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Facts and Events
References
- ↑ Passed away Thursday, September 24, 2009, in Kalamazoo. Rev. Dekema was born June 6, 1915, in Kalamazoo, the youngest of ten children of John and Agnes (Stiemsma) Dekema. Larry loved to play golf, coached Little League when his children were young, had been active in the Big Brother program and served as Cubmaster for the Cub Scouts. Prior to serving in church he was employed in the printing industry working K.V.P. Paper Co. for 32 years, later Brown Company, from which he retired, and three years for Acme, Inc. He attended Garrott Theological Seminary in Chicago while in his 50s and retired from the ministry in 1978. He served United Methodist Churches in Lakeview, Michigan and Almy, Michigan for 8 .5 years retiring when he was 65 years old. On May 10, 1939 in Kalamazoo he married the former Ruth Rosset, who survives. Also surviving are four children, Marijane (David) Smith of The Woodlands, TX, David (Phyllis) Dekema of Richland, Ronald (Carlene) Dekema of Kalamazoo and Donald (Donna) Dekema of Plainwell; ten grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his siblings, Richard, Burt, Sadie, Bertha, Alice, Kathryn, Lucille, Clara and James. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will meet with friends at the United Methodist Church of Otsego on Monday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM when a Memorial Service will be held, Pastor Joe Shaler officiating. Burial of ashes at Hillside Cemetery, Plainwell, will take place at a later date. Contributions in memory of Larry may be made to the United Methodist Church of Otsego or Kairos Dwelling.
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