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BORN
1935
DIED
2017
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Raymond Veltema Obituary
Ray was a member of Gateway Community Church and was the former owner of Spring Brook Irrigation.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn (1999); a son, Dennis (1962); and a grandson, Aaron Renkema (2008).
He is survived by his wife, Emily; children, Delwin and Diane Veltema of Zeeland, Douglas and Karen Veltema of West Olive, Daniel and Dawn Veltema of Zeeland, David and Robin Veltema of Zeeland, Robert and Carla Beukema of Zeeland, Thomas and Connie Beukema of Borculo, Linda Renkema of Zeeland, Mark and Rina Beukema of Phoenix AZ; 21 grandchildren; 13 Great grandchildren; brother and sister, Stan Veltema of Hudsonville, Esther and Ed Rozeveld of Jenison; brothers and sisters-in-law, Anna and Hudson TerHaar of Zeeland, Euni Timmer of Zeeland, Duane and Jerene Brink of Zeeland, Beverly Van Dyke of Zeeland, Cornie Bouwkamp of Hudsonville, Art and Alma Bouwkamp of North Blendon, Jay Bouwkamp of Hopkins, Case and Betty Bosman of Byron Center, Rev. Ronald and Marlene Bouwkamp of Jamestown; several nephews and nieces.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Monday, January 9, 2017 at Vriesland Reformed Church, 6839 Byron Road, Zeeland. Rev. Ronald Bouwkamp and Rev. John Aukema will officiate. Burial will be in Zeeland Cemetery.
Visitation will be Sunday, from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James Street, in Holland; and Monday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at Vriesland Church.
Memorial contributions may be given to Bible Presbyterian Church in Lakeland, FL, to Bridge Ministry Center in Zeeland, or to Gateway Community Church.
Please visit www.lakeshorememorial.com to leave a memory or message for the Veltema family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Veltema
Sponsored by Lakeshore Memorial Services.
Nancy Bailey
January 14, 2017
We will miss Ray so much and Emily too. He was a great friend to everyone here in lakeland resort. Our prayers are with you
Tom Doolittle
January 10, 2017
On January 1 of this year, Ray received his eternal reward in Heaven. I first met Ray more than 40 years ago when he was working for Hamilton Supply Company in Holland. He installed an irrigation system for my Grandfather in the early to mid 1970's and I marveled at his work ethic and how he treated people. I consider myself fortunate to have known Ray, and his sons. May God give you comfort and peace in these difficult times.
Del and Diane Veltema
January 9, 2017
Dad Veltema loved to treat his daughter-in-laws very special. The special gift he gave to me wasn't a material gift though It was Emily as my Mother-in-law. Let me explain.
After Dad lost his first wife (Marilyn) to cancer, his joy became dim. Time passed and the Lord provided a new spouse for Dad. Del and I first met Dad's fiancé, Emily Beukema December 2001 when we went out for Dinner. I asked Emily What is your maiden name? Boukamp she replied. (We all play the Dutch Bingo game of who are you related to that I know,) so, I immediately asked Who were your parents? She smiled and replied proudly Jay and Betty Boukamp. I felt a warmth as though I had known Emily for many years as part of my family. Tears came to my eyes and I shared a bonding moment with her. You see, as I grew up, my parents, Reuben and Minnie Meyer, spoke highly of Jay and Betty Boukamp and the support they provided to Spec Lake Chapel where my father was a pastor. Nearly every Sunday Jay and Betty would drive from Jamestown to Allegan to pick up children from dirt-floor homes and bring them to the Chapel to learn about Jesus and often taught Sunday School. On February 14, 2002, Dad (Ray) and Emily were married. God graciously gave me the unique opportunity to tell Em's Mom, Betty, (who attended their wedding) just how much my parents loved and appreciated them for the love and support they had given to God's ministry. The best gift to me was that Emily became my Mother-in-law. We are forever blessed to call Emily Mom.
January 8, 2017
We are sorry for your loss Em and your family. He was a really great guy and helped my mom so much after my dad passed away! He will be missed by all of us! Your family will be in our prayers. Doug, Brenda, Nick, Torie, Zach and Jess Bonzelaar
Carol & Don Romeyn
January 6, 2017
So sorry to hear about Ray! He was a wonderful man and friend! You have our prayers and sympathy! He will be greatly missed!
January 5, 2017
So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bill & Cathy Ricketts
January 4, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Euni Timmer
January 4, 2017
My sympathy to all of you and your families. Ray will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of your loved one.
Linda Falcon
January 4, 2017
So sorry for this great loss, Ray always greeted everyone with a smile. He will be so missed be a very one. You will be in our prayers Emily.
Chuck and Linda Falcon
Lisa Shipp
January 4, 2017
Thinking of all of the Veltema and Beukema families at this time of loss. We know, through each of you, he was a wonderful man even though we never had the privilege of meeting him.
Our prayers are with you!
The Shipps
Rachel Sams
January 4, 2017
Ray and I met over 20 years ago when I was a young high school student who was trying to make money as a waitress and pay for upcoming college expenses, and he was a frequent patron of that restaurant. He was a giver who never asked for anything in return, but oh Ray, I received so much from your friendship. You were truly one of most caring people I had ever met. Until we meet again dear friend.
Jim Blizzard
January 4, 2017
What an encouragement Ray was to me as a pastor here in Lakeland. Always ready with the big hugs and and firm handshake
Pastor Jim
Patricia Ebersole
January 4, 2017
Ray was such a wonderful man. He will be so missed here in Lakeland. RIP dear friend. Prayers and thoughts for Emily and family.
Hope Betz
January 4, 2017
So very sorry for your loss Emily.
Catherine Moore
January 4, 2017
You will be missed by your Lakeland, Florida winter home friends so much. You were the the nicest man! Sending prayers and love to Emily and his family.
Charity TenHarmsel
January 4, 2017
You will always be in our thoughts and in our heart. Love you so much Grandpa.
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