Elmer Kaemingk, age 89, of Lynden, passed away on Monday, Oct. 10, 2016.
Elmer was born Feb. 13, 1927, to Engelbert and Johanna (Kraayenbrink) Kaemingk in Sanborn, Iowa. He was the middle child in a family of nine, four brothers and four sisters. Elmer grew up in Sanborn, moving with his family to South Dakota at age 6. In 1943, when he was 16, the family moved for the last time, ultimately settling in Lynden.
It was at a skating rink that Elmer met a lovely gal named Harriet “Hess” Roosma, and after a time they were married on June 5, 1947.
Elmer worked as a farm laborer before buying his farm on River Road in 1955. The farm was Hess and Elmer’s home for 64 years. After Hess passed in 2011, Elmer remained there until 2013. The kitchen table was a welcome place where many shared a cup of coffee and olie bollen.
He volunteered for Lynden Christian Schools and was an avid sports and Seattle Mariners fan. Elmer was active as a deacon and elder at Third Christian Reformed Church and in the One to One Prison Ministry.
Elmer was preceded in death is by his wife of 64 years, three brothers and four sisters.
He will be greatly missed by his six children: Jay (Avis) Kaemingk of Bellingham, Jan (Rich) Yzenbaard of Ramah, New Mexico, Karen (Cal) Jen of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kathy (Ron) Boon of Sumas, Dan (Melinda) Kaemingk and Kevin (Kelly) Kaemingk of Lynden; 18 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; brother Frank (Joy) Kaemingk and sisters-in-law Betty Kaemingk and Jennie Kaemingk.
A visitation time was Friday, Oct. 14, in Gillies Funeral Home. The graveside committal was Saturday, Oct. 15, in Monumenta Cemetery followed by a memorial service in Third Christian Reformed Church, 514 Liberty St., Lynden. Pastor Homer Wigboldy officiated.
Memorial contributions in honor of Elmer may be sent to Lynden Christian Schools, 417 Lyncs Drive, Lynden, WA 98264.
You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
