Fannie Riemersma

Fannie  Bloemendaal Riemersma

5/7/1924 - 1/22/2017

Fannie was born on a farm in Doon, IA on May 7, 1924.  She graduated from Western Christian High School in 1941.  This is an excerpt of her life, lifted from a high school renuion held in 1998. 

As a transferee from Doon PHS, I joined Western’s Jr. Class in 1939.  After graduation, and one year of concentrated teacher training at Orange City Jr. College, I entered the teaching profession, my goal since I was a third grader.  I started out in Sully Christian School.  Thanks to my predecessor, my 45 students in K-4 were accustomed to structure, quiet independent study, and eagerness to learn.  I leaned heavily on Teacher’s Guides, especially Scott-Foresman’s Dick and Jane series.  Using pans of “jelly”, I ran off lots of reinforcing worksheets.  Often the day ended with a cordial cup of cocoa with the Oney Aardema’s.

The next fall my class enrollment was reduced to 25.  Wage increased from $75.00 to $125.00 per month, one favorable effect of WWII. 

The following year I accepted position in Sheldon Christian School.  It was during my three years in Sheldon that the Lord spoke to me to serve Him in special service rather than marry the air force soldier friend with whom I had been keeping company during the war years.

Having submitted to the Lord’s will, I enrolled at Calvin College to earn my teacher’s degree and see where God would lead.  There I met a young veteran who had the same goal as I: to bring the gospel of Jesus wherever God would lead.  He was very “nice” too, very open, genuine, and well, comfortable to be with.  We were married on June 9, 1949.  Our loved continued to grow.

Following John’s graduation from Seminary, we entered the field of pastoring churches.  Over the next thirty-one years we served the Lord in five churches, namely, Bigelow, MN; Britt, IA; Zillah, WA; Hull, ND; and Bemis CRC, SD.  I had no desire to teach school until our youngest son was in school.

Just when we were wondering how Christian School and Dordt College tuitions (for our two daughters) would be met a neighbor invited me to join her teaching migrant workers in Granger, WA.  Thanking God for His providence, I accepted.  That was the beginning of my return to the classroom (part-time) and simultaneously taking college courses.  I graduated from VCS College in ND; in ’79 with a BS degree in education.  For twenty years, with John’s and family’s support, I substitute taught in area schools.  Working on part-time basis gave me ample time for Sunday school teaching and other church activities and also teaching Bible in Good News Clubs.

In 1985, John “retired”.  We took a long anticipated visit to Holland, and with a Dutch cousin, toured Europe.  Witnessing WWII remaining evidences, especially Normandy Beach in France, brought back vivid memories for each of us.

From 1985 – 1991 we worked in Rehoboth and Zuni, NM in CRC Indian missions.  Besides teaching God’s Word in school, I enjoyed having my own classroom again!  Special times were the Sundays when John preached in area mission churches with me (as “side kick”) pianist.  Oh, how our “Indian Cousins” love to sing!

In 1991, once more pulling up our roots, we moved into our modest mobile home in WA near four our families (12 grandchildren and now 12 great grandchildren).  I am still enjoying teaching God’s Word, in children’s church and a neighborhood ladies’ Bible study.  God is so good!  We’ve seen our children and our grand-children, one by one, giving their hearts and lives to the Lord.  I am so very thankful that God has kept nudging me thought my life.  As long as He gives me health I wish to continue to serve my faithful Savior first of all.

Fannie continued to be involved in children’s ministries, bible studies, music other social activies as well as being a subtitute teacher, until she fell in 2014, breaking an arm and hip.  She has lived at Brookdale Assisted Living Facility for the past 2 years.  She remained active during her two years there, with Bible studies, movies, chapel, church, sit-r-size and so on.  She was also a greeter to new patrons, which she throughly enjoyed.  Fannie will be fondly remember by the many lives she touched.

Remebrances may be made to;

Zuni Christian Reformed Mission : Box 445 Zuni NM 87327

and/or

Anchor of Hope Chr Ref Church : 10625 Ridgetop Blvd.  Silverdale, WA 98383

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