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Funeral services for Frances Hiemstra, 94, of Aurelia will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aurelia, with Pastor Bruce Lesemann officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Aurelia. Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 24 from 3-7 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Aurelia.
Frances died Friday, Nov.17, surrounded by her loved ones, at WEL-Life in Alta. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to WEL-Life of Alta or Hospice. Redig Funeral Home in Aurelia is in charge of arrangements.
Frances Valeta Hiemstra was born at Wakefield, Neb., on May 1, 1929. She was the first-born child of Elsie (Lessmann) and George Roeber of Wakefield. Frances was baptized as an infant and confirmed in 1942 at Immanual Evangelical Lutheran Church of rural Wakefield. She graduated from Emerson Public High School in 1947. Following high school she attended the “National Business School” in Sioux City. After completing the business school program, she worked as a bookkeeper with “Curtis Sash and Door” and “McKesson and Robbins” in Sioux City.
Frances met Lester Hiemstra at a dance in Sioux City, where he won her heart. On Aug. 26, 1951 Frances and Lester were united in marriage and settled near Kingsley to farm. They moved from Kingsley to a farmstead near Marcus in 1953. In 1959 they purchased a farm near Aurelia, where they lived for 45 years. Lester passed away in December 2004. Following Lester’s passing, Frances moved from the farm to Aurelia.
Frances served St. Paul Lutheran Church as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, Ladies Aid and Lutheran Women Missionary League member. She served on church council and various other church committees. She especially enjoyed the Lutheran conventions she was able to attend. Frances was also active with community projects and Cherokee County Women’s Farm Bureau. Frances and Lester enjoyed traveling to visit family, traveling with friends, dancing, golfing and playing cards.
Four children were born to Lester and Frances: Diane (Joe) Weathers, Aurelia; Joan (Grant) Gustafson, Daniel Island, S.C.; Craig (Ann) Hiemstra, Westminster, Colo.; Jill (Jared) Rapp, Moville. Lester and Frances were blessed with nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren: Ryan and Amanda Weathers (Logan, Anna, Lucas, Katelyn, Audrey and Mathew); Jason and Tracy Weathers (Autumn, Madeline and Max); Andrew and Elizabeth Weathers (Josie, Sophia and Vivianna); Trent and Alicia Gustafson (Parker and Isla); Shanna and Dee Mago (Gia and Declan); Gwen and Brooks Campbell (Peyton and Bowen); Kristin Hiemstra and Evan and Ella Hiemstra; Austin Rapp and Peyton Propp; and cherished friend Tammy (Langel) Anderson.
Surviving are her brothers Verlyn and wife Lois Roeber; Eugene Roeber; sister-in-law Janice Roeber; and many loving nephews and nieces.
Preceding her in death was her husband Lester; parents George and Elsie Roeber; parents-in-law Garrett and Pearl Hiemstra; brother Willis Roeber; sisters-in-law, Marlys Roeber and Mary Roeber; brothers-in-law: Orlo Hiemstra and wife Kyeth; Harley Hiemstra and first wife Keith and second wife Laverne; Orville Hiemstra and wife Ethel.
Frances’s Baptismal Verse, “Hold fast which thou hast and I will give you a Crown of Life.” Revelations 3:11-12
