Paul Gerald Anema

Paul Gerald Anema, born on May 16,1937, in Ireton, Iowa, went to his heavenly home on September 21, 2017.   He was the oldest of nine children born to Gerrit and Dorothy Anema. Paul attended various schools in northwest Iowa and graduated from Western Christian High School in Hull, Iowa.

After graduation, he moved to southern California and worked at several jobs before going back to school.  He graduated from Woodbury College in Los Angeles with a degree in accounting.  After his wife Elaine (Versluys) died of cancer ten years later, he and his two children, Steven and Vicky, moved to Ripon California where he lived for 49 more years. Paul met and married Doris (Vanderby) and together they had two more children, Gina and Paul.

Paul pursued various jobs before he settled on the career of real estate which he enjoyed for 27 years before retiring. This career brought him and his wife to their home on Milgeo Ave. where they enjoyed many hours landscaping and renovating to create a home their entire family enjoys. In addition to gardening, Paul and Doris enjoyed many road trips throughout the United States, and visited several countries overseas.

Paul is survived by his wife Doris, children Vicky (Rod) Kootstra, Steve (Kandi)Anema, Gina (Wes) Bylsma, Paul (Amy) Anema;  grandchildren: Craig (Kayla) Kootstra, Brooke (Landon) Verhoeven, Bethany (Paul) Blackmon, Brett (Maddie)Anema, Ryan Anema, Kyle Anema, Westin Bylsma, Alison Bylsma, Annika Bylsma, Taylor Anema, Samantha Anema, and Jackson Anema; and siblings: Ron (Karla) Anema, Kenneth Anema, Thelma Vogel, Lori (Joe) Sipma, and Lois (Ben) Reitkerk.  He also enjoyed his” adopted” family, Bruce and Renae Goslinga and their children, Tyler (Kaitlyn), Jared (Kaylie), and Jordan (Rachel). Paul was preceded in death by his parents Gerrit and Dorothy, and brothers John, Gib, and Gary.

Family was a priority in Paul’s life and he looked forward to gathering with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Monday, from 4:00 to 6:30 at Deegan Funeral Chapel in Ripon and a memorial service will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday at the Almond Valley Church in Ripon.  The family suggests remembrances may be made to Ripon Christian Schools or Community Hospice.

A special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at Doctors Hospital, Community Hospice, and his church family at Almond Valley CRC.

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