Wilma Van Heerde Frease, 81, Venice, Florida, formerly of Luverne, died Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at the Venice Area Regional Hospital in Venice.
A funeral service was Saturday, Aug. 6, at the American Reformed Church in Luverne. A private burial of cremains will be at a later date.
Wilma Grootwassink was born July 26, 1935, to Benjamin and Geraldine (Vree) Grootwassink at their home in Nobles County. She attended school at Leota Christian and later attended Nettleton Business School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Wilma married Alvin Van Heerde on Oct. 15, 1954, in Leota. After their marriage they farmed near Baltic, South Dakota. They moved to a farm in rural Kenneth where they farmed for ten years. In 1973 they moved to Luverne where she worked for Dr. Verland Johnson as a receptionist and dental assistant. She also worked as a massage therapist at the chiropractor’s office. Her husband, Alvin, died in 1994.
Wilma married Richard Frease in 1999. He was diagnosed with cancer and died two years later. Wilma retired at the age of 62 and enjoyed winters in Florida. This spring she decided to stay in Florida.
Wilma was a member of the American Reformed Church in Luverne. She enjoyed crafts, sewing, quilting, gardening, flowers, and spending time with her family and friends.
She is survived by three children, Deb Van Heerde, Luverne, Dr. Darla Van Heerde, Duluth, and Doug Van Heerde, Hager City, Wisconsin; three grandchildren, Rika Snyder, Jennifer Preston and Will French; three great-grandchildren; William and Weston French and Logan Preston; three brothers, Art Grootwassink, Edgerton, Bernie (Leah) Grootwassink, Venice, Florida, and Bob (Joan) Grootwassink, Eden Prairie; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, a grandson, Ben Snyder, and a brother, Louie Grootwassink.
Arrangements were by Dingmann Funeral Home of Luverne, www.dingmannandsons.com.
(0811 F)