Ann Feikema

Anna Mae Feikema was born on a farm by Inwood, IA to Cornelius and Martha (Van Tol) Feikema on November 19, 1941. She was the fourth daughter out of a total of six girls and one boy. She was baptized at Inwood CRC on December 7th, 1941. After the service the preacher informed the congregation that Pearl Harbor had been attacked and to go home and listen to their radios for further news. Ann went to country school and started kindergarten at 4 years old. Her and her sisters walked two miles one-way to school. In 2nd grade she started attending Inwood Christian Grade school which her parents were instrumental in starting. Ann helped out on the farm, when her Dad had diphtheria in 1950 Ann was cultivating corn at age 8! Ann attended Western Christian High School in Hull, IA. Graduating in the class of 1959. After high school Ann moved to Chicago, IL and worked for the World Home Bible League for 3 years, she then moved back to NW Iowa and worked at Western Christian High School in the office for four years. She then moved to Colorado and did Accounting work for Hyer Electronics, her boss there moved to California and convinced Ann to move out to San Jose and work for him there, which she did. While there, she attended De Anza College and graduated with a 4.0 GPA in Accounting. After being in California for ten years she moved back to Colorado and was an Accounting Manager for various gas and oil companies. In 2007, Ann retired and moved to Sioux Falls to be closer to family.

From a young age, Ann enjoyed the outdoors and as a kid, their family camped at what is now Newton Hills State Park. If there was an out of the way, off the beaten path place, Ann was wanting to check it out. Living in Colorado provided a lot of camping opportunities with her sister Lori, husband Ron and their sons Todd and Ryan. Going on an Alaskian cruise, a Canadian house boat trip, and a road trip one summer from California to the east coast, up thru Canada and back to California down the west coast. She and 4 of her sister’s traveled to visit a niece studying in Germany with a sidetrip to the Netherlands as well. She got an International Driving Permit for the trip! Ann was always ready for an adventure.

Ann loved to have a garden growing vegetables and having flowers. Bird watching and doing crafts.

Ann was active in various churches her whole life. Her Dad volunteered her to play organ at Inwood CRC at age 13! She only had a month of organ lessons and off she went. She taught Sunday School, sang in choirs and served on committees. Ann was a member of Shalom CRC in Sioux Falls, and attended Coffee Break on Tuesday Mornings. Ann loved her church family, and made friends with a special group of ladies at Shalom. She enjoyed venturing on their lunch trips.

In Ann’s own words, “I have lived a blessed life!”.

Ann lived in her home until she moved to the Dougherty Hospice House on Saturday, January 31, 2026. She passed away there peacefully with her friend Lori Heilman at her side on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at the age of 84 years, 2 months and 19 days.

Ann is survived by her four sisters, Betty Bolkema of Hull, IA, Karolyn Van Engen of Sioux Center, IA, Arlene (Art) Stellenga of Rock Valley, IA and Lori (Ron) Bruxvoort of Erie, CO; a sister-in-law, Roseann Feikema of Luverne, MN; eleven nephews and five nieces. Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Cornelius Sr. and Martha Feikema; sister, Marge Van Surksum; brother, Cornelius Feikema Jr.; brothers-in-laws, John Bolkema, Arn Van Engen, Ken Kelderman, William Van Surksum; niece-in-law, Rachael Feikema; great-nephews, Luke Kelderman and Keith Drey.