Carol Jean DeKam

Carol DeKam, age 85, of Leota, Minnesota, died peacefully on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the Edgebrook Care Center in Edgerton, Minnesota. Funeral Services are at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 1, 2024, at the Leota Community Church (formerly Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church) in Leota, Minnesota. Interment will follow in the Leota Community Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 31, 2024, also at the Leota Community Church. Visitation will then continue one hour prior to her service, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, also at the church.

Carol Jean Vogelaar was born on June 20, 1938, In Sheldon, Iowa, to parents Teunis and Cora (Van Duyn) Vogelaar. She moved with her parents to a farm near Slayton, Minnesota, in 1950. There she attended junior high and high school, graduating with the class of 1956. 

Carol went on to work as a secretary in the Holt's Law Office and the Murray County Soil Conservation office for several years. She volunteered her time as bookkeeper of the Leota Christian School for 15 years and also worked at Edgebrook Care Center in Edgerton.  She was in the laundry department as the assistant supervisor and then supervisor for 16 years.

Carol was united in marriage to Duane DeKam on June 23, 1961, at the First Reformed Church in Slayton. The couple had two children, Karen and Mark, and made their home at their farm near Leota. Carol was a long-time member of the Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church in Leota. She served for many years as the church librarian and taught Sunday School and was also a leader for the Calvinettes (GEMS). Carol also enjoyed singing (and listening to) the church choir, singing duets with Duane, and listening to quartets and gospel music. She belonged to the Golden Hour Society, SWCH circles, the American Legion Auxiliary, and she also volunteered many hours at the thrift store. Carol enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins, attending many sporting events and other activities of her grandchildren and she could often be found reading, playing a game, or tending to her flowers.

Carol DeKam died peacefully with her children at her side on Sunday, January 28, 2024, in Edgerton, Minnesota. She had reached the age of 85 years, 7 months, and 8 days. Blessed be here memory.

She is survived by her children, Karen (Hiene) Walhof of Edgerton, Mark DeKam of Hull, IA; 3 grandchildren, Daniel Walhof of Edgerton, Jessica Walhof of Sioux Falls, SD, Megan (Chad) Kischer of Albert City, IA; 2 great-grandchildren, Kate and Eli; sisters-in-law, Lucille Vogelaar of Vadnais Heights, Alberta DeKam of Lynden, WA; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Teunis and Cora Vogelaar; husband, Duane DeKam; and 5 siblings, Anna, Irene, Lester, William, and Donald.