Eleanor Clrene (James) Nieuwsma, 93, passed away May 23, 2024 at Avera Health Care in Eureka, SD where she had been a resident the past two years. The Funeral Service will be held at The First Reformed Church in Strasburg at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, where Eleanor was a longtime member. Pastor Floyd Haan will be officiating. Visitation will be an hour before the service with burial at The Pilgrim Home Cemetery after the service.

Eleanor was born on April 2, 1931, on a farm northeast of Linton, to John D. and Bernita Clara (Sikel) James. She attended Omio school and graduated from Linton High School in 1948. Following graduation, she attended Ellendale Teachers College, then taught school at the Omio Country School, walking over a mile each way.

Eleanor married Ralph Nieuwsma on Dec 27, 1951. They lived on a farm northeast of Linton for a short time before purchasing and moving to the Fairview Farm 5 miles southeast of Strasburg. There they spent the next 63 years farming and ranching and raising their five children. They moved to Valley View Heights in Bismarck, then after Ralph’s passing, Eleanor resided at Prairie Rose Assisted Living in Linton.

Eleanor was an excellent musician, playing trumpet in the high school and college band. This instilled a love for music in her children, who also became accomplished musicians. In her early years, Eleanor enjoyed horseback riding. Attending sporting and school events, for the children and grandchildren, was a joy she shared with Ralph. She also enjoyed sewing, reading, playing piano and doing all types of puzzles. She loved canning and baking and found pleasure in sharing her treats with friends and family.

Blessed to have been a part of her life are her children Ken (Cheryl), Strasburg, Diane (Ron) Van Boven, Hague, Donna (Jim) Domke, Weyauwega, WI, Alan (Julia), Grand Forks and Bonnie (Darin) Synhorst, Valrico, FL; sisters Carole Baumiller and Sharon James; 15 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband (2018), grandson Mathew Van Boven, 5 siblings, Charles, Delores Sauter, Elon (Bud), Delda Reamann and Arlene Zoller.

Eleanor’s family would like to thank the staff at Avera Health Care for the wonderful care she received.

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