Allen Aardema, 72, of Kalkaska died Mar 18, 2003.
He was born on the family farm in Central Lake, Sep 22, 1930, the son of Allen and Katherine (Deemter) Aardema. He was a 1948 graduate of Central Lake High School. On Dec 27, 1950, he married Wanda Payton, who preceded him in death in 2000.
Allen lived all of his life in Antrim and Kalkaska counties. However, his love of travel and adventure took him to every state in the lower 48. His favorite place to travel was through the Badlands and on the Oregon Trail.
Allen was a farmer, truck driver, village manager for Central Lake, and plant manager for Central Lake Industries. He retired from Northern A-1 in Kalkaska in 1991.
Allen was also active in community and civic affairs. He served as a volunteer firefighter, was a member of the Lions Club and Moose Lodge, member of the Order of the Eastern Stars, Central Lake Lodge #426, and a 32nd degree Mason with the Scottish Rite.
Allen was a kind and gentle man. He loved to work in his yard. Allen loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Allen is survived by son, Randall (Patricia) Aardema of Troy; daughters Nancy (William) Edginton of Traverse City, Kim (William) Ruble of Carlisle, OH, and Tammi (Edward) Rodgers of Traverse City; grandchildren, Joseph and Benjamin Aardema, Nicole (Steven) Weichelt, Kaci and Randy Roach, and Maggie and Eddie Rodgers; and sisters, Marguerite Emrick of Redlands, CA, and Trudy Aardema of Traverse City.
Funeral services were held at Wolfe Funeral Home. Interment was in Southern Cemetery, Central Lake.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Munson Hospice.
