Ronald Meekma, 75, passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held at 10 AM, Monday, May 9, 2011 with the funeral service beginning at 11 AM at the Thief River Falls Seventh-day Adventist Church with Pastor David Fish officiating. Burial will follow at Folden Cemetery, Rural Newfolden, MN.

Ronald Lloyd Meekma was born January 19, 1936 in Racine, WI to Peter and Mable (Henke) Meekma. He was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church at the age of 8 in Zion, IL, by Dr. Glenn Mallard. He attended Wisconsin Academy in Columbus, WI, where he met his future wife Suzanne Banfe. He graduated in 1954.

On August 19, 1956, Ronald was united in marriage to Suzanne June Banfe at the Wisconsin Academy Chapel in Columbus, WI, by Pastor Gordon Hyde. They made their home in Kenosha, WI, where their first daughter, Debra Lynn was born. They then moved to Waukegan, IL, where Ronald went to Greer Technical School in Chicago, while employed at Abbott Laboratories. During this time their second daughter, Diane Sue was born. In 1970, they moved to Newfolden, MN, where he was employed by Bjorgaards Body Shop. In 1980, they moved to Thief River Falls, MN, where he was employed at Westside Motors until his retirement in 1998.

Ronald was a member of the Thief River Falls Seventh-day Adventist Church, where he was active in church life including working with the Community Service Center after retirement. He also enjoyed spending time with his family. They enjoyed many outdoor activities together including gardening, camping and bird watching.

Survivors include his loving wife Suzanne, Thief River Falls; daughters: Debra (Ted) Brothers, Everett, WA and Diane (Arlen) Springer, Berrien Springs, MI; brothers: Peter (Kathy) Meekma Jr., Mountain Home, AR and Glenn (Joyce) Meekma Sr., Newfolden, MN; sisters: Judy Pervis, Middle River, MN and Linda (Jerrold) Banfe, Hagerstown, MN, and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.