Obituary of Bert Joling

Bert Joling, 95, of 920 21st Avenue So., Wisconsin Rapids, went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 7, 2012. A memorial service to celebrate Bert?s life will be at 1:00 pm on Monday, November 12 at New Hope Community Church in Wisconsin Rapids with the Rev. Mary Bosch officiating. Friends may pay their respects on Sunday, November 11 at the church from 4-8:00 pm, with a hymn sing beginning at 7:00 pm at the church. Burial will be prior to the service at the Christian Reformed Cemetery in rural Sigel. Bert was born February 24, 1917 in the Town of Arpin, Wood County, to John and Jennie (Vermeer) Joling, Sr. He married Dena Smits on June 1, 1939 in the Town of Arpin. Bert worked 29 years for the Ahdawagam Division of Consoidated Papers, and 13 years for the Wisconsin Rapids Water & Light Department. After retirement, he was active in the community-in the local jail ministry, World Vision volunteer, Home Delivered Meals and a volunteer driver for the Wood County Social Services. He was a member of the Vesper Christian Reformed Church which later became New Hope Community of Wisconsin Rapids. In the church he served as an elder, an organist for 57 years, and sang in a men?s quartet for many years. Bert loved music, both singing and playing his organ at home. Bert?s passion was the Lord and the Scriptures. He memorized many portions, even chapters of the Bible. Bert was a people-person and was comfortable talking to anyone he came in contact with. He loved his family and over the years he was a faithful prayer warrior for each of these as well as his church family, neighbors and many others who crossed his path. Bert was also an avid fan of the Wisconsin Badgers and Milwaukee Brewers. He kept his mind keen by daily doing the crossword puzzle, the Jumble and Suduko. Survivors include his wife Dena of 73 years; 6 daughters: Donna (Alan) Bliek of Wisconsin Rapids; Joanne (John) Vander Lugt of Grandville, MI; Karen (Dave) VanVuren of Tucson, AZ; Beverly (Aldie) Altena of Hull, IA; Rose (Morry) Blankespoor of Pella, IA; and Shirley (Ken) Engelsman of Denver, CO; 21 grandchildren: 54 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson; one sister, Anne Van Stedum of Denver, CO; and a sister-in-law, Maxine Joling of Auburndale, WI. Bert was preceded in death by his parents: brothers John and Evert; sisters Jennie Jansen, Ruby Loomans and Helen Olson; and a great grandson, Micah De Kam. Bert?s favorite Scripture verse was John 3:16 ?For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.? The family would like to thank Dr. Ferk and his nurses; Ministry Home Health Care/Hospice for all their wonderful, loving care. Memorials may be designated to New Hope Community Church (710 20th Avenue South Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495) or the Wisconsin Rapids Area Habitat for Humanity (P. O. Box 1134 Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494-1134). The Herman-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Center is assisting the family with arrangements.