Arthur "Art" Rietema

Arthur Rietema, 95, of Kanawha passed away Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt. He had been a recent resident of the Kanawha Community Home.

Funeral services for Arthur Rietema will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 10:30 AM at the Wright Christian Reformed Church near Kanawha with Pastor Daniel Lindley officiating. Burial will be at the Wright Christian Reformed Church Cemetery next to the church.

Visitation for Arthur Rietema will be held on Friday, November 13, 2009 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 118 East Second Street, in Kanawha and continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Art was born in Wright County, Kanawha, Iowa on October 3, 1914. He was the son of Fred and Cornelia (Vanden Bosch) Rietema.

Art was married to Henrietta Christians on August 9, 1939 at the home farm near Kanawha.

He was a member of the Wright Christian Reformed Church and served as Elder and Sunday school teacher. He received his education in the rural school and farmed most of his life.

Art enjoyed oil painting, carving and nature.

Art is survived by his wife of 70 years Henrietta; two daughters: Jean (Joel) Brower of Byron Center, Michigan and Marilyn (Dennis) TerHark of Kanawha; one son Richard (Sally) Rietema of Zeeland, Michigan; one daughter-in-law; Peggy Rietema of Grand Rapids, Michigan; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and one sister Winifred Pommer of Pella.

He was preceded in death by his son Larry Rietema of Grand Rapids, Michigan; his parents Fred and Cornelia Rietema; four brothers: John, Clarence, and two infant brothers; three sisters: Tena Van Otterloo, Minnie Christians and Connie DeVries.