Madelon Boersma

A visitation for Madelon was held Monday, August 13, 2012 from 12:00 till 8:00 p.m. with family present 6-8 at Hastings Funeral Home in Perry. Service was 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in Perry. Words of Comfort were provided by Pastor Enna Antunez and Mr. Bill Ridihalgh. Madelon's Honorary Bearers were: Jane & Bill Ridihalgh, Rick Ridihalgh, Lyla Woods, Roy Stetzel, Karen & Bill Liston, Art & Bonnie Bower, Paul & Gerry Daniels, Gale & Beverly Whiton. Casket Bearers: Rick Nelson, Bud Matthews, Gene Sheehy, Mike Wimer, Ardell Meinders, and Scott Stetzel. Gene Dorman and Gail Stech were the Ushers. Madelon's songs were: You Can't Be A Beacon, The Old Rugged Cross, and Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me played by organist Elta Summerson and soloist Steve Parnell. Interment took place at Dallas Township Cemetery in Dawson, Iowa. Following the service at the cemetery was a lunch provided by the United Methodist Church Ladies. Madelon Ione Boersma, daughter of Robert Crews and Maude Black Crews, was born January 8, 1917 at Scranton, Iowa, and died August 10, 2012 at her home in Perry, Iowa. Madelon was 95 years old. When Madelon was two years old her family moved to Dallas County. She attended school in Dawson where she was active in many activities, basketball being an important one. Madelon graduated in 1935 from Dawson High School. She held different jobs, housework being one. She said she felt lucky to be able to work even though she made 50 cents per day. On September 11, 1936 she married Ralph Boersma and they were parents of one son, Jim. Ralph served in the military during WWII. She worked for the Roberts and Newton grocery store in Dawson, Iowa. Madelon moved in a downtown Perry apartment while she worked at JC Penney. Ralph returned after his honorable discharge. Madelon worked for the J.C. Penney for 31 years where she made many wonderful, lifelong friends. Madelon retired in 1979 and lovingly cared for Ralph for ten years. Madelon had belonged to the United Brethren Church. After moving to Perry, she became an active member of the First United Church, enjoying her membership in the United Methodist Women and Sarah Circle. Madelon was a member of Business and Professional Women for several years and volunteered at the Dallas County Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop. She enjoyed fishing and camping trips, often going to Canada with her family. Madelon also enjoyed gardening, crocheting, embroidery work, sewing, and quilting. Madelon dearly loved her family and that love was returned to her over and over. She not only loved her own family, but her love flowed out to friends and many others who considered her "Mom" or "Grandma". She had such a special love for Craig Bower who was like a foster grandson before his death. Madelon indeed had her own "glow" and was a beacon to many. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ralph, her brother Roy Crews and his wife Marie, and her precious pet dog "Lady Bug". Madelon will be lovingly remembered by her son Jim R. Boersma and his wife Karon of Gravois Mills, MO, four grandchildren, Mike Wimer and his wife Cindy also of Gravois Mills, MO; Shari Nelson and her husband Rick of Conway, AR, Lisa Beth Davidson and her husband Michael of Bartlesville, OK, and Sgt. 1st Class James A. Boersma and his wife Aly of Derrider, LA; seven great-grandchildren, her dear cat "Dolly Busy Body" and dear dog "Dolly Dog"; other relatives and many, many friends. www.hastingsfh.com