Obituary for Marian L. Altena

MARIAN ALTENA was born at home near Rock Valley, Iowa to Richard and Cora (Van de Vegte) Postma on April 4, 1930. She enjoyed growing up in a large family. She attended Rock Valley Christian School through the 8th grade, her three older brothers went to the Army so she stayed home to help with the farm work and to care for the younger children. On September 7, 1951, she married a schoolmate, Marvin Altena in Rock Valley, Iowa. They farmed north of Rock Valley a couple years before moving to a farm near Larchwood, Iowa for one year before making their home on a farm near Pipestone, Minnesota in 1957. They continued to farm near Pipestone for 30 years until retiring in 1987. They moved into Pipestone in 2000. After Marvin’s death in March of 2004, Marian continued to live in Pipestone until moving to Edgebrook Care Center in Edgerton, Minnesota on September 4, 2012 where she resided until her death on Wednesday, September 02, 2015 at the age of 85 years, four months and 28 days.

Marian was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Pipestone and considers “How Great Thou Art” her favorite hymn. She played the organ at the Christian Reformed Church for many years. Marian enjoyed playing the piano for family and for over 20 years for the residents at the Good Samaritan Communities of Pipestone. She also attended the Dorcas Ladies Bible Study. Marian had a very caring and compassionate spirit; always putting others first, following Christ’s example. Over the years Marian opened her home to more than 50 children through foster care. Some of her hobbies included crocheting and gardening.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Clare (Chris) Veldhuizen of Edgerton, Minnesota, Evonne (Richard) Kas of Woodstock, Minnesota, Harlan (Ann) Altena of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Rodney Altena of Pipestone; granddaughters, Krista (Ryan) Bos, Melissa (Brad) Prouty, Becky (Brian) Schelhaas, Valerie Kas, Laurie (fiancé Temujin) Altena and Adison Altena; grandsons, Ryan Veldhuizen, C.J. Veldhuizen, Brian Kas, Chris Altena, Scott Altena and Tony (Misty) Nelson; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Carolyn Postma; five brothers, Clarence (Laura) Postma, Donald (Lois) Postma, Richard Postma, Stanley (Sharon) Postma and Robert (Sheryl) Postma; two sisters-in-law, Wilma Altena and Marlene TeSlaa; two brothers-in-law, Dick Altena and Louis Altena. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marvin; four sisters, Henrietta, Margaret, Bonnie and Shirley; and three brothers, Gerrit, Martin and Lawrence.