Oostra, Marinus 1921-2007

OOSTRA, VANSURKSUM, MAASSEN

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--volunteer
Date: 1/4/2016 at 21:08:24

Source: Gilles Funeral Home Obit

Birth: April 5, 1921
Death: May 1, 2007

Marinus Oostra, age 86, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, May 1, at his home in Lynden.

He was born on April 5, 1921 to John and Kate (VanSurksum) Oostra in Doon, Iowa.

He grew up there and was drafted into the US Army in 1943. He transferred to the Army Air Corps where he served at a P-51 fighter base. Marinus was awarded the E.T.O. ribbon with six battle stars, a Presidential Unit Citation and good conduct medal.

During his service, Marinus married Alice Maassen in Laurel, Mississippi on May 6, 1943. Following the war Marinus and Alice lived in Iowa and then moved to Whatcom County in 1951. Together they raised their family and operated a dairy farm on the Birch Bay Lynden Road for thirty-five years.

For a number of years he was a member of the Second Christian Reformed Church and was currently a member of the Covenant Grace Reformed Church. Marinus was a charter member of the Fire District #3's Delta Station where he served for ten years. He also enjoyed gardening and spending time with his grand and great-grandchildren.

Marinus is survived at home by his wife of 64 years, Alice; children Mary Ann (Ron) Massey of Quincy, Washington, John (Kathy) Oostra of Ferndale, Henry Oostra of Birch Bay, Ken (Elaine) Oostra of Parma, Idaho, Janet (Monty) Buckley of Ferndale, Dorothy (Arnie) DeKubber and Donna Allen of Lynden and Priscilla (Lance) Hoekema of Everson; twenty five grandchildren, thirty-eight great-grandchildren; brothers Ralph, Richard, William, Jake, Robert, Andy and Gerald Oostra; sisters Ruth VanEngen and Mary Grooters and numerous other relatives.

In addition to his parents, Marinus was preceded in death by an infant son, Richard Oostra; brothers John and Andrew Oostra and sister Berdina VanMaaren.

Visitation hours will be from 1 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, at Gillies Funeral Home in Lynden.

Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 7, in Monumenta Cemetery followed by memorial funeral services at 2:00 p.m. in the Second Christian Reformed Church, 8th & Front Streets, Lynden, with Reverend Alan Camarigg officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Marinus' name may be made to Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center; 4800 Sandpoint Way N.E., Seattle, Washington 98105.