Gerard E. Eelkema passed away peacefully on Dec. 24, 2008, at Whidbey Manor. Gerard was born Jan. 10, 1923, to Peter and Johanna Eelkema and lived 85 years of his life in Oak Harbor.

Gerard graduated with the Class of 1941 from OHHS and went to work for Oak Harbor Feed & Seed. In the early fifties, he took a position with the U.S. Postal Service and spent 40 years delivering mail as a walking carrier in Oak Harbor.

On Nov. 7, 1946, he married Gertrude Balda and moved to the family home on Oak Harbor Road. Their home was blessed with twin daughters, Lorita Mae and Bonita Kae, in 1954.

Gerard had many interests including raising chickens and selling eggs from their home. He was an avid raspberry grower and they remained his favorite food until his passing. Following his retirement, Gerard also enjoyed working part-time for 18 years at Burley Funeral Chapel. He was a member of Gideons International and loved sharing his testimony with his neighbors. He was a lifelong member of Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church.

Gerard remained at the family home until 2007 when he moved to Summerhill Assisted Living. In 2008, he moved to Serenity Creek Adult Family Home in Mount Vernon. In early December, Gerard’s declining health led him back to Whidbey Island for a brief stay at Whidbey Manor.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gert, his daughter, Lori Westerik, his parents, his brothers, John, Charlie, Nick and Sid, and his sister, Bessie Dame.

He is survived by his daughter Bonnie (Dan) Tonge, son-in-law Herman Westerik, and grandchildren, Heather (Nate) Dempsey, Loralei and Jonathon Westerik, and great- granddaughters, Natasha and Kiaya. His sister, Nell Kingma, his brother, Ed, and numerous nieces and nephews and their extended families also survive him.

The family thanks the staff of Whidbey Community Physicians, Summerhill, Serenity Creek and Whidbey Island Manor for their care of Gerard over the last year. It was truly appreciated.

A memorial service for Gerard Eelkema will be held at Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, with Pastor Randy Beumer officiating. Private family graveside services will be held at Fircrest Cemetery, Oak Harbor. The family requests memorial gifts be to Oak Harbor Christian School or to Gideons International. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.