VONKEMAN, Gerda

GERDA VONKEMAN 1937 – 2023 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2 NIV Mrs. Gerda Vonkeman (née Versteeg), beloved wife of the late Andy Vonkeman, peacefully went on to meet her Saviour at the age of 86 years, on June 28, 2023, while she was surrounded by family.
Gerda is survived by her seven children, to whom she was so grateful for their care and support, especially over the past year: Karen (William) Van der Woerd, Ingrid (Ted) Vander Meulen, Barbara Duursma, Andrew Vonkeman (Eileen Hooper), Les (Jeanette) Vonkeman, Sonya Taekema (George Jenkins), and Erica (Chris) Laliberty. Gerda is lovingly remembered by 35ish grandchildren, foster grandchildren, and Sudanese grandchildren along with their parents (“there’s always room for one more”), and 20 great-grandchildren, many of whom fondly remember Sunday afternoon coffee, speculaas (or vanilla slices if it was a special occasion), and the wicker basket of random toys that would be emptied in the middle of the living room and played with while the adults enjoyed conversation including the ever-present “dutch bingo”. She also leaves behind her family in Holland as well as her in-laws in Canada, and numerous nieces & nephews and their families in Canada and Holland.
She was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Andy; her parents Gerrit and Wilhelmina Versteeg of the Netherlands, several sisters and brothers of Canada and the Netherlands, and numerous in-laws.
Gerda was born on May 7th, 1937, in Barneveld, the Netherlands, the middle child of an eventual 11 children. She often shared stories of her family’s World War II experience, her many enjoyable bicycle trips in Holland, and numerous other memories. She took her nursing training in Holland, and immigrated to Canada in 1962, intending to visit and work for one year before returning to Barneveld. God had other plans, and she met Andy through the Iron Springs Christian Reformed Church. Andy and Gerda married in 1963 and raised seven children on their farm in the Iron Springs area. They retired in 2001 and moved to Lethbridge, enjoying their time together until Andy’s passing in 2006. Gerda remained in their home until 2022 when her health worsened, requiring her to move to St. Therese Villa, where she felt very blessed and appreciative of the care, the friendships, and her room with a view of the courtyard. She found joy in the bike rides, visits from dedicated family and friends, time spent with her table mates, and observing the life around her. Faith in her Lord and the assurance of life everlasting were deeply rooted within her. We take great comfort in knowing she is in His hands.
A Memorial Service will be held in Lethbridge on Monday, July 10, 2023, at 11:00 am at a location yet to be determined, with Pastor Paul Van Stralen officiating.
A private family Burial will be held at 9:30 am the same day at Huntsville Cemetery near Iron Springs, where Andy’s earthly body was laid to rest.
Flowers are graciously declined. Those wishing to honour the memory of Gerda may donate to the Society for Christian Education in Southern Alberta (Donations | Society for Christian Education in Southern Alberta).
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.