Clare Harkema

On July 17, 2021, surrounded by God’s beautiful creation in Alaska, Clare Harkema, age 72, fell into the arms of Jesus. Clare deeply loved his family and friends and had a passion for showing the love of Jesus to young people and also serving those in need. He was generous with his time, talents, and gifts and had a big heart for the people of Guatemala. Clare and Marcia went on many youth trips with the Friendship Christian Reformed Church young people and the kids referred to Clare as “Papa." It was on one of these youth service trips that Clare was welcomed home to Heaven. He deeply loved his Lord and it showed in the way he lived his life. Clare would want everyone to know the love of Jesus and the hope of salvation they can find in Him. He was always quick to share his faith.

Clare was preceded in death by his parents Samuel and Tena Harkema; in-laws John and Joyce Seif; sister-in-law, Barb Harkema; and brothers-in-law Bob Bonnema and Bob Blacquiere. He will be lovingly missed by his wife of almost 53 years, Marcia; and four children Randy and Rachel Harkema (Matthew and wife Madeline, Jordan, Katelyn, Kelsey), Jeff Harkema, Jon and Joelyn Harkema (Mary, Lilly, and William), and Tim and Mandy Harkema (Natalee, Lia, Tycen, and Jace). Clare will also be missed by many family members of the Harkema and Seif families, as well as by many lifelong friends and members of Friendship CRC and Heritage CRC.

The family would like to thank the staff at Victory Bible Camp in Alaska for their love and support as well as the youth leaders and students of Friendship CRC. The Harkema family would love to greet family and friends as they celebrate Clare’s life. Visitation will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday, July 25 and 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. Monday, July 26, at Friendship Christian Reformed Church, 190 - 100th St. SE, Byron Center, Michigan. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 27, at Friendship Christian Reformed Church. Interment will be at Dutton Cemetery. In honor of Clare’s life and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Dutton Christian School, South Christian High School, or to Friendship Christian Reformed Church’s youth program. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guestbook online at www.cookcaresbyron.com.