Dennis Bandstra

Dennis Bandstra, 63, of Sioux Center, Iowa formerly of Pella died Thursday, February 4, 2010 at the Sioux Center Community Hospital.

Bandstra was born on December 31, 1946 to Raymond and Grace (Buitenwerf) Bandstra in Oskaloosa, Iowa. His childhood years were spent on farms in Harvey and Otley, Iowa. He received his education through the Pella Christian Schools, graduating in 1964. He attended auctioneering school that provided a lifetime service that he enjoyed. Denny was also a member of the Army Reserves for six years.

On September 15, 1966, Denny was united in marriage with Marla Jean Van Wyk at the Otley Reformed Church. They spent their first 11 years living in the Otley area. In 1977 they moved to Sioux Center becoming members of the First Reformed Church. Together they raised three children: Lora, Debra and Michael.

Denny enjoyed gardening, fishing, going to coffee and Saturday morning breakfasts with friends. He spent many enjoyable hours socializing and entertaining with friends and family, which included trying out new and different dining experiences. He also enjoyed starting new business adventures ranging from farming, fur buying, auctioneering, mini golf… Big Dutch salvage and flipping houses. He always joked he could write a book with all he got involved in! Most importantly he had a heart for providing selfless acts of kindness.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of forty-three years: Marla; three children and their spouses: Lora and Arlin Top of Manson, Iowa, Deb and Todd Schuiteman of Omaha, Nebraska, Michael and Danielle Bandstra of Rock Valley, Iowa. He was a wonderful grandfather to five grandchildren: Kendra, Treyton, Brayden, Haidyn and Jackson. He will also be missed by his sister and brother-in-law, Shary and Ron Branderhorst of Monroe, Iowa; brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Carol Bandstra of Sioux Center; mother-in-law, Johnita Van Wyk of Pella, Iowa; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Stan and Cheryle Van Wyk and Brad and Ro Van Wyk all of Des Moines, Iowa and several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Myron Van Wyk and sister-in-law, Teresa Van Wyk.

Dennis will forever be remembered for his beautiful gardening, sense of humor and story telling. We thank God for giving him to us, and in return we give him back to live in eternal glory with his Heavenly Father.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, February, 6, 2009, at First Reformed Church with Reverend Bob Holtrop officiating.

Arrangements were handled by Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center.

The Bandstra family prefer memorials be directed to Relay for Life of Sioux County. 1571 4th Avenue SE, Sioux Center, Iowa 51250

Condolences may be sent at www.MFHonline.com

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