Bernard LaVern Bolema's Obituary
Mr. Bernard LaVern Bolema, age 89, passed away Saturday morning, December 2, 2023 in Muskegon, Michigan. He was born in Muskegon on June 16, 1934 to Nick and Marjorie (VandenBosch) Bolema. Bern started working for the family business, Bolema Lumber and Construction, at the age of 16. He retired in 2022, 73 years later, as the CEO. Bern enjoyed his beloved Irish Setter “Champ”, swimming, horseback riding, walking, biking, and traveling. He also loved to read and follow politics. He was an active member of Ferry Memorial Reformed Church. His faith was very important, and he enjoyed studying his Bible. Bern took great joy in attending his grandchildren’s events. On August 7, 1975, Bern married the former Karen Elizabeth Hedberg in Muskegon, and she preceded him in death in 2022. He is survived by three daughters, Holly (Rick) Hughes, Dianne (Tom) Smrcina, and Charlotte (Darren) Breit; nine grandchildren, Morgan Hughes, Taylor (Jonah Ogles) Hughes, John (Kristen) Gibbs, Brenden Gibbs, Michael (Alicia) Smrcina, Carley Smrcina, Collin Breit, Alec (Graciela) Breit, and Chandler Breit; six great-grandchildren, Ava Gibbs, Brielle Gibbs, Auden Ogles, Willow Smrcina, Farren Ogles, and Truman Breit; his sister, Charlotte “Tootsie” (Stan) Yonker; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Karen, Bern was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Marjorie (VandenBosch) Bolema, and three brothers, Charles Bolema, Donald Bolema, and Kenneth Bolema. SERVICES will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Ferry Memorial Reformed Church, 8637 Old Channel Trail, Montague, MI 49437. VISITATION will be one hour prior to his service at the church. Burial will be in Fruitland Township Cemetery. MEMORIALS may be directed to Ferry Memorial Reformed Church. You may sign his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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