Andrew J. Zylstra

Andrew “Andy” J. Zylstra

Sheldon, Iowa

Services for Andrew “Andy” J. Zylstra, age 92, of Sheldon who passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Sanford Senior Care in Sheldon. His funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at First Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Brian Dunn, officiating.

To view Andy's service via livestream, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@firstchristianreformedshel6538

Burial will be at East Lawn Cemetery in Sheldon.

Visitation with family present will be from 5 to 7 P.M. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at First Christian Reformed Church in Sheldon.

Arrangements are under the care of the Andringa Funeral Home – Sheldon.

IN LOVING MEMORY

ANDREW J. ZYLSTRA

BORN

June 1, 1932 - Sioux County, Iowa

PASSED AWAY

May 23, 2025 - Sheldon, Iowa

FUNERAL SERVICE

10:30 A.M. Thursday, May 29, 2025

First Christian Reformed Church; Sheldon, Iowa

Pastor Brian Dunn - Officiating

SPECIAL MUSIC

“In Christ Alone”

By: Adell Zylstra, Kelsey Gibbons,

Kayla Buchholz & Lindsay Zylstra

“Battle Hymn Of The Republic”

Piano Solo: Shelley David

CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

“It Is Well With My Soul”

Organist: Yvonne Bolkema

CASKET BEARERS

Shane Zylstra 

Eric Jacobson

Jordan Buchholz 

Ted Gibbons

Brennan David

Blake David

Chris Hansmann

FINAL RESTING PLACE

East Lawn Cemetery – Sheldon, Iowa

After today’s graveside service, relatives and friends are invited to join the family in the fellowship hall of the church.

Arrangements are under the care of the Andringa Funeral Home; Sheldon, Iowa.

Andrew Jacob Zylstra, the son of Jacob and Martha (Beuzekom) Zylstra, was born on June 1, 1932, on a farm in Sioux County, Iowa. He attended Christian grade school through the 8th grade, and finishing his education at Sheldon High School, graduating in 1950. On November 8, 1955, Andy was united in marriage to Kathleen Smit at First Christian Reformed Church in Sheldon. The couple made their home on a farm east of Sheldon, where Andy farmed for many years. In 2013, Andy retired from farming when the couple moved to Sheldon. They were married 65 years. Kathleen preceded Andy in death in 2021. Andy passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the age of 92 years, 11 months and 22 days.

Andy was a valued and devoted member of First Christian Reformed Church in Sheldon, where he often faithfully and honorably served as an elder and deacon on the church consistory. Through his life he humbly committed much of his time in service on the boards of Hope Haven, Unity Christian High School, Love, Inc., and Archer, Iowa Coop. He was also a proud member of the Sheldon, Iowa Kiwanis Club. His absolute favorite hobby was fishing, savoring every moment, especially during many fishing trips with family and friends to the Missouri River in South Dakota, and Lake of the Woods in Canada. During his high school years, he enjoyed playing basketball, and after high school played softball in the Sheldon City League. Other hobbies he often took pleasure in were bowling and spending quality time with his men’s coffee group. He also took great interest in watching college sports, particularly cheering for the University of Iowa basketball and football teams. Most of all, he cherished his time with family.

Left to treasure his memory is his three children, Rick (Lori) Zylstra of Sheldon, Karla (Chad) Hansmann of George, Iowa, Shelley (Jairus) David of Omaha, Nebraska; nine grandchildren, Shane (Lindsay) Zylstra, Kelsey (Ted) Gibbons, Kayla (Jordan) Buchholz, Amber Jacobson, Eric Jacobson, Chris (Bailey) Hansmann, Adriana David, Brennan David, and Blake David; 10 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Julia Zylstra; his step-siblings, Robert (Alicia) Wassenaar of Orange City, Iowa, Alfred Lee (Pam) Wassenaar of Sheldon, Nyla (Dan) Harskamp of Orange City, Iowa, and Wade (Kristi) Wassenaar of Sheldon. Also, many nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, other relatives and friends.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Kathleen, son Lynn Zylstra and two brothers, Johnny and Jack Zylstra.