Lila Alkema

Lila Alkema, age 96, of Grand Rapids, loving mother, grandma, grandma-great, entered the outstretched arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, April 26, 2017. She was born in Perkins, Iowa on March 11, 1921. She married the love her life, Larry on August 8, 1940. The Lord blessed them with five children and they spent 72 happy, healthy years together. After her faith, her husband, children and siblings were the most important part of her life. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Tanya and Steve Sawdy, Gregory and Betsy Alkema, Valerie and Larry Hobbie, Laurel and Jim DeGraaf, Brad and Linda Alkema; 29 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; sisters and brother, Esther Telman, Marianne and Don Huizenga, Bea Weaver, Vonne Visser; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; parents, Peter and Hendrene (Dena) Visser, Ralph and Catherine Alkema; granddaughter, Laura Leigh Oostema; great-granddaughter, Faith Alkema Pickerd; her siblings and their spouses: Bud (Irene) Brill, Gerry Telman, Marv Weaver, Bill Visser; in-laws: Jay (Ada) Alkema, Rudy (Margaret) Alkema, Elsie (Bill) Seaks, Joanne (Gus) VanderMeulen, Don (Esca) Alkema, Melvin (Ruby) Alkema; Bea Keappler. Funeral services will be held on Monday 11 a.m. at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Kentwood) 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE with Rev. Steve De Vries officiating. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the funeral home and 10-10:45 a.m. on Monday. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to a charity of one’s choice.

Leave Your Tribute Message

May 01, 2017

Dear Brad, Linda & family, I loved your mom & dad! They were the nicest people! I really enjoyed working for them! We are sending you love & prayers!

- Nancy & Dan Truskowski

April 28, 2017

Dear cousins, My thoughts and prayers are with you as you say your earthly goodbye to your Mom. As a family we have been so blessed by the faith of those that came before us and our Lord that we know we will meet again. I am so very thankful for all the memories of times together at grandma and grandpas, at the lake and so many others. I have missed and will continue to miss visits with your mom, she kept me up to date on you all after my Mom went home to heaven. Love to all of you and God bless.

- Sheri Soloway

April 28, 2017

My sincere condolences to the family for your loss. May the promises in God’s word provide you with comfort and strength during this most difficult time. John 5:28-29

- BD

April 28, 2017

Dear Family, We are all saddened by the passing of our precious Aunt Lila. Lots of memories flood through my mind, Silver Lake, Tamrack Street, Family dinners in Youngstown and Grand Rapids. She would shake her finger say, "you better listen, Uncle Larry tickles hard." Anyway, we will all see her soon again. Don

- Don and Judy Alkema

April 27, 2017

She was a GRAND LADY!!Sometimes a challenge but fair and generous. She helped to make me a better human.

- Betty Walston

April 27, 2017

My Dear Cousins, What a glorious day in heaven! Running into the Arms of her Lord and Savior and then into the arms of your Dad. What an amazing God we serve! But,....we are left here, behind. Losing a parent, no matter what their age, or ours, leaves a hole in our hearts and lives, that only Jesus can fill. I will always remember your Mom's beautiful smile and wry sense of humor. She always made me laugh. My prayer for you is that our Heavenly Father will shower you with His tender mercies in a real and gentle way as you travel this journey , together, with Him. With sympathy and love,

- DeAnne Fellows