Heerema, Henry

The Heerema family announces, with deep sadness, the passing away of a dear father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. Mr. Henry Heerema, age 78, of Thunder Bay, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, March 15, 2002. Henry was born in Winsum, Grongingen, the Netherlands on June 25, 1923. He immigrated to Canada in 1952 together with his wife, Nellie, their children, and his family, settling first in Murillo, then moving to Port Arthur in 1957 where he has lived since that time. Henry was a life long member of the Christian Reformed Church. Henry enjoyed music, reading, gardening, and horses. He established many long and lasting friendships with those who shared his interests in Arabian horses. His family, home, friends, and matters pertaining to the church were his main interests.Henry received his education in the Netherlands and first worked for his father in the dairy industry there. Upon his arrival in Canada he worked for Hill's Greenhouses in Murillo, Ontario. In 1957, he joined his father, and family, in the operation of Maple Leaf Dairy, and associated dairy farms, in McIntyre Township (now Thunder Bay). The dairy operation was eventually sold to, what was then, Kellogg's Dairy, and he and his brother Fred continued the dairy farm operation until 1971. From 1971 until the time of his retirement, Henry worked for Klomp-Wakefield Dairies (now Beatrice).Henry is survived by his sons;Jerry (Pam), London, ON, Fred , Toronto, ON, Peter (Millie), Thunder Bay, ON, Martin (Helen), Thunder Bay, ON, Don (Kathy), Lufkin, Texas, daughter-in-law Barbara (Frank) Agostino, Thunder Bay, ON; and 12 grandchildren (and their spouses, in some cases).Also surviving are brothers Fred (Jane), Jack (Irene), of Thunder Bay. Sisters: Theresa Guther, Grimsby, ON; Klazien (Heero) Huitsing, Alice (Herman) Prenger, Carol Heerema, Netty (Dick) Kok, all of Thunder Bay; Willemina (Ed) Grootenboer, Brampton, ON; and, sisters-in-law Barbara Heerema (Lantana, Florida), Elly Heerema (Thunder Bay, and the Netherlands), Jane Nolan (Thunder Bay, ON) and Marie Beukema (the Netherlands). One aunt and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families also survive in Canada, the United States, and the Netherlands.Henry was predeceased by his loving wife of 52 years Petronella Catharina (Nellie) in 1998, dear son Heerke (Huck) in 1983, his parents Heerke and Willemtje Heerema, Nell's parents Jelte and Maartje Beukema, brothers Pieter (Peter), Heerke (Harry) and Arie, 2 infant sisters, and brother-in-law Henk Guther.Funeral services for the late Mr. Henry Heerema will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 2002 at 1:30 P.M. with family and friends gathering at the First Christian Reformed Church (Cooper Road off of Arthur Street). Pastor Bill Versteeg officiating. Removal to the church will be made 1 hour prior to service time. Interment services to follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.Visitation for friends will be from 7:00 P.M. on Monday, March 18, 2002 in the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma. If friends so desire, donations to "CRC Ministries", or, to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. " Revelation 21: 3, 4. "The Spirit and the bride say "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come, and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. " Revelation 22:17A donation has been made in honour of Mr. Henry Heerema to the "CRC Ministries" by Everest of Thunder Bay.Please sign the onlinecondolences at everestofthunderbay.com