Dates
Berdell “Berdie” Douma, 87, left this world to spend eternity with her Lord and Savior on November 29, 2023, while surrounded by loved ones. Berdie was born on October 18, 1936, in Cambria, Wisconsin to Caroline and Christian Dornfeld. She was the youngest of 4 children and grew up working on the family dairy farm. She graduated from Markesan High School in 1953. While in high school, she met the love of her life, Rodney Douma and they were married in 1953.
Berdie was a devoted wife and lived in Germany while Rodney was in the Korean War. When he returned from service, Rodney and Berdie moved to Milwaukee, WI, where she worked as a secretary to put Rodney through engineering school. After his graduation, Rodney and Berdie continued to live in Wisconsin in Portage, Madison and Plymouth while Rodney started his career with GTE Corporation. During this time, she and Rodney added three daughters to their family. In 1981, Rodney was transferred to San Angelo, Texas, where he and Berdie would establish their home. Berdie began work for Angelo State University that same year with the University Health Clinic. She was the first smiling face students would see at the clinic until her retirement in 2003. While in San Angelo, she attended and was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Berdie had many loves: playing bridge, watching baseball and football (especially her Braves and Badgers), travelling, listening to music, dancing with Rodney, and most of all, she loved people. This was on full display in her home. Her home was always open, and everyone was welcome. She loved to host relatives, and welcomed them to stay as long as they wanted. She enjoyed showing her love through cooking and always made sure to cook the favorite meal and dessert of any guest. Anyone that knew Berdie, knew that you were not going to leave her home hungry and often more full than you liked! She had a way of making everyone she saw feel special. She was a great listener and gave loving, wise advice and support to anyone who needed it. Her love for Rodney as his health declined was a beautiful example of the self-sacrificial and unconditional love of Jesus. God’s love truly shone through Berdie to all those she knew.
Berdie is survived by her 3 daughters, Stephanie Jeter (Carl), Michele McKinney (Odie), and Heidi Douma (David); 5 grandchildren, Joshua Jeter (Camille), Allison Steyn (Fanie), Lucas Jeter (Elizabeth), Ramsey McKinney, and Aiden McKinney; 5 great grandchildren, Mackenzie Morris, Jeremiah Morris, Jude Jeter, Berdie Jeter, and Murphey Jeter; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Rodney Douma; her parents, Caroline and Christian Dornfeld; and her brothers, Howard, Hubert and Herbert Dornfeld.
The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice for the loving care they gave to Berdie. With special thanks to Sarai and Rose for the wonderful care they gave her.
Visitation will be held Friday, December 1, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Harper Funeral Home, and Funeral Services will be held Saturday December 2, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3536 Lutheran Way, San Angelo, TX 76904. Burial will be held after the service at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, 4989 FM Highway 1223, San Angelo, TX 76905.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to Trinity Lutheran Church or School, 3536 Lutheran Way, San Angelo, TX 76904.