Cornie J. Spoelstra

September 4, 1929 - February 27, 2017

Cornielus “Cornie” Junior Spoelstra, 87, of Oskaloosa, died Monday, February 27, 2017, at Northern Mahaska Specialty Care in Oskaloosa. He was born Wednesday, September 4, 1929, in Peoria, Iowa, the oldest son of Henry and Jacoba “Cobie” Van Hal Spoelstra. Following school, Cornie farmed with his father. In September of 1951, Cornie joined the U.S. Army and served in the 15th Field Artillery Regiment. On February 1, 1952, Cornie was united in marriage to Elner Stouwie at the Central Reformed Church in Oskaloosa. Following his discharge Cornie went to work at Superior Ideal Manufacturing in Oskaloosa as a welder for 23 years. He then worked at Vermeer Manufacturing in Pella as a welder for 22 years until his retirement in 1995. Cornie served as the janitor of Bethel Christian Reformed Church for 35 years and worked as a handy man for Vernie Wells at Wells Apartments in Oskaloosa. Cornie was a member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church and enjoyed reading, camping and bicycling. His life consisted of serving the Lord and enjoying his grandchildren and great grandchildren even though he may not have known their name due to his Alzheimer's. He is survived by his wife of 65 years: Elner Spoelstra of Oskaloosa; two sons: Rodney (& Terri) Spoelstra of Urbandale and Dan (& Donna) Spoelstra of Waterloo; a daughter-in-law: Kimberlee Spoelstra of Oskaloosa; 8 grandchildren; 4 step grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 12 step great grandchildren; two sisters: Shirley (& Melvin) Slagter of Florida and Helen Sergent of Michigan; two brothers: Lester (& Fran) Spoelstra of California and Ron (& Lola) Spoelstra of Pella; and a sister-in-law: Louise Spoelstra of Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son: Gary Spoelstra; a brother: Gerben Spoelstra; and a brother-in-law: Jim Sergent. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 3, 2017, at 1 P.M. in Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend Douglas Vander Pol officiating. There will be a family prayer service at 12:45 Friday afternoon in the fellowship hall of the church. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. Graveside military rites will be provided by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 2, 2017, after 1 P.M. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa and the family will be present at the funeral chapel Thursday from 5 – 7 P.M. to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association.