Bessie Bulthuis

August 6, 2020

Bessie Ellen (Gerdes) Bulthuis was born on September 16, 1923 in Breda, Iowa. She was the daughter of Ralph and Elizabeth (Tebben) Gerdes. Bessie was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith at Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City. Bessie attended country school and then graduated in 1940 from the Clara City High School. On October 16, 1942, Bessie was united in marriage to Elmer Bulthuis at the Bethany Reformed parsonage. The couple made their home in the Clara City area and were blessed with seven children. Bessie loved being a wife and mother, her family was her world. To her, she had the greatest husband in the whole world and her life’s purpose was to walk beside her husband and asking for her Lord’s help. The couple shared over 35 years together before Elmer passed away on February 4, 1977. Bessie then began working at VSC and was there for 26 years. Bessie was always a member of Bethany Reformed Church and was very active. She taught Bible school, Sunday school and Catechism and was active in the Ladies’ Circle. Bessie enjoyed playing cards and was part of many card clubs. She crocheted many blankets thru the years and each grandchild was crocheted their very own afghan. Bessie cherished her family and would treat them with her good chocolate chip cookies and enjoyed listening to each one’s life updates and was known to say “oh no” a few times during the treasured visits. Bessie is survived by her children, Sharon (Arvid) Wieberdink of Willmar, Gary (Judy) Bulthuis of Mankato, Roger (Karen) Bulthuis of Clara City, Norma (Daryll) Olson of Oakdale, Erma (Marlyn) Andresen of Clara City, Jolene (Scott) Steffen of Carver, Terry (Kristie) Bulthuis of Hudson, WI; grandchildren, Byron (Deb) Wieberdink, Dalen (Karen) Wieberdink, Kevin (Belinda) Wieberdink, Brent Wieberdink, Christie Bulthuis, Aaron (Laura) Bulthuis, Melissa Bulthuis, Steven (Andrea) Bulthuis, Kyle (Jeri) Bulthuis, Justin (Omni) Bulthuis, Todd Bulthuis, Jeff (Tina) Olson, Shereen Anderson, Shawn (Kathy) Olson, Colleen (Jeremy) Somnis, Bridget Meyer, Gretchen Jeseritz, Chris (Stacy) Andresen, Jennifer (Sean) Spinks, Michel (Jeff) Rempel, Darci Steffen, Lindsey (Clint) Larson, Brittany (Dustin) Hagen, Ben (Natalie) Chell; 49 great grandchildren; 8 great great grandchildren; brother, James (Emily) Gerdes of Owatonna; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.. Bessie is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Elizabeth Gerdes; husband, Elmer; grandson Derek Elmer Andresen; sister, Ruby Mulder; brother, Elmer Gerdes.