Nicholas Feenstra
June 26, 1947 ~ June 8, 2016
Nicholas John Feenstra age 68 of New Hampton died at home peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, June 8, 2016.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2016, at Temple Baptist Church, 101 “L” Street Charles City with Rev. Adam Whitty presiding. Interment with military honors will be in the New Hampton City Cemetery.
Friends may greet the family 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 10, 2016, at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
Nicholas John Feenstra was born June 26, 1947, in Denver, CO, the son of John and Sophie (Veenendaal) Feenstra. He attended country schools in South Dakota before moving to Cleghorn, IA when he was a sophomore in high school. He graduated from Meriden-Cleghorn Community School in 1967. That fall he attended United Technical Institute in Milwaukee and graduated the following September. Nick enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country spending a year in Vietnam during his four year enlistment. On May 10, 1969, at the Oakdale Evangelical Church near Meriden, IA, he married Barbara Halstrom. The couple met in high school but he never asked her out until after he graduated. Nick and Barb had been married 47 wonderful years. Nick and Barb started farming after he was honorably discharged from the Air Force. They loved animals and raised hogs, farrow to finish, milked cows, fed steers, raised emus, sheep, goats and even a few ducks one year. After Barb started working at the bank they quit raising animals and Nick started doing woodworking. He loved to make wood products, especially toys. He especially loved to spend time with his family. Nick faithfully served his Savior as Deacon at Temple Baptist Church for many years.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Barbara; two sons, John Feenstra, Dan Feenstra, both of New Hampton; one daughter, Elaine (Rev. Jim) Baughman of Pierceton, IN; four grandchildren, Joshua, Christina, Zachariah and Stephanie Baughman; three brothers, Gary (Linda) Feenstra of Glidden, WI, Dwight (Debbie) Feenstra of Guttenberg, IA, Raymond (Liberty) Oklahoma City; six sisters, Gen (Dennis) Wolf of Dubuque, Dorothy Luker of New Hampton, Mary (Larry) Michel of Dubuque, Ruth (Ken) Langel of Galva, IA, Darlene (Burdette Ginger) of Primghar, IA, Linda (Roger) Frangenberg of Paullina, IA; brothers and sisters-in-law, Helen Ames of Meriden, IA, Bonnie Todd of Ida Grove, IA, Mary (Daryl) Sawin of Decorah, Dean (Diane) Halstrom of Meriden, IA; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
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Barb, Esther Jingst told me last Friday of your loss, so I wanted to express my many fond memories of you and Nick, so you know you are not forgotten here at Maranatha Village. We prayed for you Friday in chapel and I attend daily and play the piano two days a week as well as sometimes for church. Maybe you can sell your farm to the boys on contract and move to Maranatha Village with us which is the next best thing to Heaven and of course the nice hot Florida weather. My address is 218 Maranatha Blvd, Sebring, FL 33870. Yours in Him, Lois Dunkerton
Such a nice man. I only met him a couple of times but he was such a gentleman and gave me the impression a good sense of humor would have shone threw had I known him longer. When I called to inquire about renting the house he answered a couple of my questions then said confidently, ‘Let me have you talk to Barb’. My heart goes out to Barb and the rest of the family, I know he will be greatly missed by all. Marti Biliunas
So sorry to hear about Nick’s passing. Brings back memories of laughing and joking on many long days and nights at the Green Valley Dairy long ago. Thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Eldon and Janice Strike
As neighbors, we will miss his wave as he passed by our home. My memory would be when our kids were little, your family invited us into your home to see the emu’s and talked about the lotions and things made from emu’s. We are saddened to hear of his loss.
I remember many wonderful memories of Nick, but there is one that stands out for me. Nick and Barb came to Washington for a visit. It was apple picking time at our farm–we had an orchard. They had never picked apples before, and they decided to help in the harvest. Nick got up on a 10′ ladder straddled it and began picking with both hands–I had never seen an experienced apple picker work as fast as Nick did with his large hands, he soon had his bag full and much quicker than the others. We had so much fun together, Uncle Dick and I was so glad they came to visit us. Nick had a wonderful sense of humor, a love for others and a good heart. There is no doubt that he has been promoted to glory and he is with the LORD! Our family will be keeping Barb and the family in our prayers–just remember he is with the Lord, no greater place to be!
We were so sorry to hear of Nick’s passing. We will always remember his bright smile and friendly laughter. We continue to keep you all in our prayers.
Soo Sorry to hear about Nick. He could be funny but could be serious when needed. Remember he loved his ice cream every night. Hugs to Barb, Elaine, John and Dan. Stay strong. Rest in Peace Nick.
We were so very sorry to hear of Nick’s passing. He was a wonderful and kind man. We always said you couldn’t ask for a better neighbor. We’ll never forget his smile, sense of humor, and definitely his laugh. He will be greatly missed. Roger & Lesa Venem
I will never forget Nicks crazy sense of humor and his big smile and laughter that could light up a room! The only thing bigger was his heart! Barb and family we are praying for you guys. We are so very sorry for his passing!
We were so saddened to hear of Nick’s passing. He was such a wonderful man with such a great heart. He will surely be missed by all. We are thankful that he will no longer be in pain and knowing that he will be watching over us lightens our hearts. We are truly sorry for your loss and wish that we could be there with you during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Glen, Virginia, Jason, Andrea and Tricia Smith
Peggy Brown lit a candle in memory of Nicholas John Feenstra
Elaine, Jim, Josh, Christa, Zach, Steph and Mrs. Feenstra: Sorry for the pain and grief you are having to endure. Thank God Nick did not have to suffer long, but sorry about how much you will miss him being here in this world. It is hard, but know he is relieved of the pain and suffering cancer brings. See you soon. Our hearts and prayers are with your whole family. Mike, Jill and Brooks Newell
Dan and Family-I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers to you all. Dan the little time I got to know your Dad was such a pleasure. I know he will be dearly missed! Dawn Katz
Barb and Family – We send our thoughts, prayers and sympathy to you all. So sorry to hear this news. Nick and Kendra Leibold
To Nick’s entire family: Our thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences go out to you all. Nick was a genuinely kind man and I will always remember his very distinct laugh. He will rest in peace now and may that comfort you in the difficult days ahead. Karen (Bill) Heit & Family
We are so very sorry to hear of Nick’s passing…our hearts are aching…we are so very thankful we stopped by that Saturday afternoon and enjoyed a dish of ice cream and wonderful conversation…Nick was a kind and wonderful man..
Sentiments of Serenity Spray was purchased for the family of Nicholas John Feenstra.
Barb, Elaine, John, and Dan, Our hearts are aching at the sad news. Nick was such a gentle kind-hearted soul, never complained, hard working, and always willing to lend an extra hand in the neighborhood. We have many fond memories that we will cherish. He will be missed by many and remembered for his friendly disposition, his love of life, faith, and family. He was one of a kind. If you need anything, please give us a call. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May Nick rest in peace. Tom and Irene
So sorry to hear about Nick’s passing. I have alot of great memories with the Feenstra’s picking up rocks many summers ago! May God bless you all during this difficult time. Becky (Bill) Zwanziger.