Ann Heerema, 84

Published 10:54 am Thursday, November 17, 2011

Funeral services for Ann Heerema, 84, of Hollandale will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Hollandale Christian Reformed Church. The Rev. Michael Bentley will officiate. Interment will be at Hollandale Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. To sign the guest book go to www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Heeremas

Ann died Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Ann Heerema was born on Feb. 9, 1927, in Oldehove, Netherlands, to Roger and Aleida (Bosscher) Rietsema. She attended school in Holland focusing on home management. Ann came to the United States on March 12, 1948. On Dec. 17, 1948, Ann was united in marriage to John Heerema, Sr. in Clarks Grove. In 1958 the couple moved to their farm in rural Blooming Prairie, together they farmed and raised their children. In 1999 Ann and John retired from farming and moved to Hollandale. For the last five years Ann lived at Countryside Assisted Living in Owatonna. Ann was a very active member of the Hollandale Christian Reformed Church. She was a gracious and giving person who always put others first in her life. Ann enjoyed family, volunteering in various church and community groups, reading, knitting, embroidery and crocheting. She always enjoyed having a “Kopje Koffie” with her family and friends. Blessed be her memory.

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Survivors include her children: Alida (Larry) Fish, of Michigan, Evelyn (Arlie) Olsen, of Blooming Prairie, Sharon (Mike) Marreel, of Owatonna, and John (Barb) Heerema, of Owatonna; grandchildren: Melissa (John) Kellerman, Ryan Fish, Zachary Fish, Ann Marie (Mark) Olsen-Wagner, Chris (Cara) Olsen, Paul (Ashley) Olsen, Matthew (Jasey) Olsen, Alysha (Graham) Frie and Ashley Heerema; great-grandchildren: Jordan Kellerman, Drew Kellerman, Christian Olsen, Soren and Lief Olsen, Analise Wagner and Rand Olsen; sisters: Judy (Peter) Van Meekeren and Patti (Gary) Van Eyke; brothers: Jake (Martha) Rietsema and Bert (Betty) Rietsema; and many nieces and nephews.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John Heerema, Sr.; sister, Alice Geertsema; and brother, Al Rietsema.