Velma Fern Boonstra

Velma Fern Boonstra, the daughter of Cornelius and Ann (Mouw) VanDriel was born May 2, 1928 in Orange City, IA. Her childhood years were spent in Orange City where she attended school and graduated from Orange City High School in 1945. She then attended Northwester Jr. College and graduated with a teaching degree in 1947.

Velma married Norman Boonstra on July 25, 1947 at First Reformed Church in Orange City. She taught kindergarten in Alton, IA and then 1st grade in Orange City, before becoming the magistrate Court Clerk for Sioux County until her retirement in 1987. They moved to Spencer, IA in 2012 and wintered in Arizona.

Velma enjoyed crafting, stamping cards, and camping, and was also involved in the Orange City Tulip Festival, volunteering at the Northwestern College Theatre, Christian Women’s Circle, and Library Board. She was also a member of the Reformed Church in Spencer. She and Norman enjoyed traveling at home and abroad.

Velma passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Home at the age of 97. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her son, Daniel; and her brother Donald.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Julie (Jim) Hill of Spencer, IA; her daughter-in-law, Patti Boonstra of Johnston, IA; her brother Bob (Dee) VanDriel of Hudson, WI; 5 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends. Grandma and ‘GG’ will be missed deeply.