Obituary of Madelon DeVries

A private graveside service will be held for Madelon DeVries, 86, of Okoboji.

Madelon Mae DeVries was born August 10, 1935, to Edward Sr. and Laura Goyotte Parks in Spencer, Iowa.

On April 19, 1958, Madelon married J. Harvey DeVries in Spencer, Iowa. Madelon resided in Okoboji, Iowa and she and Harvey spent their winters in Boca Raton, Florida.

Madelon was a dedicated business woman working side by side with Harvey where they met many people and friends for a lifetime. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile and contagious laugh.

Madelon passed away July 31, 2022.

Left to cherish her memory are two sisters-in-law, Shirley Parks of Spencer, Iowa and Lila Parks of Freeport, Illinois; many nieces, nephews and their extended families.

Madelon is preceded in death by her husband, Harvey; parents, Edward Sr. and Laura Parks; three brothers, Jim Parks, Edward Parks Jr. and Jon Parks; four sisters, Colleen Mengelson, Darlene Gilliam, Gretchen Birchard and Erin Dyhrkopp.

 

I'M FREE

 

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free

I'm following the path God has chosen for me.

I took His hand when I heard him call;

I turned my back and left it all.

 

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way;

I’ve now found peace at the end of day.

 

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joys.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;

Oh yes, these things, I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow

Look for the sunshine of tomorrow.

 

My life's been full, I savored much;

Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seems all too brief;

Don't lengthen your pain with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and peace to thee,

God wanted me now, He set me free.