Wilmina "Willy" Dekkers

Rock Valley, IA: Wilmina “Willy” Dekkers, 82, of Rock Valley, Iowa, died Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Whispering Heights of Rock Valley. A funeral service will be held Thursday, February 27, at 2:30 PM at Lebanon Christian Reformed Church of rural Sioux Center, Iowa. The service will be recorded and available for viewing at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHCHTilT0vRgRdPzEuwFPNw. Burial will follow at the Lebanon Christian Reformed Church Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be held Wednesday, February 26, from 5:30-7:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley.

 Memorials can be directed to Hope Haven International Ministries (https://www.hopehaven.org/what-we-do/international-ministries/).

 Wilmina “Willy” Dekkers was born February 12, 1943, to Pete and Grace (Haverhals) Dekkers at Hawarden, Iowa. Willy attended Eagle Township Country School, Lebanon Christian School, Western Christian High School, Dordt College and the University of Nebraska Omaha. She began her teaching career at Sully Christian Elementary School. She taught at Hope Haven and when Area IV began, she became the deaf interpreter for numerous students, interpreting at Rock Valley Christian School, Rock Valley Community School, and Boyden Hull Elementary School. Willy also interpreted for students in wrestling and football, signed for Catechism Classes and church services for many years. She signed for several students’ weddings and funerals.

 Willy traveled the world with her friend, Katie Haan. She went to Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Venezuela, Costa Rica, all over Europe several times, Alaska, and many parts of the USA. Willy was also the family photographer. Her camera went along to all family events. She cherished her nieces and nephews; they were so very special to her. Willy took great pleasure in her flower garden. When she could no longer care for her garden and entered the nursing home, a bouquet of flowers put a smile on her face. 

 Willy passed to her everlasting home on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Whispering Heights in Rock Valley. She was 82 years old.

 Left to cherish her memory are her five brothers, Pete (Dianna) Dekkers, Wayne (Edie) Dekkers, Lloyd (Bonnie) Dekkers, Harry (Pam) Dekkers, and Verlyn (Karel) Dekkers; sister, Toni Jansma; and her beloved nieces and nephews.

 Willy was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Grace Dekkers; two brothers-in-law, Henry Van Grootheest and Andrew Jansma; and nephew, Marlin Van Grootheest.