Albert M. Riemersma

He was born on August 10, 1936 to the late Lenze and Judith Riemersma in Surhuisterveen, The Netherlands, immigrating to the United States in January of 1953 with his parents and some of his siblings. He graduated in 1956 from North High School and attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI for two years.

Albert and Eloise (Wondergem) Riemersma were united in marriage on November 26, 1958 at the First Christian Reformed Church.

Al was a glazier at the Sheboygan Glass Company for 46 years, retiring in 1998. In his retirement, he worked part-time for 12 years at the Pine Hills Country Club on the grounds crew.

Al was very involved at church as an Elder, member of several choirs, Choir Director for the Youth Choir, a member of the Men’s Society, Sunday School Teacher as well as a Cadet Leader. He was involved in missions, serving as a board member for the CRC Mission Board, providing services for the Jail and Nursing Home Ministries, as well as the board of the Pine Haven Christian Home. Albert was also involved in both the Sheboygan Christian School and Sheboygan County Christian High School and was a charter member of the high school, serving as board president and treasurer. In addition, he was president of the SCCHS Booster Club, instrumental in opening the Good As New Shop (which started out in their garage on 10th Street) which is currently operating in Cedar Grove, WI.

Al was an accomplished soloist, serving many churches and lending his voice to weddings and funerals throughout the area. He was an integral part of starting a men’s choir, “The Men of Harmony” with former director Jim Gabrielse. Al and Eloise were also in charge of the Gospel Music Wisconsin Artist Series until his illness forced him to resign.

His interests included bowling and golfing. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels and the Salvation Army. Family gatherings were of great joy to Al. It was important to attend school events of his children and then his grandchildren. Most trips were taken to visit “the kids and their families.” As a couple, Al and Eloise regularly attended the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY and sponsoring bus tours to the convention, Gaither Homecomings, and other musical events.

Albert is survived by his wife, Eloise, of 53 years; his four daughters, Vicki (Larry) Huizenga of Highland, IN, Vonni (Randal) DeMaster of Sheboygan, Junell (Steve) Hoekstra of St. Anne, IL, Jodi (Kent) Koeman of Whitinsville, MA; one son, Jeffrey (Staci) Riemersma of Griffith, IN; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: the DeMasters: Elyssia (Tom) Roozeboom (Graeson and Ensley), Rachele (friend, Emlyn Thomas), Ashton & Jocelyn DeMaster (Hadley), Braydn & Linsey (Koehn & Brenley), Karlinn & Joshua Aleff, Jorren and Daevin; the Huizengas: Elyce (Joe) Boonstra, Aimee, Erika, Alane, Chadd, and Colin; the Hoekstras: Katherine , Jennifer and Nathaniel; the Riemersmas: Alex, Aaron, Avrey and Aslynn; the Koemans: Jamison, Arianna and Hadley. He is also survived by his siblings, George (Rita) Riemersma, Robert Riemersma, Fran (Peter) Otte, Bela VanDaalen, and Jean (Dirk) VanDerSteen; sisters-in-law Rodell Riemersma, Edith Hesselink, Eleanor Mentink, and Evonne (Roderick) Kreuzer; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, John (Nelly) Wondergem; brother Andrew Riemersma; sisters Fredricka Riemersma and Sieta Hiemstra; brothers-in-law Dick Hiemstra; Derwin Hesselink, Gerrit VanDaalen and Stuart Mentink; and sisters-in-law Tine Riemersma and Janet Riemersma.

A time for visitation will be held Friday, October 26, 2012 at First Christian Reformed Church from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. An opportunity to greet the family will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A service of celebration will begin at 11:00 a.m. at First Christian Reformed Church. Rev. Larry Meyer and Rev. Bill Te Winkle will officiate. A private family committal service will be held Saturday morning.

A memorial fund has been established in Albert’s name.

Al will always be remembered as a man of God who demonstrated a sincere love for his wife, his church, his family and music.