Marjorie M. Deboer

Marjorie Marie Vanderwerp was born on October 5, 1917, in Corsica, South Dakota, the daughter of Peter and Marie Vanderwerp. She joined her parents in Heaven along with her beloved husband of 59 years, Lee, her brother Henry Vanderwerp and many dear friends and relatives on September 19, 2011. Marj would've celebrated her 94th birthday on October 5th. Marj attended Christian Grade School and graduated from Corsica High School in 1935. She made profession of faith in the Christian Reformed Church in Corsica. She attended Southern State Teacher's College and received her teaching certification. She taught at Corsica Christian School for 4 1/2 years. Marj married O. Lee DeBoer on December 26, 1940. They lived in Greeley, Colorado until Lee finished his Master's Degree and they moved to Springfield in 1941. Marjorie devoted her entire life to Christian ministry. She began playing the organ and piano in church when she was 17 and continued playing for church events and services until just a few years ago. She directed church and youth choirs for over 50 years. She gave piano lessons for many years. She loved to sit and play her Hammond organ at home. She was a lifetime member of Reformed Church Women, held leadership positions at several levels, and attended six Triennials. She led Bible studies for 21 years. Marj also was an active member of the college Faculty Dames and served as a leader in Cub Scouts. She became a member of the Dacota Club in 1948 right after it was started, and was proud to be an Honorary member after her move to Colorado. She enjoyed performing with the Sweet Adelines. In 1976, Marj was a candidate for ""The Outstanding Merit Mother Award"" in South Dakota. Marj accompanied her husband Lee on numerous college travel tours around the country and kept the tour groups going with daily quotes, devotions, and lots of singing. She loved to knit and do embroidery work. She recently resided and was cared for at the Johnson Christian Living Center in Centennial, Colorado. Thankful for having been part of her life are her sons, Don (Marjorie), Bruce (Cy), Dale (Virginia), all of Denver, Colorado, and her daughter Marilyn (Bob) Clauss of Des Moines, Iowa; her grandchildren: Julie, Paul (Beth), Ryan (Courtney), Cory (Emily), Jared, Whitney, and Devin; and six great-grandchildren: Hunter, Tyler, Hannah, Annika, Adam, and Lacey. We Will miss her every day. 'I Said a Prayer for You Today' I said a prayer for you today and know God must have heard; I felt the answer in my heart although He spoke not a word. I didn't ask for wealth or fame (I knew you wouldn't mind); I asked for priceless treasures rare of a more lasting kind. I prayed that He'd be near you at the start of each new day, to grant you health and blessing fair, and friends to share your way. I asked for happiness for you in all things great and small, but that you'd know His loving care I prayed the most of all. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2011 at 1:00 pm, at The Village Chapel at Christian Living Community, 4761 East Costilla Avenue, Centennial, Colorado 80122. Memorial contributions may be made in Marj's name to Emmanuel Reformed Church, 1108 College Street, Springfield, South Dakota 57062, 605.369.5596. Please share your memories of Marj and condolences with her family by signing the guestbook.