December 4, 1934 – April 6, 2024

Bernard “Bernie” DeWit, age 89, of Sioux Center, Iowa, died Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Crown Pointe Estates Assisted Living in Sioux Center, Iowa. A memorial service was held  on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Covenant Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center, with Rev. Joel Kok officiating. Burial was in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Sioux Center. 

Bernie, son of Evert and Jennie (Baker) DeWit ,was born December 4, 1934, in Rock Valley, Iowa.  He was the youngest of seven boys.  When he was in the sixth grade, the family moved to a dairy farm near Sioux Falls, S.D.  He attended Brandon High School and then continued his education at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D.  In 1956, he graduated with a degree in Business Administration and took additional business courses at the University of Nebraska.  He was active in music and sports throughout his high school and college years.  Upon graduation from Augustana, he served in the U.S. Army for two years, spending most of the time in San Antonio, Texas.  On May 22, 1957, he married Katherine Van Bemmel in Sioux Falls. After his discharge from the Army, they returned to the Midwest. 

Following his time in the service, Bernie spent 42 years in Christian education.  From 1958-1966 he coached and taught business courses at Southwest Christian High in Edgerton, Minn.  He then worked at Dordt College in Sioux Center for 34 years, serving as VP for Business.  He loved his work and the people with whom he worked.  Bernie and Kathy were founding members of Covenant Christian Reformed Church where he served as an elder. 

In retirement, Bernie sang with the Valley Male Chorus, served as treasurer of Classis Iakota, golfed, and volunteered with a number of non-profit organizations.  He was also a mentor for prisoners through the work of Crossroad Ministries – work he found very rewarding as he was blessed to correspond with prisoners who through Bible study found their contentment in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Bernie and Kathy enjoyed traveling, attending concerts and athletic events at Dordt and going to music and athletic events of their children and grandchildren.  He loved and was deeply loved by his family.

Bernie leaves a legacy of love to his family; his wife Kathy of nearly 67 years and their three daughters: Nancy (Evan) Vermeer, Brenda (John) O’Brien, and Lisa (Mark) Christians.  He was also blessed with eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Henry, Marvin, John, and Al, along with numerous bothers-and sisters-in-law. 

He is survived by his brothers Floyd and Donald (Louise), brother-in-law, Art Van Bemmel, sister-in-law Gert Folkerts, and many nieces and nephews.