Vern was born in Kalamazoo to Jake and Clara Ekema and was a graduate of Kalamazoo Christian High School. He was a member of Maplewood Reformed Church, and retired from the Holland Post Office after 31 years of services. Vern was an avid bowler, a passionate Detroit Tiger fan, and loved to spend time tending to his flowers in his garden.
He is survived by his wife Bernice; his 3 sons, Gene Ekema of Kalamazoo, Terry (Nancy) Ekema of Zeeland, and Paul (Stephanie) Ekema of Tyler, MN; grandchildren, Chris, Ashley (Cody), Michael, Arthur (Lexi), Miranda, Grace, Maddie, and Katie; his brother Donald (Kathy) Ekema of Auburndale, FL; in-laws, Evelyn (Eugene) Berens, and Wayne (Connie) Schipper; many extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be 10:00am, Friday, November 2, 2018 at Maplewoood Reformed Church, 133 E. 34th St., Holland. Officiating will be Rev. Aaron VanDer Veen and Rev. Doug Bretschneider. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 1 from 5-7:00pm at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kids Hope at Maplewood Church.
Please visit www.lakeshorememorial.com to leave a message or memory for the Ekema family.
