Irene Ter Haar

Irene Ter Haar, age 92 of Sioux Center, Iowa died Monday, August 24, 2026 at Crown Pointe Estates in Sioux Center.

A memorial service will take place at 9:00 AM, Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Faith Christian Reformed Church, with Pastor Bob Pollema, officiating. A brunch will follow.

Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Rehoboth Christian School, P.O. Box 41, Rehoboth, New Mexico 87322.

Irene Ter Haar was born September 10, 1933, to Jacob and Jeanette (Dirksen) Brands in Rock Valley, Iowa. She attended Rock Valley Christian School and Western Christian High School. She continued her education at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Sioux Valley School of Nursing in Sioux Falls, SD. On July 30, 1957, Irene was joined in marriage to Donald Ter Haar in Rock Valley, Iowa.

Stewarding the gifts given to her by the Lord, Irene faithfully cared for others, professionally and privately, her entire life. She first served as a Head Nurse at Sioux Valley Hospital in Canton, SD, immediately upon her graduation from nursing school. For 20 years, she worked as a Registered Nurse, starting in Chicago while her husband Don finished his technical schooling there; then in San Jose, California, and at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and finally, at Hegg Memorial Hospital in Rock Valley, Iowa. She continued in Rock Valley as the Director of Nursing at Valley Manor from 1979-1989. She and her husband also served as foster parents to Hope Haven clients for 7 years while living in Rock Valley.

She continued her education, receiving a degree in Health Care Administration in 1989. She served as the administrator at nursing facilities in Iowa and New Mexico before becoming an Inspector of nursing homes and assisted living facilities for the State of New Mexico from 1990-1999. In her retirement years she continued working in health care serving as a private practice long term care consultant for 11 years. She also served on the Board of Directors for Justice for All.

In her free time, Irene loved music, traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Her wit and sense of humor were cherished by many as was her sweet and kind spirit shown through her thoughtful care of others. She loved to play the piano and delighted her listeners whenever she played. She was an encourager, mentor, and wonderful example of hospitality; and was especially known for her hot fudge sundaes.

Of her five children, Irene is survived by three sons and one daughter and their spouses: Harlan and Jaki (Thoms) of Sioux Falls, SD; Dean and Sandra (Vandenburg) of Wyoming, MI; Tim and Judy (Vandenburg) of Sioux Center, IA; and Nancy and Darin Larson, of Beresford, SD; and daughter-in-law, Nancy (Van Milligan) Ter Haar, of South Holland, IL; 13 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by inlaws, Helen and Roger Bolks.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; step-father, Joe De Wit; and dear son, Dale Ter Haar; sister, Thelma Aberson; step-sister, Florence (Bud) Ter Maat; step-brother, John “Dutch” (Lenora) De Wit; step-sister, Mildred (Herm) Dirksen; brothers-in-law, Gerald and Phillip Ter Haar; and precious granddaughter, Rebekah Ter Haar.