Merle Jacob Bielema Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Merle Jacob Bielema of Thomson, Illinois, born in Fulton, Illinois, who passed away on April 9, 2022 at the age of 90. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

He was predeceased by: his parents, Henry R. Bielema, and Marie Bielema, Sr. (Diephuis); his wife Carol J. Miller; his sister Wilma M. Ottens-Huizenga; and his grandson-in-law Brad Lown.

He is survived by: his children, Brenda Atherton (Randy) of Thomson, IL, Beth Caven (Joe) of Clinton, IA and Bruce Bielema (Lori) of Thomson, IL; his niece Barbara Mathey (Don) of Thomson, IL; his grandchildren, Erin Miner (Tommy), April Atherton, Audrey Atherton, Evan Atherton (Kadina), Annette Clark (Ryan), Brooke Santillan (Leo), Courtney Lown and Kaitlin Schaver (Andy); and his brother Henry Bielema, Jr. (Susan Tappe) of Potosi, WI. He is also survived by eighteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial has been established to… First Christian Reformed Church.

Funeral arrangement under the care of
Renkes Funeral Homes, Ltd. & Bosma-Gibson Funeral Home

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April 18, 2023

Roberto Smith wrote a sympathy message

“I am surprised. Always thought I'd be dead before Merle. He and I were very close at one time. He came to see me when recovering from a stroke in Florida. we did keep in touch until the last few years. I was always so happy with the way your family grew. There is a special place in heaven for Hank, Marie and Merle. Bob Smith”

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