Obituaries
Obituary for Robert A. Buikema
ROBERT A. “BOB” BUIKEMA, 89, of Fulton, IL, died Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Morrison Community Hospital in Morrison, IL.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, preceded by a visitation starting at 11:00 AM. Retired pastor Rev. Dr. James A. Camp will officiate the service. Interment will be at Fulton Township Cemetery. Memorials to Fulton Presbyterian Church and Honor Flight of the Quad Cities have been established.
Bob was born November 14, 1934 in Morrison, IL, to Richard and Hattie (Byland) Buikema. He was educated in the Morrison, IL schools and then served in the U. S. Air Force from 1953 – 1957, going to England, Norway and Africa. On October 7, 1955 he married Shirley M. Koenes at Second Reformed Church in Fulton. For over 30 years Bob worked in customer service at General Electric, until his retirement in 1990. He joined the Masons in 1989 and was a brother in the Fulton Masonic Lodge #189 A.F. & A.M.; a 32nd Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple and had also served in the York Rite. He was a member of Fulton Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and trustee, and was also a member and elder of the Community Presbyterian Church in Lake Havasu, AZ, where he and his wife were snowbirds for over 30 years. He served on the Fulton Fire Department, achieving the rank of Captain, and was instrumental in beginning their well-known soup suppers, serving as the chief cook. Bob was member of the Fulton Lions Club and a member and previous commander of the Fulton American Legion. He belonged to the Moose Lodge in Clinton and Lake Havasu City, the Clinton AmVets, the Clinton Eagles Club, and was the secretary for the Jaycees. He also belonged to the Elks Club in Havasu City. Bob excelled at woodworking, making many pieces that he would give as gifts – never selling one. He thrived on staying busy and enjoyed vegetable gardening, motorcycling, and golfing. He loved to spend time with his family, especially enjoying the moments spent with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Shirley; three daughters, Cynthia Clarkson of Fulton, Lori (Steven) Colschen of Clinton, IA and Lisa (Jeff) Witt of Fulton; seven grandchildren, Mark (Michelle) Clarkson and Eric (Nicole) Clarkson; Jared (Michelle) Colschen and Kayla (Adam) Determann; Elysia (Chad) Cain, Brian (Hailey) Witt and Benjamin (Jennifer) Witt; fourteen great grandchildren, Elijah Clarkson; Kane and Clayton Clarkson; Tyler and Allie Mae Colschen; Bryce Soenksen, Aria, Maverick and Amelia Determann; Abigail and Alivia Cain; Kennedy, Hadley and Oliver Witt; one great-great grandson, Eddie Steven Soenksen; three sisters, Francis Damhoff of Morrison; Charlotte Houzenga of Sterling, IL and Martha (Donald) Smith of Morrison; three brothers, his twin, Richard (Ruth) Buikema of Eldridge, IA, Ted (Hazel) Buikema of Rock Falls, IL and Harold Buikema of Dixon, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son-in-law, Mark Clarkson, and one brother, Orville Buikema.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Tuesday
2
Jan
11:00 AM
- 1:00 PM
Bosma-Renkes - Fulton Chapel
1500 10th Avenue
Fulton, IL 61252
Service
Tuesday
2
Jan
1:00 PM
Bosma-Renkes - Fulton Chapel
1500 10th Avenue
Fulton, IL 61252
Cemetery Details
Location
Fulton Township Cemetery
701 Fowler Rd,
Fulton, IL 61252
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