Elsie Syens

Elsie Syens, age 93 of Randolph, died on Wednesday, February 9, 2011, at Golden Living Center – Continental Manor in Randolph, surrounded by her family.

Elsie was born on May 21, 1917 in the Village of Friesland, a daughter of Louis and Jessie (Bosma) Gaastra. Elsie attended Friesland school and was employed at the canning factory for several years. She was united in marriage to Peter Syens on December 1, 1937 in Friesland. Elsie was a lifelong member of the First Reformed Church of Friesland, and was devoted to this extended family. Attending worship services and other church functions were a highlight for Elsie. She was a Sunday school teacher for many years, and was active in the Missionary Society and other women’s ministries. She was a loving wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma who had a gift of hospitality and loved cooking for her family. Elsie was employed with the Randolph School district as a head cook for twenty-seven years, where she lovingly prepared and proudly served lunch to the students. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and needlepoint, and made many treasured gifts for family and friends.

Elsie is survived by three sons; John and his wife Karen from Fort Atkinson, LaVerne “Sy” and his wife Donna from Stevens Point, and Duane and his wife Beth from Wisconsin Rapids, a son-in-law, Tom Pomraning and his special friend LeAnn Slama, Sun Prairie; nine grandchildren, Ann (Jerry) Quaerna, Peter (Jackey) Syens, Doreen (Rob) Reznicek, Lisa Adams and friend John Kurzynski, Kari (Chris) Colombo, Jeanne (Rajesh “R.D.”) Desai, and Eric (Leigh Ann) Pomraning, Amy (Troy) Moore and Rebecca (Andrew) Barnard; fifteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Clara Kloostra, Randolph; five sisters-in-law, Jean Gaastra, Cambria, Charlotte Gaastra, Friesland, Joan Gaastra, Markesan, Jessie DeVries, and Evelyn (John) Hoffman, both of Randolph; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Peter; her daughter Sheryl Pomraning; her parents; five brothers, William, Peter, Charles, Louis, and Samuel; and three sisters, Rena Dykstra, Dorothy Westra, and Jennie De Jager.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at First Reformed Church, 107 E. Winnebago St. Friesland, with Rev. Rob Ford officiating. Burial will follow in the Friesland Cemetery.

Elsie’s family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of services.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for the Youth Ministry of the First Reformed Church of Friesland.

The family thanks the staff of Continental Manor and AscerCare Hospice for their acts of kindness and loving care to Elsie.