Viola "Fern" Barkema

Viola “Fern” Barkema, age 96, passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at Addington Place of Lakeside Vista Assisted Living. Fern was born on September 11, 1927, to Peter and Jennie Brat, the oldest of eight children. Fern was a graduate of Holland Christian High School. She married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Preston “Pep” Petroelje and raised their family together in Holland. Fern was an executive secretary at Holland Furnace Company and later secretary at Third Reformed Church. She was an organist at Maranatha Christian Reformed Church for many years and was currently a member of Central Avenue Christian Reformed Church. Fern enjoyed traveling, golf, visiting family, and was very good at crossword puzzles and crypto quotes. Fern is preceded in death by her first husband and father of her children, Preston Petroelje in 1983; husband Robert Barkema in 2014; sister Carla and James Tamminga; sister Alma and Ivan VanHaitsma; brothers-in-law Ken Knott, Dr. Glenn and Marilyn Petroelje, and Dr. Robert Petroelje. She is survived by her daughter, Pam and Dr. Bert Davis; daughter, Cindy and Mike Eidem; stepdaughter, Karen and Tom Buyarski; stepson, Rob and Sandy Barkema; grandchildren, Allison Davis, Leon Davis, Michael and Sandra Eidem, Elisabeth and Joshua Patterson, and Matthew Eidem. Step grandchildren, Marissa Barkema, Branden and Kim Barkema, Josh Buyarski, and Courtney Klitzke; siblings, Pearl and Lee Beyer, Rose Knott, Dr. Paul and Betty Brat, Myrtle and Jerry DeVries, Carol and Eric TerBeek, Aud and Cathy Petroelje, Dr. Wayne and Barb Petroelje, Laurie Petroelje; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation with the family is planned for 10:00 – 10:45am on Tuesday, October 24 at Langeland Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St. Holland. Funeral services will immediately follow visitation at the funeral home and will begin at 11:00am. Rev. Chad Steenwyk will officiate. Burial to take place in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions in Fern’s honor may be given to Holland Christian Schools or a charity of one’s choice. Special thanks to Fern’s caregivers at Lakeside Vista and Gentiva Hospice. Condolences may be left online at www.langelandsterenberg.com.

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Viola "Fern" Barkema

September 11, 1927 - October 17, 2023