Birth date: Oct 2, 1931 Death date: Dec 6, 2015
David Allan “Al” Balkema, age 84, loving husband and cherished father, passed away Sunday, December 6, 2015 in Venice, Florida. He was born October 2, 1931 in Muskegon to Elmer and Hazel (Fischer) Balkema. Al served as a medic in Read Obituary
He was one of Al and my wonderful friends both on a professional and private level...the 4 of us share some wonderful memories, both in Michigan and Florida. So very sad not to be able to see that smiling face again...all of my best to Carol and family. Ann Bell
So sorry to read about Al's passing! Bette - Al's sister, was/is a very dear and close friend when we were in high school! Thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.
Jo Privasky
So MANY memories of Al & Carol..... my dad's best friend and pall bearer at his funeral.... the coolest house to visit when we were little because of the horses AND they lived in a log cabin! The only adult couple i knew where the wife was taller than the husband! They gave us a dog we called "Sandy" but we had to get rid of it because as kids we were horrible to it. Shame on us! Their children were so BEAUTIFUL! Al was a kind, sweet man, very talented, loved his wife and kids and grand children. My mom and dad loved playing cards with them in their "lower level" - never call it a basement on Seminole in Muskegon. Al "let" Carol go with my mom to Europe. Don't worry Carol, I only believe half what my mom told me! You guys were a huge part of my childhood and I am sad Al is gone. Carol if you ever want me to drive you up to Manistee so you can play a little, just let me know. I'd be honored. Remember when I went with you and we took your shortcut to Mt Pleasant that took us around twice as long as it should have? Or, are you still insisting we were going the right way? That's the teacher in you! To the Balkema Family.... you were blessed to have such a great father, husband, grandfather and I hope you will be able to smile soon when you think of him instead of just feeling the heart ache. With great fondness.... Janice Conklin Grimaldi
Carol, Lisa, Taylor, Eric, and families,
We were sorry to hear of Albie's passing. Please accept our sympathy. Also please know how much we both appreciated the friendship/visits both you Carol, and Al extended to our Charlie and Margie. Thank you. We're sure theIr conversations with laughs and liquids have continued on in Heaven! With loving thoughts and prayers,
Bill and Donna Cullen-Benedict
Carol and family - My deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband and father.
Linda (Schamber) Schultz
I'm sorry to hear this news about Al, Carol. I always enjoyed talking to him at the social events we used to attend- especially your pool parties. He was one of the good guys. My thoughts are with you and your family.
So sorry to hear of Al's passing. I have many fond memories of Al. My thoughts and prayers to Carol, Eric and Lisa.
Marilyn Brown
