Julia Bouma

Funeral services for Julia Bouma of Hancock will be held Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at Hancock Christian Reformed Church in Hancock, MN. Reverend Harrison Newhouse will be officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris and for one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock.

Julia Van Otterloo was born in Walden Township on September 3, 1920; she was the daughter of Leen and Jessie Van Otterloo. She continued to live the majority of her life in the Hancock area. She received her education at District 55, the West Central Agricultural School and Hancock High School, graduating as valedictorian with the class of '39. Following teacher's training in Wheaton, she became a favorite of the students she served in Districts 37, 23 and 53 from 1941 - 1950. Her school programs were a highlight for those who attended.

Julia's faith in Jesus Christ was publicly professed at the Christian Reformed Church in Hancock at a young age. It was there that she served as a Sunday School teacher and participated in Ladies' Society, Couple's Club, Bible Study, and the Banner Committee. Her church family was truly an extension of her own and held a special place in her heart.

It was at the Christian Reformed Church that she was also united in marriage to Raymond Bouma on June 22, 1950. As a couple they farmed near Glenwood, Cyrus, and Hancock. Her hard work was a testimony to her dedication to her marriage and family. In 1971 she began serving as receptionist for Dr. Eide's office in Hancock; from 1977 – 1986 she was employed by the Morris Medical Center in the same capacity.

Since retiring, Julia has continued to bless others with her crocheted doilies, baby blankets, bookmarks, pot holders and embroidered dish towels. She found enjoyment in sending cards to people she knew and loved. She kept her mind sharp by the books of word puzzles that she finished.

In April 2011, she entered West Wind Village and added another "family" to her life. She so appreciated the care she received there. It was from there that she made her passage into eternity on Sunday, April 1, 2012, having reached the age of 91 years.

Julia loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and longed to be at home with Him. She served her family and others well as a devoted wife, mother, grandma, sister and friend. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by those who knew her. Her example of faith and obedience will be a lasting legacy for years to come.

She is survived by three daughters: Judy (Irwin) De Jong of Orange City, IA; Lois (Gary) Strei of Hancock and Bonnie (Dave) Stabnow of Nashville, TN; one son: David (Brenda) Bouma of Hampton, MN; 11 grandchildren: Shelly De Jong, Tom (Amber) De Jong, Sherry (Trent) Johnson, Daniel De Jong, Nathaniel De Jong, Jessica (Chris) Kerrigan, Melissa (Jack) Haynes, Derek (Alysa) Strei, Ryan Bouma, Justin Bouma, and Tristan Bouma; five great-grandchildren: Madison Kerrigan, Jaidyn, Isaac, and Caleb De Jong, and Braden Johnson; two sisters: Helen Wiersma of New Brighton and Jo (Harold) Dykhuizen of Bloomington and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and one sister, Dorothy Ras.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.