Peter Reen

Peter Reen experienced many things in his lifetime that showed him the importance of appreciating what he had. First and foremost, he was a family man – he loved his three sons equally and unconditionally, and many of his happiest memories in life involved the sixty-one years he spent with his beloved wife. Peter spent his life balancing hard work with being a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather and loyal friend. Life will never be the same without Peter, but the memories he leaves behind will remain lasting treasures in the hearts and lives of those to numerous to count.

Pieter was born on August 29, 1924, in Sneek, Friesland in the Netherlands to Tjeerd and Janna (Faber) Reen. He was one of three boys in his family, and grew up along side his brothers, Frank and Michael, enduring the horrors of World War II as it ravage their hometown of Holland. His father owned a café in the local cattle market, and Peter worked with him there throughout his childhood.

Peter was in his mid 20s when he met the love of his life, Frances Boersma; they were happily married in 1949. Wanting to provide a good life for his new bride, Peter soon left to find work in the United States. After settling into a job in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Peter sent for Frances after 6 months, and they made their life together here. In time, their family blossomed to include three sons, Terry, Lee and Robert, who were their pride and joy. Peter worked very hard to make sure his family had everything they needed. Some of the jobs he held in the first few years were pretty rough, including driving a delivery truck for Colonial Bakery. Eventually, Peter went to work in the warehouse at Gordon Food Service, where he remained for 30 years. A very easygoing person, Peter made many good friends among his co-workers over the life of his career, and their close bonds continued well into his retirement years.

Peter and Frances did everything together, and always for the benefit of their family. They both enjoyed socializing with their many friends from church, the Dutch Immigrant Society, as well as the friends they made playing cards over the years. Peter also liked playing a good game of billiards when he got the chance. In his quieter moments at home, after a long day at work, Peter liked to read the newspaper, and catch up with some of his favorite sports teams from Michigan. In later years, he kept a close eye on the stock market too. Sadly, Peter lost his beloved wife Frances in 2010, and he never really enjoyed life like he used to. As his health began to wane, Peter was under the care of the great staff at Visiting Angels as well as at Vista Springs Northview. To the end, Peter was in charge of his life, making decisions that he wanted for himself. He passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2015, at the age of 90.

Peter was preceded in death by his wife, Frances (Boersma) Reen in 2010. Peter is survived by his children, Terry (Patti) Reen, Lee Reen, and Robert (Susan) Reen; grandchildren, Peter (Erin) Reen and Marc (Kari) Reen; great grandchildren, Aubrey and Matthew Reen; sisters-in-law, Rigt Boersma, Diane Reen and Muriel Reen; and numerous cousins in the Netherlands.

His family expresses their gratitude to the staffs of Visiting Angels, Vista Springs Northview and Gentiva Hospice for their wonderful care. A private graveside service will be held. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Seventh Reformed Church, 950 Leonard Street NW area appreciated. To read more about Peter's life, to share a memory or to sign his guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com.