Esther June Brouwer, age 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 26th, 2024, at The Communities of Wildwood Ranch in Joplin, Missouri, with many family members by her side.
Esther was born on June 17,1934, to Wynand and Catherine (DeYong) Veldhuizen on the family farm by Edgerton, Minnesota. She grew up there and helped on the farm. Her help was much needed, especially after losing her dad when she was 17 and when her brothers left to serve in the military. She started out attending a nearby country school when she was young. She completed her education at the Edgerton Public High School where she graduated on May 29, 1952.
On January 7,1955, she was united in marriage to Gerrit Brouwer. They were blessed with six children. After they were married, they farmed at Woodstock, Minnesota. In 1964 they moved to the family farm at Edgerton, Minnesota, and continued to farm there. In 1976, Esther and Gerrit along with their three youngest children moved from Minnesota to Carthage, Missouri. Esther spent many years operating the Shaklee Sales Business from their home. The business allowed her to travel to many places and make lifelong friendships. She enjoyed developing relationships with her customers and going the extra mile to provide great service to everyone.
She loved spending time with her kids and grandkids and always remembered them with cards on their birthdays. Esther and Gerrit always made family occasions and reunions a special priority. They would often make special trips to take their newlywed grandchildren out for a meal or to help them welcome their newborns into the world.
Esther was actively involved at Christ’s Church of Oronogo where she enjoyed greeting people and handing out bulletins on Sunday mornings. She really enjoyed being a part of the Young at Heart senior group and working with the Stephen Ministry.
Esther is survived by her six children: Vernon (Gloria) Brouwer of Jasper, Minnesota; Linda (Lyle) Anderson of Luverne, Minnesota; Leah (Darrell) VanMeeteren of Luverne, Minnesota; Nancy Carter of Prescott, Arizona; Paul (Julie) Brouwer of Webb City, Missouri; Steve (Cassie) Brouwer of Joplin, Missouri. 20 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren. Two brothers; Melvin Veldhuizen of Loveland, Colorado, and James Veldhuizen of Sioux City, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her husband Gerrit; brother, Wayne Veldhuizen; sister-in-law, Betty Veldhuizen; son-in-law, Archie Brons; and great-grandson, Tripp Postmus.
Visitation with the family will be held at Knell Mortuary in Carthage, MO, on Friday, March 1st, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at Knell Mortuary in Carthage, MO, on Saturday, March 2nd, at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow the service at Fairview Cemetery near Alba, Missouri. Memorial gifts are suggested to KNEO Radio in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
