Barbara J. Dickman

Barbara J. Dickman, age 80, died April 16, 2014 at Oak Crest of Holland. Barb was born January 6, 1934 to Dirk (Doc) and Lillian Bloemendaal in Zeeland, MI where she lived most of her life. She graduated from Zeeland High School, attended Lake Forest College where she was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority and graduated from Northwestern University, Chicago, IL where she earned her BS in Nursing. She worked as a registered nurse at Allegan Hospital and the University of Michigan Hospital. Barb married Lawrence F. Dickman on June 8, 1956. Together Larry and Barb owned and operated the Dickman Insurance Agency from 1960-1990. Barb was very involved with a number of organizations including the American Legion Auxiliary Gilbert D. Karsten Post #33, PEO Chapter Y, the STOP Colon Cancer Foundation for which she served as a board member, the Michigan Centennial Farm Association, of which she was president for 6 years, the Michigan Tree Farm Association, the Michigan Forestry Association, Oceana County historical societies, Planned Parenthood and the Girl Scouts. Barb had also been chairwoman of the Zeeland Planning Commission and was a lifelong member of Second Reformed Church. Barb had many interests including current events and local government, history, genealogy, reading, classical music and traveling. She especially enjoyed spending time at her centennial farm in Mears, MI and entertaining friends there. Barb was proud that the family farm received Tree Farm of the Year and Centennial Farm of the Year awards. But most important to Barb was her family. She took tremendous delight in all of her children's and grandchildren's interests and always challenged them to aspire to greater heights. Barb had a great zest for life and will be missed tremendously. Barb was preceded in death by her beloved husband Larry in 2000, and siblings Dirk and Bill. Surviving are Barb's three children and four grandchildren: Thomas and Jill Dickman of Reno, NV, Sarah Leybourne of Muskegon, MI and her children Anthony and Nicholas, and David and Sherri Dickman of Zeeland, and their children Jennifer and Ross; siblings Betty and John Walters of Rockford, MI, John and Jean Bloemendaal of Maine, and Mary and Bud Ferguson of Holland, MI; sisters-in-law Kari Bloemendaal and Audrey Bloemendaal, both of Holland, sister-in-law Mary Lirones of Saline, MI and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial celebration of Barb's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 19 at Second Reformed Church. Visitation will immediately precede the celebration from 12:30-2:00 and the family will also greet friends for a time of fellowship and refreshments afterwards. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Larry and Barbara Dickman Fund at the Holland/Zeeland Community Foundation. Cremation has taken place. The family would like to sincerely thank the wonderful staff at Oak Crest for the loving care they provided.

Tributes

Barbara J. Dickman

January 6, 1934 - April 16, 2014