Marenus Roetman

FUNERAL SERVICES : 11:00 AM, Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at Faithbridge Church in Park Rapids, MN.VISITATION : 5-7 p.m. Monday, November 25, 2013 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home, and one hour prior to service at Faithbridge ChurchINTERMENT : Akeley CemeterySURVIVORS : MARENUS A. "Nook" ROETMAN, Jr. June 21, 1930 " November 20, 2013 Marenus A. "Nook" Roetman, Jr., age 83, a long time rural Akeley, MN resident, was promoted into eternal glory on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids, MN. Nook was born on June 21, 1930 in Woodstock, MN to Marenus Sr. and Ulena (Tinklenberg) Roetman. He spent the early years of his life in Lebanon, South Dakota and at the age of 7, Nook moved with his family to a farm South of Akeley, MN, just across the road from where he raised his own family. He attended school in Akeley through the 8th grade and then worked on his parents" farm, he later went on to earn his GED. On February 27, 1952, Nook entered the United States Marines Corps where he proudly served his country as a military policeman during the Korean War. On March 7, 1953, Nook was united in marriage to his sweetheart, Bette Carmelita Geiger at Oceanside, CA, while he was stationed at Camp Pendleton. The young couple was blessed with four children: Gail, Stephen, Jennifer and Kirk. After receiving his honorable discharge in 1954, Nook and Bette returned to the Akeley area where they purchased their farm. In addition to farming, Nook worked in construction for a short time and then in the mid-1950"s he began working for the State of MN in the maintenance department of Ah-Gwah Ching in a career that spanned over 38 years. For most of his years there, Nook served as the foreman of the Painting Department, until his retirement in the late 1990"s. In addition to his career with the state of MN, Nook also enjoyed farming and raised a wide variety of livestock with the primary being sheep and cattle. In 1993 he started the Stony Ridge Hunting Preserve which over the years became a favorite of many people, locally and out of town, to come and hunt. One of his favorite times was hosting the members of the church and missionaries for a hunt and lunch. During the years he operated the game farm, Nook especially enjoyed teaching school children about the many exotic animals they raised when he would give educational tours to school classes. Nook was active in his community serving on the Akeley School Board, as a member of the Akeley United Methodist Church where he served on the church board and was active in the American Legion in Akeley. Nook served as a lay minister, and over the years delivered several sermons at the Itasca State Park Sunday Church services and at the United Methodist Church. In the mid-1990"s, he began attending the Faithbridge Church where he has been involved right up to the present time. Nook loved the out doors; especially when he could be fishing in Canada or at his favorite spots close to home. He also enjoyed hunting with his family and friends. Above all, Nook cherished the times he spent with his precious wife, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who he loved with all his heart. Nook courageously lived with Parkinson"s for many years and in spite of the progressive decline in his health he lived his dream to stay on the farm that he and Bette built together until just one month prior to his passing. He will be lovingly remembered by his four children: Gail Chapman of Lexington, Kentucky, Stephen (Susan Marie) Roetman of Bemidji, Jennifer McGuire of Anoka and Kirk (Susan) Roetman of Buford, Georgia; ten grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; l sister, Katy Elmes of Anchorage, AK; l brother, Alvin (Linda) Roetman of Zimmerman, MN as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Nook was preceded in death by his wife, Bette in 2004; his parents and two brothers: Jake and Tim. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at Faithbridge Church in Park Rapids, MN with Rev. Marty Giese officiating. Fran Gack will sing, "I"ll Fly Away" and Bill and Jan Lundsten will sing, "His Hand In Mine". Casket bearers will be: Ethan Roetman, Thomas Roetman, Ross Roetman, Bill Drury, Don Splichal, Alex Ty Kovach and Dennis Hensel. The Star of the North Marines Corps League will provide the military honors. Following the Service, a luncheon will be provided by the family at the Faithbridge Church. Interment will be held following the lunch at the Akeley Cemetery. To view the video tribute or to leave on line condolences please visit Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM Monday evening at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the services at the church on Tuesday.