- Date Of Birth: September 5, 1915
- Date Of Death: June 1, 2011
- State: Iowa
Marie Dieleman was born on September 5, 1915, to Richard and Maggie Duinink Vander Leest in rural Jasper County, Iowa.
Marie was eleven years old when she finished eighth grade. Because she was so young, she was required to repeat the eighth grade for a second time. Her dreams of going to high school were never realized because of the times.
Marie was united in marriage with Daniel E. Dieleman on February 26, 1941, in Pella, Iowa. To this union four children were born: Eileen, Duane, John, and James.
Marie and Dan farmed for many years until they had the opportunity of opening a restaurant. In 1963 they purchased the Central Park Café in Pella. Marie and Dan continued to follow their adventurous spirit which led them to owning a fabric shop, an insurance agency, and managing the Hilltop Manor in Pella. Marie enjoyed working behind the scenes with these various businesses. She also enjoyed quilting and crocheting for her family. She could often be found putting together a puzzle, working a crossword puzzle, or reading in her spare time. Marie, who had a special fondness for babies, loved to spend time with family members of all ages. After retiring in 1981, Marie and Dan wintered in Arizona until deciding to live there year round. There she worked as a hospital volunteer. They returned to Pella in 2001, where they lived at Pella Manor.
Marie went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House at the age of ninety-five, just three weeks after the death of her husband, Dan.
Those left to cherish her memory are: her daughter Eileen and Richard Hiemstra of Pella, and their children Rhonda and Dave Kermode, Russ and Shaun Hiemstra, and Amy Hiemstra and Paul Damien and their families; her son Duane and Sharyl Dieleman of Florence, Arizona, and their children Tom and Linda Dieleman, and Dani Dieleman and their families; her son John and Faye Dieleman of Pella, and their children Angela and Todd Rempe, and Alicia and Rob Bruxvoort and their families; and her son James and Johnna Dieleman of The Villages, Florida, and their children Dawn Dieleman Hillman, Jeff and Ashley Dieleman, Jamie Dieleman and their families.
Marie was preceded in death by her husband Dan on May 10, 2011; parents Richard and Maggie Vander Leest; parents-in-law Daniel D. and Lena Van Baale Dieleman; brother Raymond Vander Leest; sister Grace Van Haaften; grandchildren Dana Marie Dieleman, Larry Dieleman, and Roger Dieleman; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Marie will be remembered for her servant heart, her quiet dignity, and selfless spirit.
