Obituary of Milo Okkema

OKKEMA, Milo, age 85 of Ridgewood, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 after a long illness. Born in Paterson, he was a resident of Midland Park and Ridgewood most of his life. An avid gardener, his flowers provided much beauty to Vreeland Avenue. Milo taught social studies at Eastern Christian High School and Ridgewood High School until retiring in 1980. He was a member of West Side Presbyterian Church of Ridgewood, where he served as both a Deacon and Elder. Milo served his country during World War II in the United States Army. Surviving are his five children: David P. of Grand Rapids, MI, The Rev. Dr. Marianne O. Rhebergen and husband Rev. Paul of Hopewell, NJ, Dr. Julie M. Okkema and husband Kurt Johnson of Alexandria, VA, Beth C. Okkema of Midland Park, and Faith O. Borucke and husband Mark of Baltimore, MD. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, his sister Mary Jean Kolk and husband Stephen of Grand Rapids, MI, his brother Matthew Okkema and wife Doris of Holland, MI and his sister Florence Nieuwenhuis and husband Garret of North Haledon. Milo was predeceased by his beloved wife Elinore in 1993 and their dear son Craig in 1970. Friends may visit the family on Sunday, 4-6 PM at Olthuis Funeral Home (www.olthuisfuneralhome.com), 159 Godwin Ave., Midland Park. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will take place on Monday, 11:00 AM at West Side Presbyterian Church, 6 South Monroe Street, Ridgewood, NJ. Interment will follow at Fair Lawn Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to West Side Presbyterian Church's Building Fund.