Richard “Dick” Rietema, age 73, of Zeeland, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
Dick was born on January 2, 1952, in Belmond, Iowa, to Art and Henrietta (Christians) Rietema. He was raised on a farm in Kanawha, Iowa, where he attended Kanawha Christian School and graduated from Kanawha High School in 1970. Following high school, Dick attended Dordt University, earning a degree in history in 1974. From a young age, Dick aspired to pursue a career in law, leading him to attend Valparaiso University School of Law. He graduated with his Juris Doctorate in 1977.
On August 6, 1976, Dick married Sally (Luiken) Rietema. After graduating from law school, the couple moved to Holland, where Dick began practicing law at a local firm. In 1980, he transitioned to private practice, specializing in real estate law. During this time, he also founded Keystone Properties, a business that offered property management services to landlords, a venture he continued until 1997.
In 1998, Dick began part-time studies at Calvin Seminary, earning a Master of Missions degree in 2008. His academic focus explored the intersection of the internet and the church. During his “interim year”, he worked remotely for the Back-to-God Hour and Primary Focus (now ReFrame Ministries), assisting in the development of their websites.
After 45 years of practice, Dick closed his law office in 2023. In retirement, he continued to operate his business as a qualified intermediary for IRS 1031 tax exchanges.
A faithful member of Haven Christian Reformed Church, Dick served in many capacities.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 48 years, Sally; their children, Aaron (April) Rietema and Sarah Rietema; his granddaughter, Teagan Rietema; his sisters, Jean (Joel) Brower and Marilyn (Dennis) TerHark; his in-laws, Jim and Shiela Luiken; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Henrietta Rietema; his brother, Larry Rietema; his father and mother-in-law, Floyd and Ethel Luiken; and his nephew, Brad TerHark.
A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 8, at Haven CRC, 541 Alice Street, Zeeland, MI 49464, with Rev. Kevin Kleinheksel officiating. Visitation will take place on Friday, February 7, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Haven CRC and one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Christian Services.
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