Hendrine Frances Faber

Rock Valley, IA: Hendrine Faber, 90, of Rock Valley, Iowa, was welcomed to her heavenly home on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Whispering Heights of Rock Valley.

 A celebration of Hendrine’s life will be held Saturday, December 14, at 10:30 AM at Calvin Christian Reformed Church of Rock Valley with Rev. Gideon Wamala officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://calvincrcrv.org/watch-live/. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley. Visitation with the family present will be held Friday, December 13, from 5:30-7:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Hendrine’s name to Sioux Center Health Home Care & Hospice. 

 Hendrine Frances Faber was born on September 15, 1934, in Hull, Iowa, the daughter of Sibolt and Margaret (Miersma) Pollema. Her early years were not without difficulty, as she survived polio as well as other serious illnesses as a young child. She recalled many times their home was tagged as quarantined, a common practice in the 1930s and 1940s. Even after treatments with an iron lung, leg brace, and many chiropractic visits, polio left her body with lifelong physical challenges; but it did not diminish her spirit or determination. Not one to be limited by her circumstances, she attended kindergarten and 1st grade simultaneously and graduated from Hull High School in 1953. Following graduation, she began working as a secretary/bookkeeper at Hull Feed and Produce, a position she held for many years.

 Hendrine was united in marriage to Allan Faber in 1961 in Hull. They began their married life there, attended the First Christian Reformed Church, and were blessed with four children. In 1977, she and Allan stepped out in faith, relocated the family to Rock Valley, Iowa and together began Faber Electric, which later became a part of A & K Electric, with Hendrine contributing her accounting skills; the accounts receivables at that time fit neatly in a 3 x 5 recipe box. As a couple they enjoyed camping, fishing, and traveling. She and Allan were able to spend many pleasant winters in Arizona, where they made special memories and lasting friendships. After 56 years of marriage, Allan passed away in May 2017.

 Hendrine was a member of Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley where she attended ladies Bible study and sang in the church choir for many years. Music, gospel music particularly, continued to give her great joy and peace until her passing. A great day for her would be someone stopping in for a cup of hot coffee or cold pop, with cookies from the top cupboard or Little Debbies fresh from the pantry, sitting with them talking at her dining table and watching the world go by. She also enjoyed riding in a car to almost anywhere, particularly if there was a good bargain or free refills to be had! She also enjoyed reading, doing word puzzles, attending the grandkids’ activities, as well as visiting with friends and neighbors. 

 By far her greatest earthly joy was her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have memories of her toys, special treats like banana bread, and delicious Sunday meals with the famous “grandma ham”. Hendrine will be remembered as a kind, patient, selfless and Godly woman with a servant’s heart. She cared for family members, young and old, with love and devotion.

 Hendrine became a resident of Whispering Heights in January 2019 as the effects of strokes, vision impairment, and dementia progressed. Even as her earthly world became very small; she remained pleasant and content despite her circumstances. Her family is thankful for the kindnesses and many caregivers who made her life richer.

 Left to cherish her memory are her four children, eight grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren; LaValle (Val and Eric) Dooyema of Sioux Center, Iowa; Dustin (Alyssa) Dooyema-Nolan and Emma; Tyler (Elise) Dooyema- Raegan, Jonathan, Tatum, and Leighton; Shelby (Derek) Anderson- Asher and Brady. LaVerne (Vern and Sheri) Faber of Byron Center, Michigan. LaDelle (Dell and Joy) Faber of Rock Valley; Jordan (Haeley) Faber- Avery, Levi and Beau; Jacob (Rachelle) Faber- Morgan, Emmalyn and Kasen. Larry (Jamie) Faber of Gilbert, Arizona; Sarah (Troy) Davelaar- Mason; Sydney Faber; Brent (Aubrie) Faber.

 Other surviving family members include brothers-in-law and spouses, August (Anne) Faber of Jenison Michigan, John Arenz of Cass Lake, Minnesota, and Robert (Clarice) Faber of Parnell, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.

 In addition to her husband, parents, and Allan’s parents, Auke and Anne (Groen) Faber, Hendrine was preceded in death by her best friend and sister, Wilmina, and her husband Richard G. Van Ravenswaay; sister-in-law, Wanda Arenz; and great-grandson, Grayson James Faber.

 While Hendrine will be greatly missed, there is great confidence and joy in her complete healing and eternal life! Blessed be her memory. Well done, good and faithful servant!