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Larry L. Riemersma

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University of Florida University of South Florida University of Tampa

Larry Riemersma Obituary

RIEMERSMA, Larry L. Age 70, on May 11, 2011, moved to his eternal address. His new home is on the corner of "Absent From the Body" and "Present With the Lord." He was born in Zeeland, MI and graduated from Zeeland High School in 1958. Larry earned degrees from Grace Bible College, BRE 1963, the University of Tampa, BS 1967, the University of South Florida, MA 1970 and the University of Florida, EdS 1978. He taught Mathematics in Tampa for 37 years, nine at two high schools, Tampa Catholic and Jesuit, and 28 years at Hillsborough Community College, Dale Mabry Campus. He estimated that he taught twelve to fifteen thousand students over the course of his career. In addition to Larry's love of teaching mathematics was his love of teaching and preaching the Bible. He was the founding pastor of Grace Bible Fellowship in Pinellas Park. He served in this capacity for 27 years until his retirement in 2003. The people of the church were Larry's "pride and joy." It was and is a harmonious family. During his tenure the church had two building programs and now is almost debt free. Larry is survived by Alice Riemersma, nee Fisher of Lansing, IL, his wife of 50 years; two sons, Jeffrey and Julie Riemersma of Gainesville, FL and Michael and Amy Riemersma of Grand Rapids, MI; his favorite, and only, grandchildren, Lauren and Justin, Michael and Amy's children who live in Grand Rapids. Larry is also survived by siblings, Allen Riemersma and Sharon Hoogendoorn. Allen is married to Ethel Riemersma, and they have three children and ten grandchildren. Sharon has four children and five grandchildren. A memorial service of celebration and victory will be held at 11 am, Saturday, May 28, 2011, at Grace Bible Fellowship, 10999 60th St. North, Pinellas Park, FL 33782. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Bible Fellowship.

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Published by Tampa Bay Times on May 22, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Larry Riemersma

15 Entries

William Schreiber

October 1, 2023

Larry and I were fellow students and friends at the University of Tampa. We were both married and our sons played together occasionally when we attended one of Larry's evening services. I graduated in January 1967 and we lost touch when I left the area, but I have always remembered him as a caring and dedicated individual. And today (October 1, 2023) I thought of him and decided to google his name. RIP Larry.

Paul Fernandez

June 3, 2011

I was in MR.Riemersma's geometry class at Tampa Catholic High School. although, I had no love for math, he made it easy and enjoyable. It' ironic that I became an accounting major in college. I am also glad to learn that he was active in helping others through his church service. He will always be remembered as a part of my class of 1970. I'm sure he'll be glad to know that I've also gone into prison ministry.Thanks Larry for your example and all the great memories

Beverly Gruber

June 2, 2011

Dear family of Mr. Reimersma,
I was a student of his at Tampa Catholic and learned the love of math. He was a very patient and caring teacher and he will be in my prayers.

May 31, 2011

I was very sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Riemersma. He was my math teacher at Tampa Catholic, and I will always be grateful to him for his patience and understanding in answering all my endless math questions. I, also, received my old high school math test which he brought to our TC 30 year reunion. I'm proud to say it had a big "A" on it, thanks to his great instruction!! My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Riemersma and family.

Nury Rodriguez Darrow, Tampa, Florida
TC Class of '70

May 27, 2011

I was sad to learn about the passing of Mr. Riemersma. However, being "Present With the Lord" is a wonderful place.

During my junior and senior year at Tampa Catholic High School, I was a student in Mr. Riemersma's Math class. "Mr. Rie" was a dedicated and caring teacher.

I'm so pleased that Mr. Rie and his wife joined the Tampa Catholic Class of 1970 at its 30 year reunion. On this occasion, Mr. Riemersma gave his students math term papers that were written decades earlier.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Sincerely,
Denise Spoto Lynn
Tampa Catholic High School
Class of 1970

May 25, 2011

Dear Alice, Jeff, Mike and Amy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We will be thinking about you all Sat.
We have so many wonderful happy memories of good times together. And fellowship at church.
But I know someday we will have the same address. In Christ, Lyle and Carol Vander Haar Zeeland, MI

Gloria Genest

May 24, 2011

Larry was loved and respected by all who
knew him. He lived an exemplary life and
modeled what he preached before family
and friends from all walks of life. He
will be greatly missed.

Sharon Lowe-Lassiter

May 23, 2011

Riemersma Family,
I was sadden to learn from my parents, Ken & Janet Lowe, of Larry's passing. I have wonderful memories of all the Saturday night dinners our families shared together. I even have memories dating back to the Bible Fellowship Church days. I wish you all the best during this difficult time.

Dale Kimball

May 23, 2011

Hi Larry's family,
Great Jesuit H. S. Math teacher and Key Club moderator!
Peace,
Dale Kimball Class of 1975

Cherryl Marlan

May 23, 2011

I was a student in his Calculus Class at HCC in 1981. Mr. R. would always arrive early to help with the course. He gave me a bible, I still have it, and I was there when he started GBF. Kept in touch via a mutual friend. He will always be that one teacher your remember that made a difference. Cherryl Marlan

May 22, 2011

Alice, Mike, Amy, and Family,
Our family was blessed to have known your husband, father, and grandfather. He always had a smile on his face when he was here in Michigan, even if he was freezing cold watching you guys play softball. He will be greatly missed by alot of people. We love you all. Sincerely,
Matt, Erin, Lexi, Sydney and Molly

Sandy Adkins

May 22, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Alice! I always and forever will love Larry!! He was a wonderful man, a great Pastor, and a good friend!! I know he was an inspiration to many lives that he touched!!!
I used to love the way he would "incorporate" food into the stories he would tell on Sunday! How much fun he was and how much he enjoyed life!

Stephanie Reck

May 22, 2011

It was such a pleasure to meet your parents at our annual oyster roast, back in Florida. No one would have ever guessed we'd just met that day! They were right in with the gang, eating, chatting, and helping out. I'm so glad your dad is with Jesus, and I will continue to pray for the beloved family he left for now.

Alyssa DeSpain

May 22, 2011

Jeff~
Thinking of you and your family and sending warm wishes to comfort you in the upcoming days without your dad.

April Sopczak

May 22, 2011

Pastor Larry,

There are few people in my life who have had the incredible impact and influence that you have had. You are the stick I measure against when looking for a church and a pastor to teach my family; I want to know they are being led by the Holy Spirit, just like you. You are the reason I am finishing a master's degree in education; I want to teach and reach students, just like you. You are the reason I read my Bible and pray without being led; I want a personal relationship with Christ, just like you. Most importantly, you led my father to Jesus when I was just five years old. Because of you, I was raised in a Christian home led by a Christian father, and that has made all the difference since. I love you and will miss you everyday until we meet again in Glory.

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