Sereina Holleman

Sereina Agnes DeWaard Holleman entered this world on February 23, 1929, on the family farm in Hancock County near Kanawha, Iowa. Sereina was the youngest of eight children born to Jacob and Lyda (Vreeman) DeWaard. She was baptized at Wright Christian Reformed Church, Kanawha, Iowa, and later declared her profession of faith at Woden Christian Reformed Church, Woden, Iowa. Sereina attended country school and graduated from Woden High School in 1946. Immediately following graduation, Sereina was asked to teach at the country school in Bingham Township, Iowa. This began a long career in the teaching field in the Woden Public School, Pella Christian School, and Morris-Donnelly Public School. During her tenure as a special education teacher in Morris, Sereina and her students migrated from the Stone School, Donnelly School, Morris Elementary, and Morris High School.

On July 6, 1955, Sereina married the love of her life Abraham Johannes "A.J." Holleman at her home church in Woden. Sereina and A.J. began their married life in Sully, Iowa, where she continued to teach. Soon she switched careers to become a fulltime homemaker and mother to her six children. In 1956, the Hollemans began farming south of Frost, Minnesota. The desire to teach remained in Sereina's blood. She began taking evening classes and in 1969 graduated from Mankato State University. That same year the family moved to their present location east of Hancock where A.J. farmed and Sereina began teaching in Morris. Following retirement in 1994 Sereina enjoyed substitute teaching in area schools. Her favorite days of subbing were when her grandchildren were in the class. A highlight of retirement was the winters that Sereina and A.J. travelled to Arizona, Florida, and California. But Sereina's true love of retirement was being the number one fan for her grandchildren travelling far and wide to attend their events.

Sereina was an active member of the Hancock Christian Reformed Church and the church's Ladies' Aide Society, librarian, education committee, and Sunday school teacher, Morris Teacher Association past president, Stevens County ARC where she served as membership drive chairman, and Special Olympics.

Surrounded by family, Sereina was called from this earthly home to live in the arms of her blessed Savior on November 1, 2010. She lived to the age of 81 years. She will be forever honored by her children: Joyce of Riverside, California; Peter of Hancock; James and Kathryn of Benson; Linda and Keith Nack of Osakis; Allen and Diane of Hawley and Mark and Jodi of Hancock. Those missing their grandma, who loved to cheer them on, are: Molly (John) Kline, Anthony Holleman, Andrew Nack, Aaron Nack, Jacob Holleman, Kaitlyn Holleman, Jordan Holleman, Nathan Holleman, Breanna Holleman, and Taylor Holleman. She also leaves her brother Henry and Josephine DeWaard, Kanawha, Iowa; sisters-in-law: Ruth DeWaard of Woden, Iowa; Lorraine DeWaard of Britt, Iowa; Maria and Gerrit Vermeer of Three Hills, Alberta, Canada; brothers-in-law: Arie Holleman and Johannes and wife Minke Holleman, all of Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends across both Canada and the United States. Sereina was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers Adrian, Manus, Gerrit, Jacob, and a brother in infancy; sister Elsie Miller; brother-in-law John Miller, sisters-in-law Louise, Grace, Wilma DeWaard, and Magda Holleman.

Pallbearers for the service are Sereina's grandchildren. Carol Evink will serve as organist for the service with Gary Strei, Gary Smith, Edgar Ver Steeg and John Ver Steeg providing a vocal quartet. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.