Obituaries
Pearson Harkema
Date of Death: July 27, 2016
Viewing: Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Rhome Funeral Home Inc., family owned and operated as a member of the Golden Rule, 1209 Grand Blvd. Monessen, where friends will be welcomed from 1-3 and 6-8, Sunday, July 31. The American Legion Post #28 will hold services at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday and Masonic Services will take place at 7:30 p.m Sunday.
Service: Funeral Services will be held at St. Pauls Lutheran Church , Monessen on Monday, August 1, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Timothy Dawes officiating.
Interment will follow in the Mon Valley Memorial Park, Donora.
Obituary:
Pearson Harkema, 95 years , of Monessen,passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 in his home, surrounded by his family. He was born August 10, 1920 in Munster, IND a Son of the late Joseph and Sadie Jongsma Harkema.
He served God as an active member of St. Pual's Lutheran Church of
Monessen. Within the Church, Mr. Harkema served as an Usher, Greeter, and had various terms on Church Council and had served as President. Mr. Harkema served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy, stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma, during WWII. He was one of few remaining survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Mr. Harkema was a member of the American Legion Post #28 of Monessen and the F&AM #252 of Donora. He had
also volunteered with the Monessen Meals On Wheels Program and Boy Scout Troop # 502 of Monessen having served as an Assistant Scout Master. He worked as a mill wright for Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Allenport Plant, prior to his retirement.
Surviving are his wife of 64 years- , Marion Joseph Harkema. A son- Elmer D. Harkema and companion Regina McGowan of Pittsburgh, Daughter- Rebecca Ann and husband Vince Abromitis of North Huntingdon, grandchildren-Elyse Ann Harkema and companion Dan Kamen, and Erich Pearson Harkema. Also surviving are numerous Nieces and Nephews.
He was preceded in death by Sisters- Katherine Harre and Maria Kirwald. Brothers- Elmer and William Harkema. Step father- Nicholas Bouwhuis, and daughter in law- Erica Gordon Harkema.
