1956, at the Fort Bliss Army Chapel in El Paso, Texas. Their first son, Daniel, was born at the Army hospital on June 28, 1957. Their second son, Steven, was born on March 24, 1959, in Sioux Center.

In 1960, Virgie and Dick moved to Bellflower, California. Two years later, they returned to Iowa and settled on a farm near Inwood. Their third son, Michael, was born on Virgie’s birthday, March 26, 1963, at Canton-Inwood Hospital. The family later moved back to Bellflower, California, where their only daughter, Rachel Ann, was born on January 23, 1967.

Virgie and Dick later purchased an acreage near Sioux Center. Although they had not initially planned to move back to Iowa right away, an employment opportunity arose for Dick, bringing the family back to the Midwest. As a family of sports enthusiasts, they enjoyed being back in Iowa. Sioux Center remained home for most of their years together. In 1993, they moved to Pella to be closer to family.

After retirement, Dick and Virgie treasured their time with SOWERS (Servants On Wheels Ever Ready). Through this ministry, they traveled throughout the United States, helping with various mission projects.

Family and friends will remember Virgie for her love of puzzles, knitting, and being known as the “brownie lady.” Virgie never met a stranger and had a special gift for making friends everywhere she went. Her warm personality and welcoming spirit made people feel like old friends, even if they had just met. She enjoyed writing letters and sending cards, and she was a devoted prayer warrior. She also loved spending time outdoors, whether she was fishing, transplanting flowers, gardening, or camping. She was a steadfast supporter of her family, cheering them on at countless sporting events and musical performances.

Virgie was a member of Liberty Evangelical Free Church, where she was baptized by immersion in August 2021.

Those left to cherish her memory are her three surviving children and their spouses, her daughter-in-law, 12 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren.

Dan and Doreen Kraayenbrink of Pella

   Lindsey and Josh Steenhoek

      Braden, Ellie

   Micah and Emma Kraayenbrink

      Cecilia, Charlie

   Kiley and Andrea Kraayenbrink

      Mila, Peyton, Kinsley

Steve and Deb Kraayenbrink of Pella

   Jessica and Matt Hugg

      Ava, Wyatt, Isabelle, Layla, Ryder

   Heather and Stephen Barnes

      Tyson, Kyla, Taelynn, Koby, Trey, Caidan, Cambrie

   Erin and Patrick Dempsey

      Hadleigh, Theo, Landon

The late Mike Kraayenbrink, survived by his wife, Laurie, of Sibley

   Katlyn and Steven De Vries

      Ada, Ben

   Michelle and Jordan Roddell

      Aria

   Andrew and Lexy Kraayenbrink

      Holly

   Nathan Kraayenbrink

Rachel and Steven Ballenger of Ankeny

   Megan and Jacob Epperson

      Adaline, Isabelle

   Alyssa Ballenger Topalov and Todor Topalov

She is also survived by her brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Alvin and Jeanine Kraayenbrink and Bernice Vander Stouwe.

Virgie is now celebrating in heaven with her beloved husband, Dick; her son, Mike; her grandson, Joshua; her parents and parents-in-law; her sisters, Evelyn and Ruth; and many brothers- and sisters-in-law, all of whom preceded her in death.

Memorials may be given to Liberty Evangelical Free Church and Hospice of Pella.