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.