Raymond Anema

For those who knew Raymond Anema, it was very clear that he was a passionate man in regards to so many things including his faith, his family, and his work. He was a jack of all trades who could fix anything from items around the house to cars as well. Ray delighted in his family, especially when it came to his grandchildren, and he was an outgoing and friendly man who treasured each and every one of his friends. Although his work was an important part of his life, there was always plenty of room for drinking in the joy contained in every moment. Ray leaves behind lessons in integrity, strength, and perseverance that will be a lasting treasure for those who have become his greatest legacy.

In 1930, our nation was still moving deeper into the throes of the Great Depression as consumers cut their expenditures by ten percent and a severe drought ravaged the agricultural heartland of America beginning that summer. This was a year for great celebration in the family of August and Pietje (Hoekstra) Anema since it was on June 30th of that year that they welcomed the birth of their son, Raymond. Ray was born in Green Lake County, Wisconsin, located in the center region of the state. He was one of two children in his family and was raised on the family farm where he was expected to handle his fair share of the chores and farm work. The Anema family was dealt a devastating blow with the death of Ray's mother when he was just eight years old. His father later remarried, which brought three more children into the household. Since the agricultural industry was one of the industries that were affected the most throughout the depression, Ray left school in order to help support the family. He later left the farm and began working with a builder, learning woodworking skills that served him well throughout the rest of his life.

As the United States became more involved in the Korean Conflict overseas, Ray was drafted into the Army and served as a firefighter in Alaska for nearly two years. When he was discharged, Ray and a friend came to Grand Rapids, Michigan. He joked it was because he was looking for “her,” and his search proved to be successful.

The love of his life turned out to be a young girl named Althea Boerkoel, and she lived in his neighborhood and also attended his church, Oakdale Christian Reformed Church. After dating for a time, Ray and Althea were married on August 13, 1954, and they enjoyed a romantic honeymoon to Yellowstone National Park. Ray spent a few years working as a cabinetmaker for Capital Lumber in Grand Rapids before he took a position as a cabinetmaker for the Grand Rapids Public Schools. He loved his work – both the actual work and the people he worked with, and he was very particular about what he made as well. Ray was meticulous - a perfectionist who put forth his best effort into everything he did. He remained in his position with the school system for 30 years until he retired.

While he was busy building his career, nothing could have brought Ray more joy than becoming a father to three wonderful children: Sandra, Kenneth, and Kathlyn. They raised their family in their home on Fairfield – the home they lived in for 50 years. Their home was full of Ray’s personal touches as he built all of the cabinets and most of the wood furniture, too. When his children were young, Ray also took many part-time jobs. He often brought his son with him, teaching him valuable skills and lessons. There was always room for fun in the Anema family including trips to Wisconsin to visit with Ray’s parents and siblings, and also to amusement parks where he never backed down from any ride.

There were so many ways in which Ray was such a remarkable man. He was truly gifted in his woodworking skills since he could draw anything and then create it. Ray was very mechanical as well and was able to repair the family cars. He always had some sort of project going on and not surprisingly, his workshop was always neat, clean, and organized. Ray was very social and liked to talk to people, so much so that no matter where he went he seemed to know someone. He was a generous man, too, always willing to help anyone with whatever they needed, often fixing or building something. Just as he was meticulous about his work, he was meticulous about his lawn as well.

When he had free time, Ray still kept busy. He had a vegetable garden that seemed to expand every year and when the children were home, picking, canning, and freezing his yield was a family affair. Ray was an active member at Highland Hills Christian Reformed Church for many years where he was a Cadet leader and also served as an elder and a deacon. For the past 15 years, Ray and Althea were members of Seventh Reformed Church. When his family grew to include grandchildren, spending time with them became one of his favorite things to do, and their grandchildren were frequent visitors at their home. Ray read Popular Mechanics from cover to cover and saved every issue from the past five decades. After he retired, he and Althea did more traveling not only throughout the United States, but they also visited the Netherlands. Ray’s favorite trip was when he went back to Alaska – he was so excited to be able to share a bit of his past with his wife.

Ray Anema was one of those rare people who made sacrificing for others seem effortless. He was meticulous in whatever he was doing, organized and frugal, but not tight. Although he enjoyed many things throughout his life, spending time with his family always topped his list. Ray’s faith was a visible force in his life, the basis he used for his every thought, word, and deed. He cherished his family and dedicated himself to making sure they knew just how dearly they were loved.

Raymond Anema died on March 12, 2010. Ray’s family includes his wife, Althea; their children: Sandra and Randall Ackerman, Kenneth and Carol Anema; Kathlyn (Anema) Biggins; his grandchildren Matthew, Nathan and Maegan Ackerman, Crystal and Tim Mejeur, Katie and Mike Elders, Cynthia and Amy Anema; his great grandchild, Ellee Joy Mejeur; his sister Clarice and Chuck Uken; his brothers Samuel and Donna Anema, James and Sue Anema; a brother-in-law, several sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, John. Relatives and friends are invited to visit Ray’s family on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. The funeral service will be held on Monday, March 15 at 11 a.m. in the chapel at Seventh Reformed Church, 950 Leonard St. NW, with Dr. Tim Trumper officiating. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you came leave a memory or make a memorial contribution to Faith Hospice.