Rhonda Blokzyl

Rhonda Jean Blokzyl, 56, of Crookston, MN, died peacefully at her home early Saturday morning, January 28, 2012, with her husband, Chris, at her side. She was born in Crookston on June 27, 1955, one of eight children of the union of Arly and Doris (Brakob) Volker. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, where she was a lifelong member, and graduated from Central High School in 1973. Even as a young woman Rhonda knew that her heart was in care-giving. With that as her mission in life she moved to Roseau, MN, where she was employed at the Roseau Children's Home for several years. Upon her return to Crookston Rhonda began working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Villa St. Vincent Nursing Home. In 1985 she became a CNA at the RiverView Care Center, devoting herself to giving expert care, and large doses of love and compassion, to residents who became more like her 'family.' In 2010 she was recognized for twenty-five years of dedicated service to RiverView. On February 9, 1998 Rhonda was united in marriage to Christopher Blokzyl at a ceremony in Las Vegas, NV, attended by family and close friends. She enjoyed gardening, drawing, taking care of her cats, and being a sun-worshipper. Four years ago Rhonda was diagnosed with cancer, and since that time did everything medically possible to combat the dreaded illness, while always relying heavily on her faith. Through the triumphs and setbacks, Chris was with her for every step of the journey, giving her his strength, support, and love. She will be forever remembered and sadly missed by family and friends who loved her dearly and were grateful to have shared in her life.



Rhonda leaves her beloved husband, Chris; daughter, Jordan Blokzyl (fiance', Brandon Grunwald) of Chaska, MN; 2 granddaughters, Hailey and Aryanna; her mother, Doris Volker of Crookston; mother-in-law, Penny Blokzyl of Crookston; sister, Linda Mittag of Brandon, MN; 4 brothers, Rodney (Elizabeth) Volker of Detroit Lakes, MN, Arlin (Elizabeth) Volker of Crookston, Myron (Nikki) Volker of Janesville, MN, and Jon (Kim) Volker of Crookston; brother-in-law, Tony Ravencroft, and sister-in-law, Marva (Mark) Bakken of Crookston; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her father, Arly Volker; father-in-law, Kenny "Digger" Blokzyl; brother, Mark; infant sister, Rosemary; brother-in-law, Rick Mittag; her grandparents; and several aunts and uncles. May God richly bless Rhonda's memory.

A funeral service in celebration of the life of Rhonda Jean Blokzyl will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Crookston with The Rev. Steve Bohler, officiating. Visitation will be at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5-7:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, and also at the church for one hour prior to the funeral. Memorials may be given in Rhonda's name to the Oakdale Cemetery Association, 213 North Broadway, Crookston, MN 56716. The family extends a special thank you to family friend, Trisha Edkin, who traveled from her home in California to be Rhonda's hospice nurse during the last week of her life.(Online registry at www.stenshoelhouske.com)

Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Previous Events

Visitation
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Service
Wednesday, February 1, 2012

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