Clara Vande Weerd, age 87 of Brookings, died on December 30, 2012 at the Brookings Hospital. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 P.M. on Friday, January 4, 2013 at First Reformed Church in Volga, SD. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at First Reformed Church with burial to follow in Trinity Cemetery at Volga. Clara was born on January 25, 1925, in Sioux County, IA, the daughter of Herman and Anna (Brummel) Kooiker. Clara received her education in rural school in Sioux County, IA. She was united in marriage to Nick Vande Weerd on February 11, 1948. After their marriage, they farmed near Middleburg, IA until 1951, when they moved to White, SD. In 1958, they moved to Bruce and in 1960 to California, returning to Alton, IA in 1962. In 1963, they returned to Bruce, where together they farmed for many years. She remained on the farm until the fall of 2012. Clara also cleaned houses for many families while still helping on the farm. Nick died on December 28, 1988. Clara was a very active member of the First Reformed Church in Volga. She enjoyed cooking and baking, and was known for her homemade popsicles and her chocolate covered mints. She was a great advocate for her grandchildren and great grandchildren and followed all of their activities. She is survived by her children John (Linda) Vande Weerd of Bruce, SD, Anna Joy (David) Johanson of Valley Springs, SD, Lee (Sandy Probst) Vande Weerd of Bruce, SD, Joyce (Loryn) Klumper of Wahpeton, ND, Rich (Julie) Vande Weerd of Bruce, SD; 14 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren: Michael (Connie VerHoek) Vande Weerd and Nathan. Marie (Tom) Schmit and Kiana, Kaylee, Kendallyn. Nichole (Brian) Franklin. Nicklaus Vande Weerd. Alan (Amy) Vande Weerd and Chloe, Ava, and Owen. Kristie Happeny, David and Charlotte. Jennifer (Jeff) Thompson and Ryan. Laurie Johanson. Justin (Michelle Heylens) Vande Weerd. James (Melissa Olsem) Vande Weerd. Jeremy (Audrey) Klumper, Harper and Jude. Phillip Klumper. David Searl and Betsy Brown. One brother, Albert (Harriet) Kooiker of Hull, IA. Clara was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one granddaughter Jessica, one brother William Kooiker and one sister Johanna Wallinga.