Ray Statema

I met Ray through my job as a park planner at Ottawa County Parks. His kindness, and selflessness were immediately apparent. I felt at peace and the Lord's presense whenever I talked with him. He will be missed by many I'm sure. What an example to follow. : )

- Matt Levandoski

Alma, Ray was one of the finest gentleman I have ever known and I was fortunate to be able to tell him in one of our Ottawa County Parks Commission meetings where we served together. You and Ray are some of the most generous people on the planet. I will ride a tractor again and be thinking of you both. Peace be with you.

- Roger Jonas

Dearest Alma, Ray and you have been two of God's giants who resemble His grace, kindness, gentleness, love, prayers and help were always a neighbor away. We will always cherish our dinners which was full or laughter and positive fellowship. Your marriage and love for each other was an inspiration to us. Ray will be greatly missed for his generous heart but we know you, Alma will continue to carry that legacy. Just imagine Ray without pain and he instantly heard his Lord and Savior say "Ray enter into Heaven, you are my good and faithful servant" and Ray received his reward of being a faithful and joyful follower of Jesus Christ. Alma, we are so grateful and thankful to have you as our friend and neighbor. You too are one of God's beautiful creations, just like the beautiful landscape, flowers and trees on your property. In one sense we rejoice, however not having Ray here with you, we are so sorry and pray Gods peace and that you will feel and experience His arms of love around you. We love you!

- Bob, Laurie, Michelle Koopman

Alma, Our sympathy to you and your family. We knew Ray from ACS years ago when I drove bus for ACS along with our children going there. Every year for 5 years I took Ray's classes to your home in the Spring to find the wild flowers growing on your property. It was always a special time as I loved learning about them from Ray. Ray will be deeply missed ! Aileen and Joe VanderSchuur

- Aileen and Joe VanderSchuur

Alma, We are so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. We was a wonderful, godly man who loved the Lord and developed in others an appreciation of, and sense of awe in, Creation. He will be sorely missed, and lovingly remembered. His legacy will continue - he planted it, in the heart of many!

- Brian and Kim Roon

Alma and family, Ray has provided me with some of my fondest memories from middle school at ACS. From the field trip to your house, to the bug and leave collections, intramurals, and so much more. I am very grateful for his dedication to his students and to ACS as well.

- Michelle (Miedema) Van Duyn

So sorry to lose this gentle, kind man. His participation on the Ottawa County Parks Commission was truly valued, and he was a tireless and faithful volunteer for Friends of the Parks. He was deeply respected and appreciated. Hugs to you, Alma.

- Bobbi Jones Sabine

Our family sends our deepest sympathy and prayers that you will be filled with God’s loving peace and comfort. Our girls loved having you for a teacher and we pray God will hold you close during this difficult time.

- Steve and Lisa Dykstra

To Alma and family: My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.

- Rachel (Cutting) Robins

Alma, Mr. Statema holds a special place in my heart as one of my a favorite middle school teachers and friends. He served ACS, it's students, and our community so beautifully. Know that we are grieving along with you. Sending you my love, hugs, and prayers! <3

- Cindy Driesenga

My prayers for you and condolences to you Alma. Ray was my teacher and a good friend of my father Clarence Hibma. I’m sure they are enjoying God’s love and peace.

- Gayla (Hibma) Boice

We offer our sympathy and prayers through this difficult time to you Alma. It was an honor to serve on ACS school board with Ray. We have many wonderful memories of you and Ray. May Gods love guide through this.

- Rick and Jodi Potgeter

Prayers for comfort to Alma and family. Ray was a shining example of Christ's love to all who met him. He was a great example of servanthood for all of the students and parent's lives he's impacted in his time here. I was blessed to know him and call him friend.

- Ryan and Steph Kooiman Family

I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family of Ray Statema and to all who knew and loved him. He obviously impacted the life of so many for good. True, it will always seem too soon at any age to lose a loved one. One can see how clearly this is true for Mr. Statema. May you find comfort in one another and in the many wonderful memories you hold of Ray Statema and these fill your heart forever. Comforting it is to know that there is no sorrow God cannot heal. (Psalm 55:22)

- Jean Morris

I had the pleasure of being one of Mr. Statema’s many, many students. He was one of my all-time favorite teachers...the jr high school class trip to his woods is one of my favorite memories from those years. The love of nature and the outdoors which he shared with us inspired my own love for hiking and exploring God’s world. I am blessed to have known him and had his influence during those formidable junior high years.

- Amy (Feenstra) Clark

Alma & Family,YOU HAVE OUR SYMPATHY.

- Harlyn & Sandy Sall

Alma, we are holding you close in our thoughts and prayers. Ray was such a warm and kind man who touched the lives of all who knew him. We're praying that you will find comfort in your memories of Ray and in the knowledge that others are grieving with you. Our deepest sympathy.

- Jim & Brenda Terpstra

Thank you Ray for leaving an example to live up to the rest of my life. You will have forever shaped my life and my family’s. God put you in our lives and so many other for his will and I am so thankful. You Will forever be Mr. ACS.

- Don lipinski

Alma and family: you have our deepest sympathy.

- Preston and Barbara Boomstra

Alma, I am thinking of you. Ray was the first person I saw every shift I worked and I will really miss him. He was such a positive, happy and kind person. ❤️

- Kerry Thompson