Rhoda Marlene Bosma

A memorial service for Rhoda M. Bosma, age 87 of Lake Park, will be held at 11 am, Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Ocheyedan Christian Reformed Church in Ocheyedan, Iowa.Rhoda passed at her home in Lake Park, surrounded by family on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. 

A lunch and time of fellowship will take place after the service at the church.

Rhoda Marlene was born to Gertrude Frikken on February 3, 1939, in St. Paul, Minnesota. She spent her early childhood in Little Rock, Iowa, when at the age of seven, Gertrude married Arthur Klaassen. Following their marriage, Arthur lovingly adopted Rhoda, and the family moved to a farm near Harris, Iowa. In the years that followed, Rhoda was joined by her sisters Rita, Pamela, and Paulette, and her brother Keith.

On November 30, 1955, Rhoda married her high school sweetheart, Roger Bosma, in Ocheyedan, Iowa. Soon after their wedding, they relocated to Seattle, Washington, where they welcomed daughters Jeri Jean in 1956 and Jacqueline Sue in 1957. Later that year, an opportunity in farming brought them back to Iowa, where their family continued to grow with the births of Jodell Kae in 1960 and Michael Nathan in 1962. Rhoda and Roger shared more than 70 years together — a rare and extraordinary blessing built on enduring love, faith, and devotion.

Farming alongside her husband in Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota was Rhoda’s greatest vocation and joy. Harvest season was her favorite time of year, and for many years she proudly drove the catch cart behind her beloved John Deere 5020 tractor, affectionately named “Sam.” After raising her children, she worked as a house manager at Lakeview Home in Worthington, Minnesota, serving adults with disabilities with compassion and care. Though she held several part-time jobs throughout her life, nothing brought her the same fulfillment as farming.

Rhoda created countless treasured memories and traditions through family travels across the United States in the family’s converted Ford school bus. Minnesota and Wyoming became especially dear to her heart, with many summers and winters spent in Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains. She delighted in exploring God’s creation while camping in her favorite campgrounds with extended family and friends, riding side-by-sides through the mountains, or snowmobiling during the winter months. Evenings were often filled with bonfires, laughter, storytelling, and the simple joy of being together.

A devoted member of Ocheyedan Christian Reformed Church, Rhoda found great joy in serving others. She faithfully helped prepare and serve meals for Vacation Bible School and GEMS, participated in Bible studies and Wednesday morning coffee in town with the ladies, and rarely missed the activities of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren — often traveling hours simply to be present. She gave generously of her time and talents, frequently arriving with homemade pies in hand and a willingness to help wherever needed. She also faithfully supported charitable causes, grandchildren’s fundraisers, and mission work. Annual mission trips to Gary, Mississippi were especially meaningful to her, where she gladly cooked, cleaned, painted, and served in whatever ways were needed.

She is lovingly survived by her husband, Roger; daughters Jeri (Bruce), Jacki, and Jodi; son Mike (Karen); grandchildren Doug Goodell (Dawn), Beth Krummen, Tim Goodell, Stephanie Moeller (Eric), Erica White (Jeff), Jonathan Kilstrom, Kristin Bolda, Thomas Bolda, Rebecca Matthiesen (Chad), Rachel Rambo (Tyler), Katie Pearson (Justin), Matt Bosma (K), Jake Bosma (April), Luke Bosma (Malika Akaberi), and Sam Bosma (Candy Cueva); 20 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Gertrude Klaassen; parents-in-law Pete and Jennie Bosma; son-in-law Steve Bolda; brothers-in-law Fred Ten Napel and Steven Bassett, and sisters-in-law Ellen Bosma, Shirley Ten Napel and Sylvia Bosma.

For much of her life, Rhoda quietly wondered about her origins. Through DNA testing at the age of 86, she learned the name of her birth father, Rex Waye. Though many details remained unknown, simply knowing his name brought her a sense of peace and closure.

Above all else, Rhoda was a woman of unwavering faith in God and deep, abiding love for her family. Through both joy and hardship, she lived a life marked by steadfast strength, quiet perseverance, generosity, and unconditional love — a legacy that will continue to shape generations to come. Her body grew weary, but she fought the good fight with grace and courage.

Jesus Christ said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, yet shall he live.” — John 11:25

Hallelujah!