The De Joode Reunion

 

Willie, Dick, Helen, Norma, Trudy, Carolyn, Phyllis and Ron

Front Row:  Mom Orpha, Barb, Bev, Don, Marian and Dad (Arthur)

 

The De Joode Family reunion started in 1961 with all siblings in the picture above.  Due to illness and death in the family, two years were cancelled, but in 2013 the De Joode reunion took place in Prairie City, Iowa at the Community Park Building.  This was our 50th reunion.  Out of the twelve children shown in the picture, there is just seven of us to carry on.  We had 108 in attendance this year consisting of immediate families, cousins, relatives and friends.  It took over five 8' tables that could hardly hold the bountiful feast that was gathered by all. 

 One of the great surprises to be presented was a piece of the past.  Mother's old wool quilt that Trudy had acquired was moth eaten and ready for discarding, but Teresa put the wool to a piece of art.  She cut the quilt in pieces, made either a windmill or tulip with the "De Joode" name on each and presented to each of the twelve siblings plus.  (Those who were already gone - she presented to the children).  This will be a treasure for each -  thanks to Trudy and Teresa.

After coffee hour, we gathered around and had a baby shower for Little Max.  Bingo and door prizes were a hit as well as the placemats that Sandy had made from the first reunion picture (above) for everyone.  Dick and Janel  made "Dutch" hand bags while Sandy had made "Dutch" Kozies.  Phyllis also updated the "address" booklet which everyone received.  Since our last reunion we have two new births in the family - Little Max and Isabelle, three new marriages Brian Sager, Jon De Joode and Robert Eiselstein, and three graduation students - Dakota McClelland, Brianna Lafrenz and Cody Wilson.  The family continues to grow.  Now we are starting on our next fifty years of the De Joode family reunion.