The Hartley Sentinel-The Everly/Royal News - Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties

A funeral service for Irma R. Jacobsma was held Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, at the First Reformed Church in Sanborn, with Pastor Mark Ellens officiating.

Pallbearers were Bruce Jacobsma, Ryan Jacobsma, Greg Jacobsma, Jr., Paul Scaletta, Mitchell Jacobsma, Tyler Winkelman, Wayne Earney, Matt Robins and Mark Schmith. Interment was in Roseland Cemetery at Sanborn. Hartley Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Irma Ruth Jacobsma, daughter of Gerrit and Kate (Van Oort) Post, was born on a farm in Sioux County on Feb. 5, 1934. She was baptized at Grace Reformed Church in Middleburg.

In 1936, Irma moved with her family to a farm in Center Township in O’Brien County. She attended Center No. 2 country school through the eighth grade, being the only student in her grade for all nine years (primary through eighth grade). She then attended Hartley High School in Hartley, graduating in 1952. Following high school, Irma was employed as a telephone operator in Sheldon.

Irma was united in marriage to Marvin Jacobsma on Nov. 5, 1953. They farmed near Hartley for three years before moving to a farm near Everly, where they resided for 10 years. In 1967, the family relocated to a farm near Hartley.

Irma worked beside Marvin throughout all their farming years. She was an avid gardener, freezing and canning the produce she grew. She loved to bake and sew for family and friends. After the children were raised she earned her CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certificate, working at a nursing facility as well as doing home care. She was also an activity director at Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley for over 20 years.

Having been a longtime Iowa Farm Bureau member, Irma had served as O’Brien County Women’s Chairman for many years. She belonged to the Hartley Christian Reformed Church and Sanborn First Reformed Church where she participated in various activities. Irma had a gift for writing and shared her memories in written format entitled “Wanderings of an Old Farm Wife.”

Following Marvin’s death in 2012, Irma remained on the farm and was actively involved in the farming operation with her sons. She became a resident at Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley in the fall of 2022, and in April 2023 resided in the Community Memorial Assisted Living until November of this year.

Irma joined loved ones who had gone before on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023. She is survived by her children: Gregory Jacobsma, of Hartley; Mona (Michael) Scaletta, of Wahpeton; Amber McClintic, of Sheldon; and Mark (Paula) Jacobsma, of Sioux Center; grandchildren: Bruce (Tracy) Jacobsma, Ryan (Becky Jo) Jacobsma, Kristin Sharp (Matt Robins), Greg (Barb) Jacobsma, Jr., Amber (Tyler) Winkelman, Karen (Wayne) Earney, Paul (Shayli) Scaletta, Katie (Mark) Schmith, Carly Jacobsma and Mitchell Jacobsma; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; her brother, John (Evelyn) Post, of Sanborn; one sister, Glenda (Dean) Schroeder, of Hartley; sister-in-law, Penny Post, of Fostoria; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin; her parents; brothers: Harvey (Ann) Post and LeRoy Post; sisters: Gladys (Conrad) Prins and Jeanne (Ronald Geerdes and Marvin Olhausen); a sister in infancy, Beverly Post; and son-in-law, Curtis McClintic.