Riemer Praamsma

Praamsma, Riemer Riemer Praamsma, beloved husband, father and friend, age 76, went to be with the Lord Sunday evening, January 20, 2013. A faithful proclaimer of God’s word “Pastor Ray” served for 40 years in congregations in both Ontario and Michigan. A restless retiree, Riemer continued to serve as an interim pastor for 10 years across the continent assisted by his loving and faithful wife, Joyce, ending half a century of service in the town in which he began, Vergennes, Vermont. Riemer’s love for the Lord ran deep and genuine. He was a lifelong student of God’s word and truly a lover of people. He lived his life with an unshakeable gratitude for God’s goodness in all things and an abiding desire to walk humbly. He served and loved his wife, children, and grandchildren well with his Godly example and his ready instruction. The legacy of his faith has blessed his wife, Joyce; his children and grandchildren, Louis and Albertena Praamsma (Riemer, Jenna, Elineke, Saskia), Allan and Stephanie Hoekstra (Abbie, Amy, Sarah, Ellie), Dave and Joanie Praamsma (Noah, Steph, Ben, Maya, Gabe); sisters, Eline and Peter Homan, Johanna and Gerald Van Belle, Christine and Anco Farenhorst; brothers, Bill and Rita Praamsma, Herman and Diane Praamsma; sisters-in-law, Janke Visser, Griet Houtstra, Marjo VanderZwaag, Griet VanderZwaag; many nieces, nephews and cousins in the States, Canada and the Netherlands. Funeral services will be held on Friday 11 am at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Drive with Rev. Frank Wevers officiating. Interment North Holland Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Thursday from 5-9 pm at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to The Potter’s House Christian Schools.

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March 26, 2015

Our sincere condolences Mrs. Praamsma, Louis and Alby, Steph and Al, Dave and Joanie, and children. What a joy Rev. Praamsma was here in Wallaceburg and we have many fond memories. May God surround you all with his comfort and peace duing this difficult time and in the days ahead. John & Erica Lubbers(Kraayenbrink)

March 26, 2015

Thinking of your family at this difficult time. I only knew your dad for a short time, but his love for God, his wife and family was very evident. My heartfelt sympathy, Suzanne Visser Evergreen Commons Suzanne Visser

March 26, 2015

Our deepest sympathy to you, Joyce & family. We have many wonderful memories of our times with you & Reimer. We are grateful that our daughter Melanie will be able to express our heartfelt love for you in person at this time of your loss. May our gracious Lord hold you tenderly in His loving arms and comfort you by His mighty Holy Spirit. Ron & Gerry Fisher

March 26, 2015

Dear Joyce and family, Our deepest sympathy goes out to you during this difficult time. We have fond memories of our time with you in Classis Quinte. Arie and Olga Leder

March 26, 2015

Dear Fam. Praamsma, We heard that Rev. Praamsma passed away rather suddenly. On behalf of the congregation of the CRC of Williamsburg Ontario I would like to express our sincere condolences to the family, and also tell them that all of us remember with great love and fondness how Rev. Praamsma and his dear wife Joyce ministered among us when we were vacant in 2004. We will never forget their presence among us. May God bless the family. James Kooistra, Clerk of Council

March 26, 2015

So sorry to hear this news. Riemer was my neighbor here in Holland and I considered him and Joyce as friends. I will keep all of you in prayer and thoughts. May your family find strength from the prayers and support of family and friends. J Lamar

March 26, 2015

Dear Joyce and family. I just heard about Riemer's passing. He is in a better place now. May God give you strength to go on without him. Doris VandenBerg

March 26, 2015

Het komt beslist wel goed: de levenden, de doden, zij gaan als Gods genoden één toekomst tegemoet. (Geert Boogaart) Riemer Praamsma, Easterein (Nederland)

March 26, 2015

It is with deep sadness that we receive the news of Rev. Praamsma's passing. We have fond memories of his ministry at Grandville Ave CRC in Grand Rapids MI. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who feel this loss in a very special way. May the Great Comforter surround and uphold each and every one of you now and in the days, weeks and months to come. Herm and Esther Scholtens

March 26, 2015

Our sincere condolences in the passing of husband, father and grandfather. Mary God grant you all you stand in need of as you grieve and experience this great loss. God bless you all. (we too have fond memories, the biggest of which was our wedding preformed by Pastor Riemer Praamsma) Bill and Lynda Westervelt, Bloomfield

March 26, 2015

John and Johanna Vaandering Anonymous

March 26, 2015

My deepest condolences to you, Joyce and all the family. I have many good memories of Reverent Praamsma while you were in Bloomfield. ~Dieny Bussink Anonymous

March 26, 2015

Dear Joyce: Nellie and I extend our sincere condolences in the loss of your husband. May the Lord of grace encourage you in the day to come. Brtighton congregation Nellie and Dick Roos

March 26, 2015

My deepest sympathy...may God comfort all of you and, especially, Joyce. Love and Prayers, Elsie Postma, Fellowship CRC , Brighton, Ontario, Canada Anonymous

March 26, 2015

Dear Joyce and Family, It was with sadness that we read that Pastor Riemer passed away this week. We still had a Christmas card from him and all seemed well with him. We had the privilege of being married by Pastor Riemer in 1967 in Brantford, where we lived at that time. We reconnected again about seven years ago when both he and Joyce were in Morrisburg (Williamsburg CRC) Ont. for two interim times. We appreciated them so much here. The love they had for each person, the encouragement they gave, his directness, patience and visits........ that all has given us lasting blessings in and for our lives. We remember him fondly. Joyce, our deepest sympathy goes out to you.We pray the Lord's blessing on you and your family. We are sure you will miss your dear husband and father. Our thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult time. May the Lord comfort you and give you his peace. Greetings with love, John and Anne Knier (Winter) Morrisburg, Ontario Anonymous

March 26, 2015

My deepest condolences to you. I am so very sorry for your loss. May you find strength in the upcoming days and cherish all the memories you have of such a great man. Sending warm thoughts and love, Anna deHaan

March 26, 2015

I'm torn between sharing the sorrow of the family's loss and the joy with which I remember Pastor Ray. Pastor Ray and I used to go for walks and coffee, and in his infinite patience truly taught me so much about the Lord. Our prayers go out to Joyce and and the family. Thank you old friend. Ralph Blom

March 26, 2015

Dear Mrs. Praamsma, Dave, Lou and Steph - our sincere condolences to you and your families. I just heard the news from Dad, as it was announced in the Bloomfield CRC yesterday. I have many fond memories of Mr. Praamsma, reflecting back on all the times we spent together as kids. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Derrek, Caroline and Grace deHaan

March 26, 2015

Dear Joyce & family So sorry to hear the passing away of Pastor Ray.Hope it comforts you to know that God is with you every moment--along with thoughts and prayers of everyone who cares about you.When you lose someone very precious, no one else can really know all that you feel, but, please know that many are with you during this time of sorrow. Nellie Vanderlaan Brighton CRC

March 26, 2015

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Joyce, family and friends. It always creates a great emptiness as a loved one is called home to be with the Lord but we can rejoice that pastor Ray is now receiving the rewards for all his good work he did for the Lord here on earth. Wishing you strength during this difficult time. Herman & Amanda Maas, Brighton, Ontario

March 26, 2015

Dear Mrs. Praamsma, Steph, Dave and Lou, Dad called to tell me the news and I was shocked. I am so very sorry for your loss. Dad also sends his condolences. I have so many fond memories of your dad and all the times we spent together as family, at each others' homes and camping. He was such a God-fearing, family man, always ready with a smile or an encouraging word. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family during this difficult time. Love, Trish

March 26, 2015

Our sincere condolances to you Mrs. Praamsma, Louis, Steph, Dave, spouses and children!! What a shock to hear this!! May God comfort and strenghten you at this painful time!! Big hugs!!! Linda and Bryan Watson

March 26, 2015

Our deepest sympathy goes out to your families. We have many fond memories of this wonderfull couple and their children when they served the CRC here in Collingwood, Ontario Canada. Pieter and Miep de Groot

March 26, 2015

My sincere condolences go out to Mrs. Praamsma, Louis, Steph, and Dave, and families. may God strengthen you and give you peace during this difficult time. Love, Pauline Plug (Nee Feddes) Pauline Plug (Feddes)

March 26, 2015

I also send my condolences to you Mrs Praamsma, Louis, Steph, Dave, spouses and children. I was just talking with Pastor Praamsma in December of last year and he filled me on his family, so yes I am shocked to hear this. Praying that our Lord will surround you all with His loving arms and give you His strength in the coming days. Wilma Korvemaker (CRC, Wallaceuburg, ON)

March 26, 2015

Dear Praamsma Family: Our heartfelt sympathy in the loss of husband, father and grandfather! It was a privilege to have known Riemer! May God abundantly bless you with his grace and peace. Kees & Liz Vreugdenhil

March 26, 2015

So sorry to hear this news. We are thinking of all of you all in prayer and thoughts.May you find strength from the prayers and support of family and friends. Jim and Kathy Hoekstra

March 26, 2015

Dear Praamsma family: Our sincerest condolences to all of your family. Rev. Praamsma officiated at our wedding in 1979 in Wallaceburg. We have many fond memories of his time in Wallaceburg. May God surround you with His comfort and nearness. Bill and Olga DePooter (nee Korvemaker)

March 26, 2015

So very sorry for your loss. Theresa Durga Anonymous

March 26, 2015

Our thoughts & prayers are with the entire family. I have fond memories of hanging out at the Praamsma house. For a time they were like a 2nd set of parents. Mrs. Praamsma, Lou, Steph, Dave and the rest of the family; we pray that our Lord may comfort you in this sad time. However, we do not grieve as those who have no hope! Arnold & Angela Bosman

March 26, 2015

We meet your parents during a visit at RestHaven Care Center. What love your father had for your mother while she was there. We heard him talking about Ontario and that perked our ears. My husband father remembers him well. Praise God for the truth he taught you and memories you could share and pass on to others. Eric and Carla Pennings Brampton, Ontario Eric and Carla Pennings

March 26, 2015

We are so sorry to hear of this sudden loss of your dear Husband, father, grandfather and life long friend. Many fond memories of Reverend Praamsma in Wallaceburg. May God comfort and strengthen you during this very difficult road you must travel. Sincerly and with deepest sympathy. Clarence and Marg Nap (Feddes) yshkyz

March 26, 2015

Our deepest sympathy goes out to your families. May God ease the pain of losing such a great man on this earth. Amidst your pain and suffering God is rejoicing to be able to get such a great man. Scott, Molly, Amanda, and Emily Van Oordt

March 26, 2015

With sincere condolences on your great loss. We too shall miss his kind and loving spirit. With love in Christ Jesus, Marty and Connie Staal