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 Robert George Buikema, 76, of Beecher, passed away Thursday November 18, 2021, at his home.
He was born February 12, 1945, in Chicago, IL, the son of Arthur & Jessie (Ebbens) Buikema. Robert is survived by his wife, Virginia (Hamann) Buikema, children; Mike (Sheree) Buikema, Sue (Paul) Beezhold, Kerry(Michele) Buikema, Tina (Patrick) Antolik, and Tom (Angie) Buikema, grandchildren; Breanna Jones, Lance Findlay, Brandon Buikema, Zach Buikema, Claire Beezhold, Curtis Buikema, and Kyle Buikema, and a great-grandchild, Alara Jones. He is preceded in death by his parents, and a brother John Buikema. Robert enjoyed mowing the yard, traveling, crossword puzzles, bowling, and visiting with his neighbors. A visitation will be held Saturday December 4, 2021 from 9:30 am until the funeral service at 10:30 am at Zion Lutheran Church in Beecher. Pastor Ron Rock will officiate. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
 Vivian Judy (Leslie) Bramstaedt
February 24, 1938 – July 9, 2021 Vivian Judy (Leslie) Bramstaedt was born on February 24, 1938 to Roy and Viola (Schumacher) Leslie. Shortly thereafter, on June 17th, her Christian parents, joyfully following the command of Christ Jesus, had little Vivian Baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Steger, IL. In that most blessed of Sacraments, Vivian was adopted by God to be His dear daughter for all of time and throughout eternity. That seemingly simple act would serve to shape, guide, and direct Vivian for the rest of her life! Vivian would later personally and publicly acknowledge her Baptismal faith when she underwent the Rite of Confirmation on April 6, 1952, also held at Immanuel Lutheran in Steger. Her Confirmation Verse is Psalm 143:10. God, in His grace, caused Vivian to meet Willis Bramstaedt. After a time of dating, they became married to one another before God and His people at Immanuel Lutheran on July 23, 1960. In the ensuing years, God added even more joy to their blessed, holy union with the gift of a son, Mitchell. They remained married until the Lord called Willis unto Himself on June 25, 2019. Raised in an era where “hard work” was the norm for everyone, Vivian never let time go wasted. She retired from Illinois Bell after having worked there for 28 years. She also kept busy on her and Willis’ farm doing all manner of jobs. She tended a garden and in the last few years, even helped Willis to cut their lawn using their “his and her” lawn tractors! Also, following her retirement from Illinois Bell, for a number of years, Vivian volunteered at least one day each week in Zion’s Church Office, assisting with office and clerical duties. On July of 1963, the Bramstaedt’s transferred their church membership into that of Zion Lutheran in Beecher. Vivian loved Zion and her fellow members and Zion would remain her “church home” for the rest of her life. Vivian was very faithful in her weekly worship with her brothers and sisters in the faith. She was an active Ladies Bible Class participant. She also was a member of the Dorcas Society and served on the Altar Guild for many years as well. Vivian was called to her heavenly home on July 9, 2021. She is survived by her son, Mitch Bramstaedt, of Burbank, IL, and her brother, Wayne Leslie, of Minneapolis, MN. She was preceded in death by her husband, a brother, Eugene “Les” Leslie, a sister, Victoria Leslie, and her parents. Vivian’s earthly remains will be laid to rest at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery of Beecher, IL. There they shall await the Day of the Resurrection of All Flesh, when the voice of Jesus will call forth Vivian to live with Him in body and soul forevermore. |
