Lorraine Ruth Niemeyer

SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA ~ Lorraine Ruth (Winters) Niemeyer, 77, of Sioux Falls, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 25, 2024, at The Inn on Westport, surrounded by her loving family.

 A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 1, 2024, at First Reformed Church Sioux Falls (4800 S Tomar Rd, Sioux Falls, SD 57108). Following a luncheon, burial will be at Richland Cemetery in Inwood, Iowa. Visitation with the family will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. prior to the funeral at the church. 

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Rock Valley Christian School. The Porter Funeral Home in Inwood, Iowa is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

 Lorraine was born July 10, 1947, the daughter of Louis and Rolena (Driesen) Winters in Hudson, South Dakota. She grew up on a farm northwest of Rock Valley, Iowa. She attended Christian School and graduated from Western Christian High School in 1964. She worked in an overhaul clothing factory for 1 and a half years and then worked as a grocery clerk in Rock Valley.

 On September 3, 1965, Lorraine was united in marriage to Harold Niemeyer in Rock Valley. Together they began a journey that included four years in the Navy, living in San Diego, California, Milford, Tennessee, and Norfolk, Virginia. After Harold’s years in the service, they settled on a farm southeast of Inwood, Iowa, where they raised their 5 children and farmed the land until 1984. Lorraine and Harold then changed the farmland to gardens, founding Jungle Gardens, where they grew flowers and vegetables for 28 years. Lorraine and Harold worked side by side in the fields, greenhouses, and at the farmers markets. They had a loyal following of valued customers that over the years became friends and came to the many locations of farmers markets.

 In retirement, Lorraine and Harold moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, enjoying 9 years traveling and spending time with family and friends before relocating to The Inn on Westport. The couple visited Alaska, Hawaii, Glacier National Park, Mt. St. Helens, Washington, California, Utah, Colorado, New York, Florida, Boston, MA, Nashville, TN, and Branson, MO. Lorraine had many hobbies: they included sewing, gardening, canning, baking, reading, and attending various bible studies. Above all, her grandchildren were the light of her life. She enjoyed watching them grow, attending their school and church events, and winning a game of cards or Wahoo marbles. She also volunteered at Sioux Falls Christian School and the Good Samaritan Society. After moving into memory care, she found joy in playing bingo, coloring, and boxing.

 Lorraine was an active member of the Rock Valley First Reformed Church, Celebrate Church, The Connection, and Arise Church all in Sioux Falls, where she built lasting friendships and shared her faith. Lorraine was known for her love of the Lord, her warm smile, and her ability to make everyone feel special. Her kindness and compassion touched the lives of many. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

 Lorraine was a cherished wife, grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her beloved husband, Harold; 5 children: Laurie Rutledge of Sioux City, Iowa and her family, James Kooima, Christopher (Rachel) Lynch, Skylar, Kayla, and Dakotah Rutledge; Harold Niemeyer, Jr. and special friend Val of Freeman, South Dakota and his family, Haley (Nick) Koel, Tyler, Caleb, and Eli Niemeyer; Christal Van’t Hul and her husband Mike of Rock Valley and their family, Marissa (Logan) Negus, Trevor (Karisa) Van’t Hul, Mitchel (Shelby) Van’t Hul, Trenton and Mason Van’t Hul; Mathew Niemeyer and his wife Megan of Sioux Falls and their family Karter and Aspen Niemeyer; and Michael Niemeyer and his wife Rachel also of Sioux Falls and their family Malachi, Mikayla, and Marcus Niemeyer; also Lorraine and Harold’s siblings and in-laws, Diane De Haan, Lloyd (Norma) Winters, Florence Van Beek, Patricia Niemeyer, Bob (LaVerna) Jacobsma, and Marty (Paul) Niemeyer Antoine.

 Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Rolena; step mother, Gert Winters; parents-in-law, Oepke and Henrietta Niemeyer; brother, Ken Winters; sister-in-law, Johanna Jacobsma; brothers-in-law, Gerrit Niemeyer, Ed (Marilyn) Niemeyer, Bernie Niemeyer, Roger De Haan, and Anthony Van Beek; and grandsons, Andrew Louis and Benjamin Oepke Niemeyer.