Matthew Okkema of Holland and formerly of Fremont, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 12, 2021, surrounded by his family.
Matt was born June 17, 1931, to Matthew Sr. and Mary (Snyder) Okkema in Ridgewood, NJ, and lived to the age of 89. He married Doris Boerman in 1951 and together they have four children: Bruce, Ruth, Sue, and Joni. They were married for nearly 70 years. Matt worked for Gerber Products Co. for most of his career, starting out as an auditor, then becoming Treasurer, and finally Vice-President of Finance before retiring in 1993. While living in Fremont, Matt was a city council member for many years. He served on his church consistory, Fremont Christian School Board, and was a board member of CSI (Christian Schools International) for several years. Matt loved to sing and sang in his church choirs in Fremont and Holland. When they moved to Holland, Matt joined the Evergreen Chorale and made many friends and memories while being a part of that choir. Matt and Doris loved to travel, and they took many wonderful trips across our beautiful country, and to many places throughout the world. His love for his family was so evident, and the many Spring Break trips to South Carolina and Florida, as well as the two weeks spent at a cottage on Lake Michigan for many summers, made such fun memories for his children and grandchildren.
Matthew is survived by his loving wife, Doris; son, Bruce (Mary) Okkema of Zeeland; daughters, Ruth (Dave) Bratt of Rockford, Sue (Bruce) VandenBrink of Dorr, Joni (Ron) Brookens of Zeeland; grandchildren, Rosemary (Robert) Kuperberg, Robin (Rick) Van Bragt, Holly (Kyle) Israels, Corrie (Mike) Van Eck, Tom (Jessica) Bratt, Joe (Thea) Bratt, Jenny (AJ) Heyboer, Sarah Bratt, Matt (Katie) Vriesman, Brian (Kristin) Brookens, Scott (Kristina) Brookens, Heidi Brookens; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Jean Kolk of Lansing, and Florence (Garry) Nieuwenhuis of North Haledon, NJ; sisters-in-law, Helen Swinehart, Margaret Van Koevering and Sharon Boerman.
Matthew was preceded in death by his brother, Milo Okkema; in-laws, Elinore Okkema, Steve Kolk, Mary and Harold Rottman, Howard Swinehart, Terry VanKoevering, and Ken Boerman; and great-grandson, Zachary Israels.
A memorial service is planned for 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 16, at Faith Reformed Church, 220 W Central, Ave, Zeeland, with Rev. Daniel Gillette officiating; please wear a mask until seated. Burial will be prior to the service in Maple Grove Cemetery in Fremont. Visitation is scheduled for 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 15, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S State St., Zeeland. Memorial contributions may be made to Zeeland Christian School and Hospice of Holland. Condolences may be left online at www.yntemafh.com.Matthew Okkema of Holland and formerly of Fremont, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 12, 2021, surrounded by his family.
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