Joeldine “Jo” Fennema, 93, of Humboldt, passed away July 9, 2011 at the Humboldt County Memorial Hospital. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home. A private family graveside service will be held at Indian Mound Cemetery on Thursday.
Lois Joeldine Bailey, the daughter of Joel D. and Grace V. Bailey was born on December 23, 1917. At an early age, the family moved to Orange City, Iowa, where she graduated in 1935. She attended Northwestern Junior College and the University of Northern Iowa where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was united in marriage to William Fennema in 1939. She taught thirty-six years in Iowa schools, the last eighteen years being spent in Gilmore City before her retirement in 1979. Following retirement, she and her husband enjoyed twenty years wintering in Mesa, Arizona while continuing to maintain a home in Humboldt. Her interests in reading, needlework, crossword puzzles and bridge provided what she called “brain food.” She was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ, Women’s Fellowship and Chapter #147 Order of the Eastern Star.
Survivors include daughter, Sandi White and husband Wiley of Gilbert, Arizona; Ruth Fennema, wife of son, Don; grandchildren, Cheri Swanson of Pella and Jay (Vivian) Fennema of Flagstaff, AZ; four great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; son Don; grandson, Dirk White; two sisters; and one brother.
The family suggests donations be made to the Humboldt Congregational United Church of Christ, 111 North Taft Street, Humboldt, IA 50548