BARKEMA, Junior R. (1925-2000)

BARKEMA, MEINTS, PALS, GABRIELSON, ESK, TROWBRIDGE, DEGROOTE, SCHLUETER, COX, DOUGHTERY

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society (email)
Date: 12/9/2012 at 20:38:56

IN LOVING MEMORY
JUNIOR RUSSELL BARKEMA
DECEMBER 26, 1925
JULY 4, 2000

FUNERAL SERVICES HELD
FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2000 - 10:30 A.M.
FIRST REFORMED CHURCH - MESERVEY, IOWA

CLERGY - REV. RODNEY MEESTER

Junior (Bud) Barkema died suddenly Tuesday, July 4, 2000, at the age of 74. He spent the 4th of July with all of his family and they were with him at the time of his death.

Junior Russell Barkema was borne December 26, 1925, in Meservey, Iowa to Hilko and Amanda (Meints) Barkema. He attended school in Meservey and Klemme.

In 1944 he entered the service of his country and served in the 24h Infantry Division of the Army on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines during World War II. After the end of the war he served with the Army of the occupation in Japan. He obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged on November 2, 1946.

On January 31, 1947, he was married to Viola Pals at the First Reformed Church parsonage in Meservey. For one year they made their home in Meservey, during which time he was employed by the Dorencamp Construction Company. On April 1, 1948, they moved to a farm east of Belmond for two years, then moved south of Meservey for four years. The next move was south and west of Meservey, where he farmed until his death.

Junior was always active in the First Reformed Church in Meservey serving as an elder, deacon and Sunday School teacher. He and his wife, Viola, are fondly remembered by many for the special music they provided at the church services. Often, he would hear a song on the radio early in the morning and play it on his guitar that same day while he and his wife sang.
Junior served on the Board of Directors at the Klemme Co-op for 12 years, serving as President 6 of those years. He was a progressive farmer well known in the community, and known by all as a hard worker.

He and Viola were able to celebrate their 50th Anniversary in 1997, with over 200 friends and family sharing in the celebration. Many people shared their memories for an anniversary album. The common memories were that Junior and Viola's
house was always open to all and that they had a strong and loving family. Junior was always willing to help anyone.

A common sight was to see Junior and his family gathered around the kitchen table drinking coffee and talking about farming, family, and the rest of the things going on in the country. His grandchildren loved to come to visit and play at Grandpa and Grandma's farm, and he loved to see them come. He was a proud father and grandfather.

Junior Barkema is survived by his wife of 53 years, Viola, and 7 children — 6 sons and a daughter. He will be lovingly missed by Dwight of Meservey, Dean and wife Nancy of Mason City, David and wife Jeanne of Belmond, DuWayne and wife Dawn of Cedar Falls, IA, Doug of Belmond, Darla Gabrielson and husband Tad of Carroll, IA, and Delwin and wife Dawn of Belmond. He is also survived by 4 sisters and 1 brother. They are Grace Esk, Belmond; Beulah Esk, Belmond; Lola Trowbridge of Griffin,GA, Evelyn Degroote and husband Harlan of Mascoutah, IL, and Dale Barkema and wife Arlene of Clear Lake.

Grandpa will be remembered by 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Grandchildren are Terisa Barkema Schlueter and husband Bob, Des Moines; Sue Barkema Cox and husband Chad, Prairie City, LA; Richard Barkema, Clear Lake; Jim Barkema and wife Lisa, Mason City, Laura Barkema, Mason City; Chris Barkema, Ames, IA; Tim Barkema and fiancee Katie Dougherty, Nevada, IA; Jon Barkema, Mason City; Sarah Barkema, Belmond; Ashley and Danielle Barkema, Cedar Falls, IA; TJ and Niki Gabrielson, Carroll, IA; and Brittany and Brenna Barkma, Belmond. Great-grandchildren are Joshua and Megan Cox, Prairie City, IA and
Devon Barkema, Clear Lake.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Orval, in 1995, one sister in infancy, and his parents, Hilko and Amanda Barkema.

The family of Junior Barkema wishes to thank everyone for your kindness, acts of sympathy, and your attendance at this service. They would like you to join them at the church following the interment service for a time of lunch and fellowship.

ORGANIST - JANET PALS

SOLOIST - TERRY LONG
"BEYOND THE SUNSET"
"WHEN THE ROLL IS CALLED UP YONDER"

CONGRETAT1ONAL HYMNS
"BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS"
"GOD BE WITH YOU UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN"

HONORARY CASKETBEARERS
"ALL BELIEVERS"

CASKETBEARERS-CHILDREN

DWIGHT BARKEMA
DEAN BARKEMA
DAVID BARKEMA
DUWAYNE BARKEMA
DOUGLAS BARKEMA
DARLA GABRIELSON
DELWIN BARKEMA

INTERMENT
MESERVEY CEMETERY - MESERVEY, IOWA

MILITARY RITES WILL BE GIVEN BY THE WILLIAM SCHMALE AMERICAN LEGION POST # 171 OF MESERVEY.

Services under the direction of the
Dugger Ewing Funeral Home

source: funeral card