Erna Hillenga

Erna Hillenga, 89, of Woden, Iowa passed away Friday, January 14, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services for Erna Hillenga will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 10:30 AM at Woden Christian Reformed Church in rural Woden with Pastor Harrison Harnden officiating.  Burial will be at the Woden Christian Reformed Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 from 5-7 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 178 Center Street West in Britt and one hour prior to services at the church.

Erna Iverson Hillenga, daughter of Hans & Anne Iverson, was born at Crystal Lake, Iowa on October 1, 1921.  She was the 5th of 14 children.  She attended Crystal Lake Schools.

Erna was united in marriage to Edwin Hillenga on July 19, 1941 in Elmore, Minnesota. She was baptized in the Woden Christian Reformed Church. They farmed south of Woden until April of 1967 when they moved into Woden.   Erna lived in Woden until 2009 when she moved to The Summit House in Britt.

Erna was a member of Woden Christian Reformed Church where she was involved in activities, including Calvinette Leader, Bible School teacher, ladies aid and quilting.

Erna loved to fish, play cards, read, travel and do crossword puzzles.  She also enjoyed anything to do with sewing, especially making quilts and needlework to share with loved ones.

Erna is survived by her children Sharon “Kay” Hunter of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Doris (Dean) Haugland of Crystal Lake, Edwin (Vicki) of Wesley, Dean (Suzanne) of Calgary, Alberta, son-in-law John Smidt of Woden; 16 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; 15 great-great grandchildren; sisters Janelle Odegaard, Dorothy Crapser, Peggy Black and Marlene Dutton; sister-in-law Lydia Hillenga and many nieces and nephews.

Erna was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin in 1970, daughters Jean Smidt and Carol Clendenen, four brothers, and five sisters.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be given to Kanawha Christian School.