Irene De Wit

Rock Valley, IA: Irene De Wit, 93, of Rock Valley, died Monday, February 6, 2017 at Hegg Memorial Health Center in Rock Valley. Memorial services will be held Friday, February 10, at 11:00 AM at Calvin Christian Reformed Church of Rock Valley with Rev. Gideon Wamala officiating. Burial will be held prior to the memorial service at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley. Following the memorial service and a luncheon, the family will greet friends during a time of visitation from 1:00-2:00 PM at the church.

Irene (Bajema) De Wit, daughter of Barney and Johanna (Vanden Bosch) Bajema, was born January 3, 1924 in Rock Valley, Iowa. She grew up on a farm west of Rock Valley and graduated from the 8th grade at Rock Valley Christian School. She was united in marriage with John De Wit on August 20, 1948 in Rock Valley. Together the couple lived in Sioux Falls and Colton, South Dakota before returning to Rock Valley in 1968. John died on July 8, 2013.

In addition to raising her children, she babysat for several families in Rock Valley. Irene enjoyed gardening, playing piano, reading, playing games and baking. She volunteered her time for JFA, Meals on Wheels, and playing piano at the nursing home. Irene always enjoyed visiting with family and friends and she had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She spent the last years of her life at Whispering Heights in Rock Valley, where she was lovingly cared for. She was a longtime member of Calvin CRC where she attended Ladies Aid.

Irene is survived by her four children, Jean (Dennis) Calkhoven of Hull, Iowa, Sheri (Loren) Broek of Sioux Center, Iowa, Jay (Donna) De Wit of Hull, and Lori (Vyron) Hoff of Rock Rapids, Iowa; eleven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; sister, Alice Kosters of Rock Valley; brother, Ronald (Evelyn) Bajema of Rock Valley; and two sisters-in-law, Henrietta Bajema of Hills, Minnesota and Helen Bajema of Sioux Falls.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Barney and Johanna; husband, John; brothers, Otto (Marlene), Leonard, Bernie, and Bob Bajema; sisters, Frances (Clarence) Dykstra and Agnes (Marion) Horstman; and brother-in-law, Harold Kosters.

Memorial Service

Visitation