Mervin R. BARKEMA

BARKEMA, LIEWEN, SCHMIDT, STADTLANDER, AHLSTROM, OSTENDORF

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 9/21/2008 at 11:10:18

August 3, 2005

Mervin "Merv" R. Barkema, 85, of Klemme, died on Tuesday, July 26, 2005, at the Belmond Medical Center, Belmond. Funeral services were held on Friday, July 29, 2005, at the Immanuel Reformed UCC Church, Klemme. The Rev. Donna Buckman officiated. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. The Andrews Funeral Home of Klemme was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be given to the donor's choice.

Mervin Barkema, was born on May 9, 1920, the son of Hauko and Grace (Liewen) Barkema, in rural Hancock County. He attended school in the Goodell area and served his country during World War II in the Air Force. He attained the rank of Sergeant. Following his discharge, he worked at the Klemme Creamery. Mervin was united in marriage to Irene L. Schmidt on June 22, 1949, at the Immanuel Reformed Church in Klemme. The couple farmed southwest of town and retired to Klemme in 1998. Mervin enjoyed farming and watching the crops grow. He and his wife, Irene enjoyed spending several winters in Arizona.

He is survived by his wife of over 56 years, Irene L. Barkema of Klemme; brother, Harvey Barkema and wife, Irene of Forest City; sisters, Marvel Stadtlander of Sheffield and Jean Ostendorf of Klemme; two sisters-in-law, Norene Barkema of Belmond and Betty Barkema (Mrs. Leland) and brother-in-law, Kurt Ahlstrom of Belmond; also several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Theodore, Leo and Leland.

The Garner Leader & Signal -- Iowa