The Wayne O. Lemmen

TRAVERSE CITY — Wayne O. Lemmen, 90, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, at French Manor.He was born Dec. 11, 1921, in Holland, Mich., to Raymond B. and Theresa (Huyser) Lemmen. Following graduation from Holland High School in 1939, he completed studies at Hope College and Western Theological Seminary. On May 22, 1944, while a seminary student, he married Carleen Stroop. She preceded him in death on March 21, 2011.During his 38 years as full-time pastor, Rev. Lemmen ministered to six congregations: Atwood (now Belltower) Reformed in Atwood; American Reformed in Hull, Iowa; Hingham Reformed in Hingham, Wis.; Home Acres Reformed in Grand Rapids; Glen Lake Community Reformed near Burdickville (Glen Arbor); and Ebenezer Reformed in Morrison, Ill. Upon retirement in 1985, he and Carleen located to Traverse City, where he also served for a brief time on the staff of Faith Reformed Church as visitation pastor.In his early retirement years, he and Carleen enjoyed gardening, as well as winter traveling and maintaining many friendships. Wayne's life was characterized by a profound love for God and for people. His compassion touched the lives of many.Surviving are four children: David I. (Carol) Lemmen, Lois DeHart, Rhoda (Dan) Cronin, all of Traverse City, and Thomas (Debra) Lemmen, of Melbourne, Fla; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; siblings: Irving (the late Norma) Lemmen, of Lansing, Shirley (the late Howard) Kammeraad, of Holland, and Douglas Lemmen, of Kalamazoo; as well as several nieces and nephews.Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 66 years, Carleen; many aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and friends.Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 20, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City.Funeral services will be officiated by Pastor Dave Anderson at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, with visitation beginning at noon, at Faith Reformed Church. Burial will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens at a later time.The family expresses gratitude to the staff of French Manor Senior Living for their caring attention to Wayne while he was a resident there. Special thanks is also extended to Hospice of Michigan for their supportive care during his illness.Memorial gifts may be directed to: Faith Reformed Church, 1139 E. Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686; or Hospice of Michigan, 900 E. Front St., Ste. 150, Traverse City, MI 49686; or a charity of choice.Recollections and/or condolences may be sent to the family c/o P.O. Box 1184, Traverse City MI 49685 or posted online at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City.

The Wayne O. Lemmen

January 16, 2012