Velma Dontje

Velma Dontje, age 90, died Friday, November 5, 2021 at the Beacon Assisted Living in Lake Crystal, MN. She had become a resident there following the death of her husband on January 29, 2019.  Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 11, 2021, at First Reformed Church in Buffalo Center. Visitation will be from 1:00 - 1:30 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Velma Alice Dontje was born on February 20, 1931 in rural Bancroft, the daughter of Anton and Dollie (Abbas) Kardoes. She grew up near Swea City, graduating from Swea City High School.

Velma was united in marriage to Arnold H. Dontje on February 1, 1950 at First Reformed Church in Buffalo Center. Together they farmed near Rake until 1966, and they then moved to Buffalo Center. Velma worked throughout the years in Buffalo Center at the hospital, the nursing home, and at the drug store.

Velma was an artist, making many beautiful paintings and colored pencil sketches. She loved being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed fishing, especially taking fishing trips with her husband and sons. She also enjoyed sewing, gardening, and attending family gatherings. Velma was a member of First Reformed Church in Buffalo Center, being active in the ladies' guild.

She is survived by her two sons, Dennis (Melinda) Dontje of Mankato and Steven (Mary) Dontje of Duluth, MN; her grandchildren, Stephanie (Jeff) Schmeling of Littleton, CO, Tricia McMillan of Plymouth, MN, Anna (Eric Robinson) Dontje of Duluth, MN, Jacob (Libby Polster) Dontje of Eagle Lake, MN, Eric (Hannah Alvar) Dontje of Duluth, MN and Brianna Dontje of Flagstaff, AZ; and her great-grandchildren, Seth Dickinson, Alexa McMillan and Ava Dontje. She is also survived by three brothers, Oliver "Rusty" Kardoes and his wife Lanita of Titonka; Bill Kardoes and his wife Arlene of Grove, OK; Tom (Jenny) Kardoes of Britt; a sister, LaVonne McVey of Tacoma, WA; a sister-in-law, Beverly Kardoes of LaGrange, Georgia; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Richie Dontje; and siblings, Johanna Frerichs, Gary Kardoes, and Frank Kardoes.

Oakcrest Funeral Services in Buffalo Center is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made to www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com