Berendina Gearhart

Berendina “Dena” Gearhart, age 79, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2024, at Mercy One in Des Moines, Iowa, surrounded by her children. Born on August 6, 1945, in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, Dena was the cherished daughter of Aart and Nellie Schulenklopper. At the age of 7, she and her family immigrated to Newton, Iowa, in 1952, alongside her beloved sisters, Wilma (Postma) and Cora (Vander Heiden).

Dena graduated from Newton Senior High School in 1964 and, just two days later, married the love of her life, Marvin L. Gearhart, on June 5, 1964. Their 56 years of marriage were filled with love, resilience, adventure, and joy. Together, they raised three wonderful children: Jolie, Darren, and Matthew.

Dena’s life was defined by her deep dedication to caring for others. Initially working as a dental assistant for Dr. Rabedeux and Dr. Woodbury, she later chose to stay home and devote herself fully to raising her children. Her nurturing spirit also extended to other children, as she opened her home and heart to care for them. At the age of 60, Dena’s passion for caregiving took a new turn when she earned her CNA degree and began working for Skiff Home Health Care.

When her husband Marvin suffered a life-altering accident in 2010, Dena became his dedicated caregiver, selflessly providing the love, care, and skill necessary to support him as a quadriplegic. Her strength and devotion were nothing short of remarkable, and her steadfast support allowed Marvin to live with outstanding health under her care for many years.

After Marvin’s passing in 2020, Dena found companionship and comfort in her relationship with Darrel Zieger. For the past three years, Darrel brought new laughter, love, and adventure into her life. Their time together was a blessing, filled with cherished moments as they explored life’s new chapter together.

Dena was a devoted grandmother; her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She cherished every moment with them, always showing up to encourage and support their many endeavors.

Her family will forever remember her as a woman whose heart overflowed with love, kindness, and generosity.

She is survived by her daughter Jolie Lee of Johnston, IA, her son Matthew Gearhart of Adel, IA, her sisters Wilma Postma of Newton and Cora Vander Heiden of Sun City, FL, sisters in law, Jane Wolf and Marsha Gearhart of Newton, IA, and her grandchildren: Emily Benedict (Chad) of Newton, IA, Trevor Gearhart of Newton, IA, Nicholas Lee (Hannah) of Plymouth, MN, Hannah Metzger (Brett) of Columbia, MO, and Landon Gearhart of Newton, IA. She is also survived by her great-granddaughters, Harper Benedict and Kimber Gearhart, both of Newton, IA, and many nieces and nephews.

Dena is now reunited in heaven with her loving husband Marvin, her son Darren, her parents, and other beloved family members who preceded her in death, including her brothers-in-law, Henry Vander Heiden Jr. and John Postma and her son-in-law John Lee. Dena and Marvin are together once again, dancing in their new, healed bodies, and we know they are camping and boating as they so loved to do in life.

Her family finds comfort in knowing she is at peace, and her legacy of love, selflessness, and strength will live on through the many lives she touched.

A celebration of Dena’s life will take place at Newton Church of the Way at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 4th. The family will greet friends from 10 am until service time and again following the service at lunch. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends From Iowa El Salvador Foundation, in honor of her compassionate and caring spirit. Dena and Marvin both have participated in this mission trip in the years past and has been near and dear to their heart.