Robert J. Bajema

NORTHBRIDGE ... Dr. Robert J. Bajema, 55, of 70 Fairlawn Street, Whitinsville, died Thursday, July 3, in the Milford/Whitinsville Regional Hospital, after being stricken ill.

He is survived by his wife, Carol (Geers) Bajema; a daughter, Nichole S. Barnatt, of Whitinsville; his mother, Gladys M. (Andringa) Bajema, of Whitinsville; two brothers, Roger D. Bajema, of Sarasota, FL, and Jeffrey L. Bajema, of Whitinsville; and four grandchildren. A son, Jonathan D. Bajema, died in 2002.

Dr. Bajema was born, June 21, 1948, in Lemars, Iowa, a son of the late John Bajema, and had lived here for 25 years. He graduated from Western Christian High School, Hull, Iowa. He attended Dordt College, and graduated from Calvin College, in 1970. He was a graduate of the University of Iowa Medical School, and served his residency in Johnstown, PA.

He worked one year as an emergency room physician at the Milford/Whitinsville Regional Hospital before establishing a practice in Whitinsville, 24 years ago.

Dr. Bajema was a member of the New England Chapel, Franklin, and was a former member and elder of the Fairlawn Christian Reformed Church, Whitinsville. He was a founder of the Blackstone Valley Free Medical Clinic, in Whitinsville, and he was a former board member of Bethany Christian Services, No. Andover. An avid sports fan, he also enjoyed fishing and gardening.

A funeral will be held at 10 AM, Monday, July 7, in the Pleasant Street Christian Reformed Church, Whitinsville. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Calling Hours will be 3-5 PM, Sunday, July 6, in the Carr Funeral Home (www.carrfuneralhome.com), 24 Hill Street, Whitinsville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethany Christian Services, 1538 Turnpkie Road, No. Andover, MA, 01845, or to the Blackstone Valley Free Medical Clinic, 447 Hill Street, Whitinsville, MA, 01588.