Small Town News

Violet Kamstra

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Violet Kamstra, age 100, of Hendricks, passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at the Hendricks Nursing Home.

Funeral services were held on Monday, September 14, 2009 at 11:00 am at Grace United Methodist Church in Hendricks with Rev. Robert Neff officiating. Visitation was held on Sunday from 5-7 pm at the Hendricks Hospital Chapel with a prayer service at 7 pm. Visitation continued on Monday one hour prior to the service. Burial was in Hendricks City Cemetery. Music was provided by organist, Bonnie Neff and soloist, Bonnie Hofer. Honorary casketbearers were Violet's great grandchildren. Active casketbearers were Scott Thompson, Todd Sagmoe, Jodi Simons, Sherri Citterman, Pete Sagmoe and Cindy Clark. Memorials are preferred to Grace United Methodist Church, Hendricks Hospital or Nursing Home or donor's choice. Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with Birk Funeral Home of Hendricks.

Violet Matilda (Stegner) Kamstra was born June 27, 1909, the daughter of Andrew & Emma (Schmidt) Stegner. She grew up on a farm near Hendricks along with her three brothers & three sisters. She often recalled fondly her days of growing up and working hard on "the home place." Her mom died when she and her twin sister, Verla, were 13 years old. After finishing only an 8th grade education, they stayed home to help and also care for two younger brothers.

Violet married John Kamstra on November 20, 1933 and to this union three children were born, Donald, Sharon, and Ginny. They worked on a farm near Volga, SD when they were first married, but soon moved back to the Hendricks area where they continued to farm until they moved to town in 1976. Violet enjoyed her family, babies and little kids. She loved to have people stop by for coffee and lunch and was known for her caramel rolls and brownies. In her spare time, she loved to crochet, embroider and read until her eyesight failed her. Even with her failing eyesight, she was able to continue to bake and keep her home neat and clean until she moved into the nursing home in May 2006. With God's blessing, Violet was able to observe and enjoy her 100th birthday in June with her family, relatives and friends.

Violet is survived by her son, Donald (Arlys) Kamstra of Seattle, WA; two daughters, Sharon (Orland) Thompson of Alexandria, MN and Ginny Sagmoe of Hendricks; six grandchildren, Cindy (Bruce) Clark of Seattle, WA, Scott (Julie) Thompson of Moorhead, MN, Jodi (Kevin) Simons of Aberdeen, SD, Todd (Jeanette) Sagmoe of Charlotte, NC, Sherri (Nick) Citterman of Hendricks, and Pete (Maribeth) Sagmoe of Lakeville, MN; fifteen great grandchildren; one great great granddaughter; sister-in-law, Dorothy Stegner of Minneapolis, MN and several nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John (1981); three brothers and their wives, Lowell (Esther & Clara) Stegner, Harold (Judy) Stegner, and Vernon Stegner; three sisters and their husbands, Mildred (Clarence) Juenke, Gladys (Ed) Rosenthal, and her twin sister, Verla (Marvin) Dorn. Blessed be her memory.



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© 2009 Ivanhoe Times Ivanhoe, Minnesota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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