Josie Soodsma

Josie Soodsma, age 94 of Randolph, went to her heavenly home “by the grace of God” on September 26, 2008 at Golden Living Center-Continental Manor.

Josie was born in rural Randolph on December 5, 1913, a daughter of Henry and Winnie (Syens) Dykstra. She grew up on farms near East Friesland and as a young lady moved to California where she was united in marriage to Harold Soodsma on March 31, 1936 in Bellflower. Years later they relocated to the Randolph area where Josie helped Harold on their dairy farm. Josie enjoyed all those duties associated with farming as well as tending to her lawn, fruit trees and large vegetable and flower gardens. She was blessed with a large family, and she worked hard at preserving those healthy foods to sustain them. They remained on the farm until 1968 when they retired from farming and moved to the village of Randolph. Josie continued to work hard at area canning factories and also at Rockwell. Following their retirement, they were able to enjoy traveling. Josie enjoyed embroidering and crafted many special items for her friends and family members; also generously donated gifts for the local Christian School auctions. She was an excellent Scrabble player and spent many hours playing with friends and family. The highest priority in Josie’s life was her faith and relationship to her Lord and Savior. She will be remembered as having great faith; always having a song on her lips and a prayer in her heart; and exemplifying to others the importance of a strong faith. Josie was a member of the Second Randolph Christian Reformed Church where she had served in the Ladies Aid and faithfully attended Coffee Break Bible Study.

Josie is survived by two sons, Sidney Soodsma, and Gary Soodsma, both of Waupun; five daughters, Sharon Harmsen; Winky (Jon) Dobbratz; Joanne (Larry) Buwalda; Connie (David) Hopp, all of Waupun; and Gerri (Richard) Buteyn of Brandon; twenty-four grandchildren; forty-one great-grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter;
a sister, Bernice Minnema, of Randolph; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband in1986; her son Henry in September of 2007; a daughter-in-law, Helen Soodsma in 2005; an infant grandson, Justin Buteyn in 1984; five brothers, Lambert, Rink, Peter, William; and three sisters, Jennie Alderden, Jessie Posthuma, and Clara Elgersma.

A Celebration of Josie’s Life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2008 at Second Christian Reformed Church, 332 Tamarack St. of Randolph, with the Rev. Karl Bratt officiating. Burial will follow in the Randolph Cemetery.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of services.

A memorial fund has been established in Josie’s name.