Kermit RIETEMA

RIETEMA, SWARTWOOD, VAN SCHOONEVELD, BROWER, VELDHOUSE, VAN ZANTEN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/13/2008 at 13:54:45

Rocky Mountain News (CO)
August 24, 1994

KERMIT RIETEMA, 68, of Denver, Colorado died Aug. 10, 1994. Services were Aug. 13 at Third Christian Reformed Church. Burial was in Crown Hill Cemetery. Mr. Rietema was born Feb. 27, 1926, in Clarion, Iowa. He was a retired minister. He married Glea Swartwood Feb. 17, 1947, in Kanawha, Iowa. Survivors include his wife, Glea of Denver; three sons, Greg of Columbus, Ohio, Mark of Littleton and David of Vancouver, Wash.; a daughter, Tina Van Schooneveld of Monument; three sisters, Pearl Brower of Kanawha, Audry Veldhouse of Pella, Iowa, and Donna Van Zanten of Chicago; a brother, John of Kanawha; and nine grandchildren. Contributions: Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, c/o Third Christian Reformed Church, 2400 S. Ash St., Denver 80222.

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Source unknown

Kermit Rietema, February 27, 1926 - August 10, 1994

Kermit Rietema conducted the worship services in Alamosa, Colorado, on August 7, 1994. After returning to his home in Denver on Monday, he spoke of being tired. A C.A.T. scan indicated he had had a cerebral hemorrhage caused by acute leukemia. He died on August 10 at the age of 68.

Rietema was born near Kanawha, Iowa, on February 27, 1926. he was motivated to seek the ministry at age 7, when he was inspired by the presentation of a missionary. After some delays he entered Calvin College and Seminary. Following graduation in 1953, he served the congregations of Newton, Iowa; Arcadia, California; Third Denver, Colorado; Maranatha, Holland Michigan; Faith, Elmhurst, Illinois and First, Hanford, California. He retired in 1991.

Kermit was a dedicated, gifted evangelist. He trained church members to present the gospel to others. He himself tirelessly called on church members and neighborhood people. He has a special gift for integrating new members into congregational life. He often served in community organizations. He is survived by his wife, Glea (Swartwood), and their four children. We thank God for his many years of devoted, dedicated service to the church.