Lavonne (Vonnie) Mae Tiemens was born in the middle of the dust bowl on September 13, 1935, to Herman and Lola Tiemens. She was raised on a farm in Harrison, South Dakota. At a very young age, she began milking cows and helping with farm chores. Vonnie and her younger sister, Minnie attended a one-room school house until she finished 8th grade. She had to quit school to work on the farm because of her dad's health: driving a tractor and milking cows. The work was very hard for a young lady. Vonnie’s dad, Herman, struggled with asthma and emphysema, so they later moved to Denver to improve his health.
Vonnie met Brandt in the Young People’s Society at 2 nd Christian Reformed Church. They married in October of 1955, when Vonnie was 19. The following year, their first daughter, Denise, was born. Then along came two more daughters: Gwen and Betty. Vonnie was very neat; her house was always tidy. It was a toss-up between Vonnie and Brandt who was more organized. Their daughters remember things always being fair. Dinner was promptly at five o’clock each day. Because Vonnie never had the opportunity to play any musical instrument or swim, she made sure the girls were given those opportunities and many more. When the girls were in high school, Vonnie went to work at JC Penny, doing clerical work.
Vonnie was a wonderful hostess; Brandt often called her the “hostess with the mostest." They enjoyed having friends over for meals or playing cards. Vonnie was actively involved in a variety of activities at church: Bible study, Calvinettes, kitchen committee, greeter, and volunteering in the gift shop in the Christian Living Community.
Vonnie was devoted to God, her husband, and her family. The grandchildren loved going to their grandparents’ house. Their Grandma B made the best meals. You knew there would be a great meal and lots of laughter. The grandchildren loved to play cards or games as a family. Vonnie loved her family and her family cherished her.
Vonnie passed away Tuesday May 12, 2020. Her husband Brandt passed away in February of 2019. She was a strong, independent, and lovable wife, mother, grandma, and friend. She will be missed by all. We love you, Grandma B.
Vonnie will be dearly missed by her daughters, Gwen (Don) Lenderink and Betty (Dan) Alsum; son-in-law, Dann (Denise) Van Houw; 8 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Brandt; her daughter, Denise Van Houw; and her sister, Minnie De Vries.
Visitation for Vonnie will take place on Monday, May 18, 2020 from 6pm until 8pm at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary. Due to current County restrictions, no more than 10 guests may be permitted at one time. It is requested that guests remain in their vehicles until invited in by the family to allow proper cleaning and sanitation between guests.
Private family services will be held at Olinger Chapel Hill Cemetery on Tuesday, May 19, 2020.
Please leave a memory or a message of condolence for the family at www.olingerchapelhill.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Talking Bibles International, 419 E. Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025 or www.talkingbibles.org
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