Elgersma, Phyllis (Mrs. Raymond) 1941-2026

ELGERSMA, BRUGGOM, REEKERS

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/14/2026 at 17:14:47

Phyllis Faye (Bruggom) Elgersma went to her eternal home on July 2, 2026. She was born to Herman and Jennie (Reekers) Bruggom on March 11, 1941. Phyllis grew up on a farm near Philby Corner with her parents and four older siblings: Bill, Jane, Ruth and Larry. Many fond memories were made on the farm with her family and cousins, the Mulders and Reekers. The Bruggoms attended the First Reformed Church in Hospers, Iowa where Phyllis was baptized. She attended Kindergarten through the country school system and grades one through nine in Archer, Iowa. In 1956, the family moved to Sanborn, Iowa where she completed her last three years. While in high school, she enjoyed participating in choir and drama, as well as being a guard on the basketball team.

On November 14, 1958, Phyllis was united in marriage to Raymond Elgersma; they were blessed to share 67 years together. They made their home in Sanborn where they raised their two children: Jeff and Jill. Phyllis often referred to that time as the best years of her life. In 1979, she began working at Prairie View Nursing Home in the laundry department. She was then employed at AMPI as a lab technician until retiring in 2003 after 21 years of faithful service.

Phyllis’ life was rooted in faith, service and love. She volunteered in her community, at Prairie View Nursing Home and was an active member of the Sanborn Christian Reformed Church. She provided “TLC” for aging family members, neighbors and friends for many years. Phyllis poured love into the people she shared her life with and made memories that will be held close.

Hospitality was one of her gifts. People were often invited, or just stopped in, for a visit over coffee and a bite to eat. She had also enjoyed organizing many family gatherings through the years. She felt especially blessed to have a circle of friends who could get together for coffee, Bible Study or to just rearrange furniture in each other’s living rooms. Phyllis had an eye for design and enjoyed decorating. Many cast-off pieces of furniture were transformed with some elbow grease, sandpaper, stain and varnish. She also liked trying new recipes, gardening and reading. Phyllis had spent the last few years searching for someone who could do her hair like Mary O’Brien…that someone was never found.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Jennie Bruggom; Ray’s parents, Harry and Hattie Elgersma; a brother in infancy and her other siblings and spouses: Bill (Francis) Bruggom, Jane (Charlie) Bjork, Ruth (Gary) Ballou and Larry Bruggom; her in-laws: Jose (Sam) Vanden Berg, Bill (Elsie) Elgersma, Jennie (Dick) Vanden Berg, Jake (Carolyn) Elgersma, Sam (Priscilla) Elgersma, Effie (Richard) Starkenburg, Margaret (George) Veltman, Tena (Maynard) Elgersma, June (John ) VanDyke and John (Bev) Elgersma.

Phyllis will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Ray and their children: Jeff Elgersma of Sanborn, Iowa and Jill (Dan) Nederhoff of Fulton, Illinois; two grandsons: Elliot Nederhoff and Drew (Lindsey) Nederhoff; two great-granddaughters: Jaycee and Joelle; sister-in-law, Carol Bruggom; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Memorials given in honor of Phyllis will be directed to

The Bible League.

Source: Sanborn and Hartley Funeral Home online obituary.