Melvin Eugene Droogsma

Melvin E Droogsma, age 85 of Milaca, passed away Saturday, June 27, 2015 at the Milaca Elim Home after a 3 ½ year battle with a brain tumor that had reoccurred. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 10 AM at the Christian Reformed Church in Pease with Rev. Michael Ten Haken officiating. Interment will follow at Pease Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by Hansen-Hayes American Legion Post #178 and Siemers-Hakes VFW Post #10794. Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM Wednesday at the Christian Reformed Church in Pease and 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Casketbearers will be grandsons Nick Droogsma, Nate Droogsma, Rob Droogsma, Aaron Droogsma, Mitchell Droogsma, Sam Droogsma, John Gerritsen, Ryan Droogsma, and Adam Droogsma. Arr. Peterson-Johnson Funeral Home of Milaca. Melvin Eugene was born October 18, 1929 in Bock to John and Minnie (Van De Riet) Droogsma. He attended District 14 School in Bock through eighth grade. The family moved to a farm near Pease where Melvin worked until he entered the US Army in 1951 and served in Korea for 15 months. He was transferred to the Reserves in June, 1953. On July 17, 1953, Melvin married Betty Ann Hanenburg in Pease, MN. He started farming with Fred and Mary Van De Riet and later purchased the farm. In 1992, he sold his cows to his son Duane and stayed active on the farm until 2003. He was a life time member of the Christian Reformed Church of Pease where he served numerous terms on the church council. He was a faithful supporter of the Community Christian School of Pease and served on the school board. He lived a life of service to church, school, and community. Melvin loved being outdoors hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and looked forward to the week at the lake with family. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Betty Ann; children Dale (Lois) Droogsma of Elk River, Duane Droogsma of Milaca, Darryl (Sue) Droogsma of Elk River, Kathy (James) Gerritsen of New Brighton, “George” (Shirley) Droogsma of Milaca; 15 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Survived by sisters Violet Rens of Milaca and Lavonne Hubers of Cincinnati, OH; brother Stanley (Eleanor) of Maple Grove; sister-in-laws, Carol and Garda Droogsma. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Minnie Droogsma; brothers Donald, Del, Lyle and sister Arlene Droogsma. A special thank-you to the wonderful staff of the Elim Home, Fairview Hospice, Country Meadows, and the Visiting Angels.