Raymond E.Bielema's Obituary
Raymond E. Bielema, 80, died November 12, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.
Per his wishes cremation rites have been accorded. There will be no visitation or funeral. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery at later date. Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren Ethan, Logan, Nolan, Mason, Avery, Amaya and Jessica Bielema.
Ray was born in Newton, Illinois May 20, 1941 son of Ralph and Alice (Wierema) Bielema. Was raised around the Fulton/Thomson area and graduated in 1959 from Thomson High School. He married Joyce Badrick on September 14, 1963 at St. Mary’s in Clinton. He was employed for 40 years at International Paper; retiring in 2000 when the plant closed.
He enjoyed spring and summer (not too hot), camping in the 5th wheel and sitting on his deck watching and keeping the birdfeeders full for the many songbirds and hummingbirds that visited his yard. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Ray is survived by his wife Joyce Bielema of Camanche; children: Jeffrey (Kim) Bielema of Clinton, Michael (Janet) Bielema of Clinton, Brian (Kim) Bielema of Camanche, Ashley Bielema of Camanche and Jennifer Bielema of Camanche; seven grandchildren: Jessica, Ethan, Logan, Nolan and Mason Bielema of Clinton and Avery and Amaya Bielema of Camanche; sister: Sharon (Jake) Rosson and the rest of the Thomson family; sister-in-law Carol (Bruce) Rieck of Sabula, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, stillborn son, brother Bob, nephew Bobby and his beloved dog Cody.
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