John Leonard Smedema

John Leonard Smedema, age 81 of Randolph, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2009 at University Hospitals in Madison.

John was born New Years Day in 1928 on the family farm near Friesland, WI, the son of Louis and Alice (Schregardus) Smedema. He attended area schools, and enlisted in the United States Marines, serving his country from 1946 – 1948. On July 18, 1950 he was united in marriage to Connie Vanderson in East Friesland. John co-owned and operated the Farmers Feedmill in Randolph with his father-in-law for many years. He later continued with this family tradition working with his son at R & J Pallets and Smedema Trucking. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who enjoyed spending time with his family. John was a member of the Second Christian Reformed Church of Randolph where he has served as Elder.

John is survived by Connie, his wife of fifty-nine years; his son, Randy and his wife Kathy Smedema, Friesland; his daughter, Candy and her husband Harlyn Buwalda, Randolph; six grandchildren, Mike (Amanda) Smedema, Randolph; Christa (Jon) Hellenbrand, Poynette; John R. (Jenny) Smedema; Jaime (Peter) Woreck; Peter Buwalda; Amber (Ryan) Alvin, all of Randolph; ten great grandchildren; his sister, Lucy (Gordon) Braaksma, Friesland; his brother, Jim Smedema, Gulf Port, MS; and a sister-in-law, Jo Vermeer, Boyden, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by a son, Dale James Smedema; a great-granddaughter, Jessie Lea Woreck; and his parents.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at Second Christian Reformed Church, 332 Tamarack Street, Randolph, with the Rev. Karl Bratt officiating.
Burial will follow in the Randolph Cemetery with Full Military Honors provided by American Legion Post 401 of Cambria and VFW Post 9510 of Randolph.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the church on Monday, March 16, 2009 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and on Tuesday from 10:00 until the hour of service.

A Memorial Fund has been established in John’s name.

“Special thank you to the staff of the Beaver Dam Dialysis Center and the Staff at the UW Hospitals for their loving care of John.”