Robert A. Buikema

Robert “Bob” A. Buikema, age 84, of Jenison, was called home into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 18, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents, El and Frances (Bultman); his brother and sisters, Gerard and Bea Buikema, Ann and Bernie DeBoer, and Theresa and John Kraker Jr. Bob was a long time employee of Consumers Power, retiring after 35 years of faithful service. He served his Lord with his time and talents at Jenison Christian School, 12th Avenue CRC in Jenison, and Messiah CRC in Hudsonville. He proudly served his country in the National Guard and the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend of 59 years, Marilyn (Plaggemeyer); his daughters, Barbara (Steve) Baker, Carol (William) DeJong, Catherine (Cal) TerAvest; grandchildren, Grayson (Meagan) Baker, Kaitlin Baker, Melissa (Andrew) DeJong-Tjaden, Stephanie (Jordan) DeJong-Angell, Lexie DeJong, Cassandra (Tom) TerAvest-Baker, Elysia TerAvest, Andrew TerAvest, Benjamin TerAvest; great grandchildren, Adaline and Eloise Tjaden; sister-in-law, Clara Louwenar; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 22, 2018 at Messiah Christian Reformed Church, 2900 Springdale Street, Hudsonville, with Rev. Nate Meldrim and Rev. Ron Baker officiating. Interment Grandville Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville), 4145 Chicago Drive SW. and also on Thursday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service at church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Sunset Legacy Foundation or to a Christian School of one’s choice. The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to the caregivers at Kindred Hospice, the staff at Sunset Manor and the medical staff at St. Mary’s for the love and compassionate care given to Bob.