Annabelle Heemstra

Annabelle Kraai, daughter of Edward and Gertrude (Vander Swaag) Kraai, was born April 10, 1917 in Orange City, Iowa, where she grew up and attended school. Annabelle graduated from Orange City High School and went on to attend Northwestern College in Orange City. She was united in marriage on August 8, 1946 to John W. Heemstra. This union was blessed with a son, Jay. In 1961, the couple moved to Starbuck and opened the Heemstra's Department Store. They owned and operated the store until 1982. John passed away on May 8, 1987. In recent years Annabelle has made her home at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home.



Annabelle was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Eastern Star. She enjoyed collecting stamps and coins and also spent time sewing and doing crafts.



Annabelle died on Friday, November 10, 2006 at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck, having lived to reach the age of 89 years.



She is survived by her son: Jay (Linda) Heemstra of Minneapolis; two granddaughters: Lydia Mae Heemstra and Emma Jae Heemstra, both of Minneapolis. Annabelle was preceded in death by her husband: John W. Heemstra and her parents.



Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements.