As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. (Ps 42:1&2)
It is with much love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Niel Rietema at the age of 90 years. Niel is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Willie, and his 5 children. Ben and Grace Rietema (Kevin & Jessica, Brenda, Jason and Kassandra), Grace and Sy Bennik (Ron & Angela, Brad & Christy, Yvonne & Adam, Danielle & Ben, Jessica & Chris, Kara) Winn Rietema, Debbie and Marcel Oostenbrink (David & Brenam, William, Michael, Luke, Adam) Linda and Fred Baong (Jordan, Matthew, Nathan) and by 22 great grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 sisters in the Netherlands. Niel was predeceased by their son Ron in 1979. He will be missed by the extended Rietema and Salomons family.
Niel was born on July 26th, 1929, in Ulrum, Groningen, The Netherlands, to Bene and Ulkje Rietema. He was the fourth of 5 children and immigrated in 1948 to Lacombe. He met Willie and they were married April 14, 1954. He owned and operated Bentley Farm Supply Ltd., for 28 years. After retiring from that in 1988, he started market gardening. He loved the garden and spent hours in the yard, planting flowers and vegetables which he often shared. He loved being with his family and was very proud of all of them.
He always felt God's blessing when we were all together.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Central Alberta Central Alberta Christian High School -or- Lacombe Christian School -or- Rimbey Christian School
Family and Close Friends are invited to the Visitation on Monday, September 02, 2019 from 7 - 9:00 pm at Wilson's Funeral Chapel - Lacombe.
Family and Close Friends are invited to the Graveside Service on Tuesday, September 03, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Woodynook Cemetery
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, September 03, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Woodynook Christian Reformed Church.