Richard Adema, 80, of Sheboygan, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 17, 2026.
He was born in the Netherlands on November 19, 1945, to the late Pieter and Johanna
(DeHaan) Adema. In 1959, Richard and his family moved to the United States, and he lived on the southside of Sheboygan for most of his life. Richard graduated from Sheboygan South High School.
On March 4, 1967, he was united in marriage to Diane Minnard at Bethlehem Lutheran
Church in Sheboygan. Together they celebrated 59 years of marriage.
Richard worked for various lumber manufacturing companies most of his life, both in the shops and as a delivery driver. In 2008 he retired from Lakeshore Pallet.
Richard enjoyed the simple things in life, fishing, and going for rides with Diane through the Kettle Moraine area and local state parks, and out to many inland lakes where they would spend the afternoons grilling out, having a couple beers, fishing and enjoying nature.
Richard was an intellect who liked to study and read, learning about astronomy, human civilization, history, animals, poetry, photography, and anything else that piqued his interest.
Richard was very close to his family, a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.
Richard loved his home country and memories of his childhood in Holland never left his heart. Richard would think about his home country a lot and traveled back several times throughout his life and in retirement.
Richard is survived by his wife Diane Adema, son Rob (Pamela) Adema, grandchildren;
Austin and Emma Adema and Josh (Cassandra) Balde. By his great-grandchildren
Willow and Nolan Balde, and by his sisters; Johanna (Randy) Hedstrom, Annie Wriedt
and Hilly Ver Velde. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives
and friends. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, son Richard P., brothers
John Adema and Broer Adema, and brothers-in-law Jerry Wriedt and James Ver Velde.
Per Richard’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private family service was held.
Please visit our website to share your stories and leave your condolences for the family
www.olsonfuneralhome.info.
The Olson Funeral Home and Cremation Service has been entrusted with Richard’s
arrangements.
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