Jean Neinoord

Jean (Godeke) Nienoord went to her eternal heavenly home on Friday, May 17. She died peacefully in her sleep with family at her bedside.
Jean was born March 19, 1919 to Albert and Grada (Borghuis) Godeke in Pease, MN where she attended 7 years at the local Christian school. At age 14 she was sent to Hollandale to work in homes and for area farmers. There she met Engel “Doc” Nienoord and on November 15, 1940 they were united in marriage. Jean worked for Northern Valley Potato Company where her husband was also employed. On October 9, 1961 her husband passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Jean started interior decorating and began her own business of painting, wallpapering and staining. She worked throughout many homes in the surrounding communities of Albert Lea and Hollandale. She gained multiple friends and also taught her trade to her children, grandchildren and many others. She loved to sing and was an active member of the Ladies Aid and taught Sunday School at the Hollandale Christian Reformed Church which she enjoyed. Her hobbies included cooking, baking, sewing, mending, feeding and watching the birds, gardening, flowers, reading her Bible and participating in the Crossroads Bible Institute prison ministries program. She also thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Engel; brothers Bernard, Gerrit, John, Albert; sisters Gladys Roelefs, Dena Bekius, Lydia Rossendahl.
Survivors include son Roger (Betty) Nienoord (Albert Lea, MN); daughter Eileen (Darrell) Christenson (Albert Lea, MN); brother Bill (Lois) Godeke (Albert Lea, MN); sister Freida DeJong (Artesia, CA); sister-in-law Viola Schweertman (Albert Lea, MN); grandchildren: Brandon (Darla) Nienoord, Melanie Greengo, Lenette (Jason) Baron, Jamie (Rebecca) Christenson, Brent Christenson; 11 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.