Ernest Louwsma
Ernest Louwsma
Ernest Louwsma
September 16, 1933 – December 26, 2014
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 81
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
Ernest Louwsma, 81, of Oskaloosa, died Friday, December 26, 2014, at the MHP Hospital in Oskaloosa. He was born September 16, 1933, in Leighton, Iowa, the son of Cy and Anna Vande Wall Louwsma.
Ernie graduated from Pella Christian High School with the class of 1951. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. On June 29, 1954, he was united in marriage to Marilyn Branderhorst at the First Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa.
Following his discharge from the Army, Ernie returned to Mahaska County to farm. He and Marilyn farmed and raised their family on farms near Eddyville and Rose Hill. In 1986, Ernie retired from farming. He went to work driving a school bus for the Oskaloosa Community School District and continued to do that for 25 years.
Ernie was a long time active member of the First Christian Reformed Church where he served as a deacon and taught Sunday School. He was also a member of the American Legion. Ernie had a strong faith in the Lord. Jesus Christ was the center of his life.
His family includes his wife of over 60 years, Marilyn Louwsma of Oskaloosa; two sons and their wives: Eldon (& Joleen) Louwsma of Fremont, and Leon (& Mary) Louwsma of New Sharon; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren; a sister and her husband, Shirley (& Tony) Bos of Harlington, Texas; sisters and brothers in law: Joan Vos of Sully, Pearl (& Robert) Vos of Sully, Rose (& Larry) Van Woerkom of New Sharon, and Calvin (& Ruth) Branderhorst.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Carroll Louwsma; a great granddaughter, Julia Roberts; two brothers in law: Allen Lee Van Zee and Marvin Vos.
Funeral services will be held Monday, December 29, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. in the First Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend Dale Visser officiating.
A family prayer service will be at 10:15 Monday morning in the fellowship hall of the church.
Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa.
Graveside military rites will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Sunday after 10 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be present from 1-3 to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Oskaloosa Christian School.
