Elsie Friesema

Elsie Friesema RACINE – Elsie (nee: Kuiper) Friesema, 91, entered into her eternal rest on July 12, 2012, and went to be with her Lord whom she loved and served all her life. Elsie faithfully walked before God, trusting in His best for her life and waiting for Him to show her His will. Elsie was born in Franksville on June 4, 1921, and lived in Racine for 69 years. Elsie was united in marriage to John Garrett Friesema, in Racine, on March 17, 1943. She worked in and out of the home, but her primary focus was serving God in whatever she did. Elsie was an active member of the Racine Christian Reformed Church. She was a Calvinette Counselor for 10 years and a member of the church choir. She participated in the Women’s Bible Study and enjoyed reading the Bible and praying with elderly people. She loved the Racine Christian School and was a member of the guild, which raised funds for the school. In 1991, she moved to Caledonia, Michigan, where she became a member of Covenant Christian Reformed Church. During her 18 years in Michigan, Elsie worked for Crossroad Ministries, a Bible study program for prisoners. In her final three years on this earth she returned to her home in Racine. Her life was full of faith, service, family times and fun. She loved creating through baking, cake decorating, tole and oil painting, rug hooking and working on plays. She is survived by her son, Garry (Gloria) Friesema of Racine; daughters, Joan Robyn of Sarasota, FL and Joyce (Neil) Hutt of Marion, NY; six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Art (Helena) Kuiper and sister, Marie Kuiper. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John on October 2, 1986. Elsie also had two sisters that preceded her in death, Sadie (John) Hoffman and Grace (Henry) DeBoer and three brothers, Billy, Richard and William Kuiper, nephew, Russell DeBoer and niece, Donna Kuiper. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at Racine Christian Reformed Church, 900 Illinois St. on Monday, July 16, 2012 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Douglas Aldrink and Rev. John Bylsma officiating. Elsie will be laid to rest next to her husband John, at West Lawn Memorial Park. There will be a visitation at the funeral home on Sunday evening, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and at the church on Monday before services from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Racine Christian School Endowment Fund, 912 Virginia St. Racine, WI 53405 or to Crossroad Bible Institute, P.O. Box 900, Grand Rapids, MI 49509-0900.

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Elsie Friesema

June 4, 1921 - July 12, 2012