Geraldean Lucille “Jeri” Niewendorp was born in Elgin, IL on May 16, 1930, to Edmund and Dorthea “Dorothy” (Zickuhr) Bergeman. She spent her youth in Oswego, Batavia and Aurora, IL before moving with her family to Sioux City, IA. There she completed her junior and senior years, graduating from Central High School in 1948.
On November 18, 1949, Jeri was united in marriage to Byron Albert Niewendorp. They lived the major portion of their married life on a farm east of Melvin, IA where they raised their two children, Gregory “Greg” and Christine “Christy”. In 1993, Byron and Jeri retired and moved to the town of Sanborn, IA.
Jeri belonged to the Y-Adnom Women’s Club in Hartley, IA for many years and was also an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hartley. She managed the church library, participated in Ladies Aid, taught Sunday School, and took part in the Sanctuary Choir and Bell Choir. In later years, Jeri learned to play the violin. She found great satisfaction in performing with her instructor at various recitals and wedding ceremonies.
In the years she spent on the farm, Jeri took in all the wonderful things nature has to offer to someone living in the country. She was an avid birdwatcher, found gardening to be a rewarding endeavor, and enjoyed caring for her pets. Yet, nothing was as important as her five grandchildren; they were the highlight of her life. News about their activities or visiting with them were treasured times. Jeri passed from this life on Monday, July 26, 2021, at the age of 91 years. Her place of rest is Roseland Cemetery of Sanborn, Iowa.
Keeping her memory close at heart are her husband of 71 years, Byron of Sanborn, IA; daughter, Christy (Fred) Year of Melvin, IA; grandchildren: Anna (Adam) Hibbing of Paullina, IA, James Year of Syracuse, NY, Emily (Danny) Garcia of Brooklyn, NY, Claire (Burket) Kniveton of Whitefish, MT, and Joseph (Melanie) Niewendorp of Brooklyn Center, MN; three great-grandchildren: Owen Hibbing of Paullina, IA, Arthur Garcia of Brooklyn, NY, and Bjorn Kniveton of Whitefish, MT; one brother, Richard Bergeman of Priest River, ID; nieces and nephews: Edmund Bergeman, Linda Bergeman-Morden, Deborah Bergeman, Maurey Lewis, and Toree Lewis-Hefner; Greg’s former wife, Marley Niewendorp of East Jordan, MI; other family and friends.
Jeri is now in the company of those who have gone before: her son, Greg Niewendorp, who passed away at his farm near Bandy, VA on June 27, 2021; her parents, Edmund and Dorthy Bergeman; sister, Sharon Lewis Scott; sister-in-law, Fanny Bergeman; brothers-in-law: Maurice Lewis and Ken Scott.