Douglas Lee BARKEMA

BARKEMA, PALS, GABRIELSON, SCHLUETER, COX

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/21/2010 at 12:49:00

BELMOND - Douglas Lee Barkema, 51, of Belmond died Wednesday (Feb. 17, 2010) from injuries sustained in an industrial accident. Funeral services for Doug Barkema will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 22, at the First Reformed Church in Meservey. Pastor Rodney Meester will officiate. Burial will take place in the Meservey cemetery. Visitation for Doug Barkema will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. today at the Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick's Lane S. in Belmond, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be directed to the First Reformed Church, Meservey.

Doug was born Dec. 5, 1958, in Belmond, son of Junior and Viola (Pals) Barkema. He graduated from Belmond High School in 1977. After high school, Doug was employed at Central Soya and Sukup Manufacturing. In spring of 1984, he began working for Eaton Corp. in Belmond as a machine operator. He worked in this capacity for the next 24 years. Doug was a passionate hunter, golfer and sports enthusiast (volleyball). Wildlife preservation, bird watching, and being a collector of fine antiques and "stuff" were keen interests of Doug's. He also enjoyed the numerous activities that he could participate in with his family and friends as well as working with his brothers as part of the family farm operation. He was active in his church, First Reformed of Meservey, serving as a deacon. His faith was his foundation. Doug consistently discovered ways to do more with less. He was honored to receive the first "cost savings" award from Eaton. He continued to receive numerous work-related awards and recognition through his dedicated years at Eaton. Doug has left a legacy by touching the lives of so many. He unselfishly volunteered his time in helping others. He was a good friend whenever you needed assistance, anytime and anywhere. He was well known for his sense of humor. He was often referred to as a teddy bear with a big heart.

Doug is survived by his mother, Viola; his brothers, Dean (Kim) of Mason City, Dave (Jeanne) of Belmond, DuWayne (Dawn) of Cedar Falls, Delwin (Dawn) of Belmond, and one sister, Darla (Tad) Gabrielson, of Pella; nieces and nephews, Terisa (Bob) Schlueter of Des Moines, Sue (Chad) Cox of Prairie City, Richard Barkema of Mason City, Jim (Lisa) Barkema of Mason City, Laura Barkema of Mason City, Chris (Erin) Barkema of Story City, Tim (Katie) Barkema of Ames, Jon (Melissa) Barkema of Bondurant, Sarah Barkema (fiance, Eric) of Belmond, Ashley Barkema of Chicago, Danielle Barkema of Ames, TJ Gabrielson of Altus, Okla., Niki Gabrielson of Chicago, Brittany and Brenna Barkema of Belmond, along with many beloved friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his father, Junior; his brother, Dwight, and a sister-in-law, Nancy (Dean). Dugger Funeral Home, Belmond.

Mason City Globe Gazette - Iowa
February 21, 2010