Nellie Ritsema ’47 Vriesman

Nellie Mae Vriesman, age 93 of Lynden, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 30, 2019. Nellie was born in Saint Anne, Illinois on March 30, 1926 to parents Albert and Susie (Tallma) Ritsema.

Nellie graduated from Hope College with a teaching degree and went on to teach high school English for five years. Nellie married Rev. Dick Vriesman on June 13, 1952 in Momence, Illinois and together they had two children Brian and Mary.

Mr. and Mrs. Vriesman faithfully served as a ministry team in Prairie City, IA; Gibbsville, WI; South Holland, IL; Kalamazoo, MI; Holland, MI and finally in 1978 they were called to Faith Reformed Church in Lynden where they served 11 years. Nellie was a gifted organist and choir director and loved gardening. No matter where the Lord led her, she was always willing to help out in the Reformed church’s women’s groups. Nellie was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years Rev. Dick Vriesman and an infant daughter.

Nellie is survived by her children Brian Vriesman (Lori) and Mary DeHaan, eight grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and siblings Arlene (George) Muyskens, Robert (Mary Alice) Ritsema and Raymond (Joanne) Ritsema.