Cynthia E. DeBoer

Cynthia Erma DeBoer was born at home on a farm near Leota, Minnesota on December 16, 1931 to William and Hattie (Pool) Van Essen. She was the seventh child born to the family which would later include four girls and seven boys. She lived her entire life in Leota, attending Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church where she was baptized and later made her Profession of Faith. She attended and was a member of this church her entire life.

As a young girl, Cynthia attended Leota Christian School through the eighth grade and went on to complete one year of high school. She wasn’t permitted to keep going because she had to stay home and work. She worked helping many new moms after they had their babies, keeping house and cooking for the families. She always felt the need to get her GED, which she later did through the mail with the American School based out of Chicago, Illinois. As a teenager she was soon noticed by a young man named Nick DeBoer. He did not make a great impression at first because he was continually pulling her scarf from her head. This was not how you show affection to a young lady, but soon she came to realize it was his way of flirting, and a courtship soon began. They were married on July 28, 1950.

Cynthia was first and foremost a homemaker at heart. She cherished family time with her children and siblings. She was active in her church, Christian schools, and the community for many events. She was a faithful attender of the ladies Bible study, high school circles, and many years participated in the annual 4th of July celebration. She loved to sew, helping make banners for the church. She was a great cook, making delicious meals including meals for her diabetic husband. Her and Nick loved to play golf, and they played many hands of pinnacle with family and friends. She enjoyed gardening and could raise beautiful flowers. Her and Nick loved to travel and enjoyed years heading south to Arizona. They helped organize a thrift store in Worthington where proceeds went for Bibles in Kenya. They volunteered many years at the Bible for Missions store.

Cynthia and Nick moved to Edgerton in 2019 to live in a town home. They were blessed with 70 years of marriage in July 2020. Nick passed away six months later on January 2, 2021. Cynthia continued living there until she moved to Edgebrook Estates, in an apartment, then assisted living, and later the care center where she passed away on August 7, 2026 at the age of 94 years, 7 months, and 22 days.

Cynthia is survived by her children, Rod (Marcia) DeBoer of Leota, Minnesota, Wendy (Ron) Krosschell of Chandler, Minnesota, and Jeff DeBoer of Edgerton, Minnesota, and their families; brother, Ivan (Barb) Van Essen; sisters-in-law, Elaine Van Essen and Jeri Van Essen; and brother-in-law, John Beukelman. She was preceded in death by her husband, Nick DeBoer; daughter, Deb Spronk; parents, William and Hattie Van Essen; siblings and in-laws, Margaret (Peter) Vander Lugt, Oscar (Celia) Van Essen, Henry (Betty) Van Essen, Marvin (Vi) Van Essen, Trena (Lance) Van Dyke, Emily Beukelman, Willard (Arlene) Van Essen, Les Van Essen, Glenn Van Essen; brother-in-law, Don (Louisa) DeBoer; and parents-in-law, Peter and Jen DeBoer.

Cynthia & Nick's Beloved Legacy

Rod and Marcia DeBoer, Leota, MN

1. Wendy and Ron Krosschell, Chandler, MN
2.      Stacey and Al Kruisselbrink
3.           Jasmin (Cody) Hanson - Blayne
4.           Maci (Conner) Hazelton - Sutter
5.           Tyson (Sierra) Kruisselbrink - Leighton
6.      Amber and Kyle Vos - Wyatt, Sadie, Jonathon
7.      Justin and Renee Krosschell - Maya, Sienna, Eva
8.      Derek and Erin Krosschell - Jaelyn, Luke, Adley
9. 
   
10. Debra Spronk (Deceased - 2017)
11. Gordon (Robin) Spronk, Sioux Falls, SD
12. Debra and Gordon's Children
13.      Courtney and Tyler Schelhaas - Brody, Ryleigh, Lincoln
14.      Jordan Spronk
15.      Morgan and Jordyn Vogt - River, Madison, Rowan
16. 
    
17. Jeff DeBoer, Edgerton, MN
18.      Nicholas DeBoer
19. 
    

Memorials may be directed to Deb's House (Atlas) or Southwest Minnesota Christian Schools.