Carolyn June Niezen, 66, of Orange City, Iowa, died Sunday, March 7 at the Orange City Area Health System Hospital, Iowa.

She was born in Artesia, CA, the daughter of Thomas and Swannie (Munneke) Schaafsma. She was raised in Bellflower, where she attended the Christian School and graduated from Valley Christian High School. She also attended a cosmetology school.

On Dec. 30, 1963, she married Gerald Niezen in Bellflower. They made their home in California, Maryland, Oregon, and Idaho. In 2007, they moved to Orange City, IA.

Mrs. Niezen was a homemaker and a hairdresser, working at an Army Post in Maryland and at the Inland Christian Home in Chino, California.

Wherever they lived, she was a member of a Christian Reformed Church. She participated in the Goods News Club in Oregon and Coffee Break and Ladies’ Chorus.

She was a very active member of the Republican Party. She enjoyed playing cards, entertaining friends, cooking, and working with and riding horses. She especially liked playing with and spending time with her five granddaughters.

A memorial service was held March 12 at the First Christian Reformed Church in Orange City, IA. A prayer service was also held on March 12 at the Oolman Funeral Home in Orange City. Interment was prior to the service at the West Lawn Cemetery in Orange City.

She is survived by her husband of more than 46 years, Jerry; daughters, Kathleen (Steve) Swart of Colorado Springs, CO, Kerrie (Kevin) Melville of Joseph, OR; son, Dan (Mara) Niezen of Orange City, IA; sisters, Florene (Ronald) Hilarides of Oakdale, Rosie (Gene) Van Essen of Bellflower, IA; brother, Tom (Lori) Schaafsma of Joseph, IA; granddaughters, Kacie, Kaylie, and Katelynn Melville, and Heidi and Gracie Niezen; and many nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Loren Schaafsma.

Remembrances may be made to the Orange City Christian School, Orange City, IA.

Oolman Funeral Home, Orange City, IA in charge of arrangements.