Jacoba "Cora" Petronella Vander Heiden

It is with deep love and sorrow that we remember Cora Vander Heiden, who passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025, at the age of 77 in Sun City Center, Florida. Cora was born in Uddel, Netherlands, to Aart and Nellie Schulenklopper. She immigrated to the United States with her parents and two sisters in 1952, settling in Newton, Iowa, where she later became a proud U.S. citizen. Throughout her life, Cora exemplified strength, compassion, and dedication to her family. She graduated from Newton Senior High School in 1966, and after high school, she worked at Power Drug and then as a switchboard operator at the Parson's Company, where she became an integral part of the community. Later, Cora served as a secretary at the U.A.W. Hall and spent many years as a stay-at-home mom, cherishing the time spent with her children. When her children attended school, she provided housekeeping services for several families. After raising her family, she returned to work and was employed by Newton Professional Purchasing. Cora's love for family was unwavering. In September 1968, she married Henry Vander Heiden Jr., with whom she shared a life full of love, joy, and adventure. Together, they raised two children, Jeff and Amy, and were blessed with seven grandchildren, who were the light of Cora's life.
She was an active member of the Newton Christian Reformed Church and dedicated several years to serving as the church secretary. Cora had a passion for the outdoors, particularly enjoying time in her meticulously cared-for garden, where she could be found tending to her flowers and enjoying the simple beauty of life. Her fondness for nature extended to vacations at Table Rock Lake, where she made countless memories boating and skiing with her family. Cora was preceded in death by her beloved husband Henry in 2007, her parents, and her sister Dena Gearhart. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and strength. She is survived by her son Jeff (Jennifer) Vander Heiden (Colfax, IA); her daughter Amy (Mark) Jacobs (Wimauma, FL); her seven grandchildren, Emma, Payton, Henry, Charlotte Vander Heiden, Trent, Blake, and Violet Jacobs; her sister Wilma Postma; her niece, nephews, cousins, and friends. Cora's life was a testament to the power of love, family, and faith. She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends. Rest in Peace, Cora.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Pence Reese Funeral Home in Newton. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Memorials may be designated to the Newton Christian School, Bethany Christian Services or the Newton Christian Reformed Church and may be left at the funeral home.