Feikema, John Peter 1946-2021

FEIKEMA, VANVELZEN, SMITH

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:36

Mr. John Feikema, age 74, of Orange City, passed on Sunday, February 7, 2021, at his residence.

There will be a memorial service on Thursday, February 11, at 10:00am, at the Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City. The Rev. Dr. Brian Keepers will officiate. Interment will be at a later date. Visitation with the family present will be on Wednesday, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, at the Oolman Funeral Home in Orange City.

John Peter was born on November 12, 1946, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the son of Clarence and Ann (Van Velzen) Feikema. He was raised on a farm north of Luverne, Minnesota, where he attended Southwest Christian High School, in Edgerton, Minnesota, graduating with the class of 1964. He received his associate degree in accounting after spending one year at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and one year at Nettleton Commercial College in Sioux Falls.

On February 5, 1966, he married the love of his life Linda L. Smith, in Luverne. In 1969, they moved to Canby, Minnesota, where they raised their family, and John worked his way up to General Manager at the Farmers’ Cooperative Association for seventeen years. Throughout his years in Canby, John built life lasting friendships, enjoyed playing softball and never missing a chance to support his children through high school sports and school concerts. John and family later moved to Brookings, South Dakota, where he was a customer support representative for Centrak Accounting Services for seven years, before moving to Orange City in 1992, where he served proudly as the controller for Ag Partners in Alton, for 23 years.

John was a member of the Trinity Reformed Church, Landsmeer Golf Club, and the Lions Club, all in Orange City. He took great joy in participating in church activities, golfing, reading, and woodworking. He took special enjoyment with his grandchildren and would never miss an opportunity to attend basketball games, volleyball matches, track meets and band concerts.

In 1993 John was diagnosed with lung cancer and undertook treatment that would both save his life and define his life going forward. From that point forward he held a deep gratitude for each special moment with his wife, his children, his grandchildren and with God. He endured a second diagnosis of lung cancer in 2001 and many additional health challenges after. He was a role-model for many with his deep strong faith and the quiet, uncomplaining grace through which he met each challenge.

John is lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda, of 55 years, a son, Paul Feikema, and his wife, Joi Thomas, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; a daughter, Jodi, and her husband, Bryan Peterson, of Huntley, Montana; eleven grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Feikema, and his wife, Arla, and Ronald Feikema; three sisters-in-law Char Feikema; Susanne, and her husband Arlann Stegenga; Lanette, and her husband, Scott Szymkowicz; and two brothers-in-law, Kevin Haraldson; Randolph Smith; and Jim Johannsen.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife’s parents, William and Marguerite Smith; a brother, Charles Feikema; two sisters-in-law, Bonnie Johannsen and Shirlee Haraldson; and a nephew, Kelly Feikema.

Memorials may be directed to the Luke Society and Words of Hope.

Source: Oolman Funeral Home online obituary.