Services
Obituary
Norman Gene Barkema, 76, of Alexander, passed away on Friday, October 25, 2024 while at home in hospice care.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, November 4, 2024 at First Reformed Church, 214 Brown Street in Alexander, with Pastor Louie Bram officiating. Burial will be in the Alexander Cemetery.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Norm's name may be directed to Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Click HERE to donate.
Norman was born on December 19, 1947 to Carl and Verla Barkema of Alexander. He graduated from CAL High School in Latimer in 1966. He went on to earn an agriculture degree at Iowa State University in 1970.
After graduation, Norm worked on a cattle feed lot in Colorado when he met his wife, Nancy. They were united in marriage on November 20, 1971, in Sterling, Colorado. They moved to Alexander where they raised their two children, Michel in 1972 and Douglas in 1975.
Norman was a lifelong member of the Alexander Reformed Church and filled many roles of stewardship prioritizing Christian values in everything.
He loved farming with his brothers, being outdoors, and raising cattle and hogs. From a young age, he learned about farm-life and even had the Grand Champion Steer one year. He continued raising quality beef throughout his life.
Besides farming, Norm was a dedicated husband and father, never missing a school function or sporting event and teaching life-long lessons through his kindness, coaching, work ethic, and love of animals and sports. Because of the “Farmer’s Wave”, his grandson thought Norm was the friendliest person on the planet.
Norm loved fishing, hitting the longest ball when golfing, a good poker game, playing with his grandkids, going to auctions, watching the birds and squirrels, growing gourds and pumpkins, and being quick with a good joke. He could always get the kids to smile no matter the day!
Norm is survived by his wife Nancy; children Michel (Patrick) and Doug (Summer); grandchildren Aaron Gude , Norah Barkema, and Quinn Barkema; siblings Marjorie, Dorothy, Donald, and Duane (Diane); and many nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Verla Barkema; grandson Colton; sister-in-law Cheryl, former brother-in-law Sivam; and in-laws Mary and Fred Gentz.