Donna Jean Van't Hof

Donna Jean (Sandbulte) Van't Hof, age 69, of Leota, died Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the Pipestone County Medical Center. She was born on April 12, 1956, in Sioux Center, Iowa, to John & Hermina (Brinkhuis) Sandbulte. The family lived in Carmel, Iowa, until 1960 when they moved to a farm north of Edgerton. The Sandbulte family farm is where Donna spent her days working and playing on the banks of the Rock River. Family and outdoor activities were a hallmark of Donna's early days.

Donna attended Edgerton Public Schools (from which all her boys would eventually graduate). She was united in marriage to Leon Van't Hof on August 4th, 1973. Donna's life continued to be focused on family, friends, her, her kids' and grandkids' many activities. She loved all of it! Whether it was Sandbulte family reunions (which are the stuff of legend and source of great joy for her), spending time with her Brinkhuis and Sandbulte cousin brought her great joy. Sunday gatherings with both Van't Hofs or Sandbultes, or attending nearly every sporting activity her kids were involved in (especially endless summers on the diamond), Donna was active!

Donna was incredibly proud of her Dutch heritage with her collectibles and hobbies designed around that. Her home's décor is a testament to that with many crafts and Blue Delft with windmills and other Dutch themes. Donna loved to read, do crafts, crosswords and jigsaw puzzles, build things for her grandkids (barns, rocking horses, motorcycles), search for old Native arrowheads, camp, travel and especially kayaking. Her childhood along the Rock helped build her adventurous spirit through pastures and local rivers for kayaking. Donna would spend endless hours on her kayak, often catching a sunrise over a body of water.

Donna was a devoted employee of Edgebrook in Edgerton for over 30 years. Donna was a member of Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church and now Leota Community Church, a Christ follower, and taught Calvinettes. She also served many years on the Edgerton school board.

Donna is survived by her husband, Leon, 4 sons, and 5 grandkids. Bryan & Erika of Buffalo, MN, with Kate and Sam; Nathan and Eric, both of Sioux Falls; and Chris & Crystal of San Ramon, California, with Miles, Cole, and Elise. Siblings are Wayne (Bonnie) Sandbulte of Hector, MN; Kathy (Lloyd) Sandbulte of Altoona, IA; Anita (Doug) Cole of Prescott, WI; Robert (Lorraine) Sandbulte of Steen, MN; Glenda (Lee) Vande Griend of Edgerton; and Bill (Dianne) Sandbulte of Edgerton. She is also survived by hundreds of Sandbulte cousins (of whom she was proud to be one of) across the country.

She is preceded in death by her parents, stillborn sister Marjorie, brother Lloyd, in-laws Tony & Liz VantHof, and sister-in-law Donna Gasper.

Visitation will be from 2-4 pm Sunday, Dec. 28 at the Leota Community Church in Leota, MN; and also from noon to 2 pm Monday at the church. Funeral will be 2 pm Monday at the Leota Community Church, in Leota, officiated by Pastor Michael Scott. Burial will be in the Leota Community Cemetery.

The Leota Burial Association & Dingmann Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Justice For All in Rock Valley, IA. or Legacy Thrift Store in Worthington.

To livestream the funeral service please visit: https://www.facebook.com/DingmannFH/videos/1197305478536151