Sherry Sytsma

Sherry Sytsma, 76, of Oskaloosa, passed away Friday, May 31, 2024, at the Mahaska Health Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. Sherry Lynn Sytsma, daughter of Joseph Edward and Marjorie Faye (Selby) Nace, was born on October 5, 1947, at her parents' home near Bussey, Iowa. She was a 1965 Twin Cedars High School graduate and, soon after, on September 11, 1965, married the love of her life, Dannie Eugene Sytsma, at the Oskaloosa First Assembly of God Church. In February 1966, they moved to their current home on 15th Avenue East. Initially, Sherry worked at the Continental Overall Factory; she went on to work at Earl May and Holubs, where she learned the love and art of gardening. She never shied away from hard work; she helped Gene with his concrete business and mowed many yards. She opened her home to countless children for over 20 years, babysitting them and loving, feeding, and teaching them. The Sytsma yard was something to be experienced – it was beautiful and produced lots of tasty produce, which was shared generously. She was an excellent cook and baker – her home always smelled of something delicious, and she shared many batches of cookies with friends and family. She collected Precious Moments figures; she loved to have fun; dancing was a favorite pastime, as was listening to Country Western Music. Her family includes Gene, her husband of 59 years; her children, Belinda (Rich) DeGroot of Rose Hill and Daryl (Brenda) Sytsma of Oskaloosa; her eight granddaughters: Nicole (Brandon) Williams of Springhill, TN, Elizabeth DeGroot of Boston, MA, Kelsey DeGroot of Oskaloosa, Sarah (Adam) Lobberecht of University Park, Shelby Pinegar of Oskaloosa, Breann (Kyle) Brown of New Virginia, IA, Faith Systma of Oskaloosa and Rylie Sytsma of Oskaloosa; her ten great-grandchildren: Noah, Elijah, Adalyn, Jacey, Kalliope, Josh, Jamie, Emma, Brinley, and Benjamin; and her brother, Gary (Alice) Nace. In addition to her parents, Sherry was preceded in death by a son, Ronnie; two brothers, Harold and Bill Nace; two sisters, Dorothy Shepherd and Carol Welch; and a half-sister, Nada Ridwell. Funeral Services for Sherry will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel, with Mr. Marty Williams officiating. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., Wednesday; the family will greet visitors from 4-6 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the Mahaska Health Foundation for the Hospice Serenity House.

Sherry Sytsma

October 5, 1947 - May 31, 2024