Obituary for Merle Tackema
Wantage Twp., NJ: Merle Tackema, 79 of Wantage, NJ passed from his earthly life into his eternal home on December 31, 2022. Born on September 23, 1943 in Opeinde, Netherlands. He immigrated to the US with his parents in 1947 settling in Mount Vernon, Washington. Later his family moved to Sussex, NJ.
Merle graduated from Sussex High School. He was the owner of Merle Tackema Custom Building Contractor, building many homes in the Sussex-Wantage area.
Merle was a member of the Sussex Christian Reformed Church serving as a deacon and elder. He also volunteered with World Renew, helping to rebuild homes in areas struck with weather related disasters. Merle served as a Board Member of the Sussex Christian School and took great joy in fishing, gardening and traveling.
Merle was predeceased by his parents Harry and Katharine Tackema and brother-in-law Robert Aukema. Merle is the beloved husband for 58 years of Tilly Tackema (nee Van Wieren). Merle is survived by his children, Diana Trudgen of Wantage Twp., NJ, Harry Tackema and his wife, Carrie of Wake Forest, NC, Jennifer Best and her husband, Jim of Frankford Twp., NJ and Michael Tackema and his wife, Jennifer of Fayetteville, NC. Cherished by 16 Grandchildren, 10 Great Grandchildren, and he adored all of them. Dear brother of Joan Aukema of Wantage Twp., NJ and Rosina Byma and her husband, Richard of Wantage Twp., NJ. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation of shared condolences at the Sussex Christian Reformed Church, 49 Unionville Avenue, Sussex, NJ on Thursday January 5 from 2-4 and 5-7. Funeral service to be held on Friday, January 6, at 11 am in Sussex Christian Reformed Church. Interment to follow at Clove Cemetery, Wantage Twp., NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated in Merle’s memory to either the Sussex Christian School, Northwest Christian School or Veritas Christian Academy. Information and condolences can be found at www.fergusonfuneralhomesnj.com.
Merle graduated from Sussex High School. He was the owner of Merle Tackema Custom Building Contractor, building many homes in the Sussex-Wantage area.
Merle was a member of the Sussex Christian Reformed Church serving as a deacon and elder. He also volunteered with World Renew, helping to rebuild homes in areas struck with weather related disasters. Merle served as a Board Member of the Sussex Christian School and took great joy in fishing, gardening and traveling.
Merle was predeceased by his parents Harry and Katharine Tackema and brother-in-law Robert Aukema. Merle is the beloved husband for 58 years of Tilly Tackema (nee Van Wieren). Merle is survived by his children, Diana Trudgen of Wantage Twp., NJ, Harry Tackema and his wife, Carrie of Wake Forest, NC, Jennifer Best and her husband, Jim of Frankford Twp., NJ and Michael Tackema and his wife, Jennifer of Fayetteville, NC. Cherished by 16 Grandchildren, 10 Great Grandchildren, and he adored all of them. Dear brother of Joan Aukema of Wantage Twp., NJ and Rosina Byma and her husband, Richard of Wantage Twp., NJ. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation of shared condolences at the Sussex Christian Reformed Church, 49 Unionville Avenue, Sussex, NJ on Thursday January 5 from 2-4 and 5-7. Funeral service to be held on Friday, January 6, at 11 am in Sussex Christian Reformed Church. Interment to follow at Clove Cemetery, Wantage Twp., NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated in Merle’s memory to either the Sussex Christian School, Northwest Christian School or Veritas Christian Academy. Information and condolences can be found at www.fergusonfuneralhomesnj.com.