Paulus Raphael Heemskerk

Paulus Raphael "Paul" Heemskerk, 59, passed away on August 30, 2025, in Hilvarenbeek, the Netherlands. He was born on April 27, 1966, at home in Beist-Houtakker. Paul is survived by Pamela Heemskerk Hefley; his children, Isabella, Henry, and Nicolaas Heemskerk; his father, Petrus Cornelius Heemskerk; his mother, Theresia Maria Joanna Roefs; his sister, Noor Heemskerk; and his brother, Eric Heemskerk. Paul will also be fondly remembered by his niece Esmee Heemskerk, nephews Alex, Thijs, and Tristan Heemskerk, and many cousins, uncles, and aunts. His childhood and college friends will remember him with great affection.

Paul attended Hoge school in Tilburg, the Netherlands, where he began his academic journey. He went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Business from Brunel University. Furthering his education, Paul received his MBA from Henley College in England, setting the foundation for his successful career.

Paul's professional life was marked by dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. He worked for American Breeders Service in Madison, Wisconsin, where he became an integral member of the European Sales Team. Driven by his passion for animal welfare and business, Paul founded Agri-Box BV in the Netherlands—a company dedicated to providing dairy farmers with essential tools and products for their livestock. Under his leadership, the company expanded from the Netherlands to Germany and is now well-known throughout the European Union. Paul's commitment to excellence and his family-style approach to business left a lasting impact on the agricultural community.

Paul and Pamela met in Wisconsin, where both were working for ABS. Their son, Nicolaas, was born in Madison in 1996. In 1997, Paul and Pamela were married in the village of Hilvarenbeek, where they made their home. Their family grew with the birth of their second son, Henry, in 1999, and their daughter, Isabella, in 2001. Together, the family traveled the world, finding the greatest comfort in being together, no matter where they were. Paul deeply valued the time spent with his family. In 2006, the Heemskerk family relocated to the United States, where Paul continued his work in the agricultural sector by starting a new business. In 2020, Paul moved back to The Netherlands

Earlier this year, Paul was awarded a patent from the Dutch patent office for a preventative measure for Alzheimer's disease. The supplement, named Cerevia, reflected Paul's desire to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. He firmly believed that research and alternative therapies could offer real help to those in need.

Paul was known for his ability to strike up conversations with strangers and form quick connections. He would befriend those less fortunate, including the homeless, offering conversation, coffee, and assistance in any way he could. Paul was the greatest horse show Papa, soccer Papa, and guitar Papa. He developed considerable talent in mixed martial arts, especially Krav Maga. Paul cherished simple pleasures, such as Earl Grey tea and chocolate. He also loved to collect the most beautiful pens. His kindness and gentleness extended to all living creatures; whenever he found an injured animal—even a bee—he would always do his best to help. His memory lives on within each person he knew. He believed that we are all energy, and that never goes away. His spirit will live on through each of us.