From The Sheboygan Press September 9, 2008 (HT: Paul Ipema)
Rev. C. Eric Fennema, beloved husband, father, grandfather, minister of the Gospel, and friend went home to the Lord on Saturday, September 6, 2008 at the age of 58.
Eric was born in Roseland, Illinois on November 8, 1949, son of the late Clarence and Cecile Fennema.
Eric’s desire for ministry began early in life. God confirmed the call and he was ordained into the ministry on January 14, 1975.
The Lord lead Eric to many congregations during his 34 years of ministry. These congregations include: Beacon Light CRC, Gary, Indiana; Sibley CRC, Sibley, Iowa; Napa Valley CRC, Napa, California; First CRC, Rock Valley, Iowa; Trinity URC, Lethbridge, Alberta. Eric’s passion was for the Lord. He preached the Word of the Lord with conviction according to His almighty purposes. Eric urgently prayed for his family and others that they be right with the Lord; to have their faith in the Lord.
Eric was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Nancy.
Eric is survived by Helen, his loving wife of 37 years; five children: Anne (Scott) Hendrikse, Joel Fennema, Jonathan Fennema, Sarah (Jason) Van Voorst, and Caryn (Micah) Schouten; six grandchildren: Hannah, Mary and Jacob Hendrikse; Mackinzie and Faith Van Voorst; and Alexa Schouten; two brothers: Roger (Carol) and Alan (Darlene); two sisters: Virginia Eizenga and Marcia (John) Hohm; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
“I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
-Ps. 116: 13-15
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the Love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
-Romans 8: 38-39
In lieu of flowers, in memory of Eric, donations may be made to Christian Credit Union, for the purposes of Christian Education, 1619 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB T1K 2R4.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at TRINITY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH, 1100 – 40 Avenue North, Lethbridge, Alberta on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
A Funeral Service will be held at TRINITY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH, on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Chris Gordon officiating.
Interment will take place at Valley View Cemetery, Rock Valley, Iowa.
Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777.