Betty M (Folkema) Harmsen

Betty M. Harmsen of Fremont Michigan died peacefully on November 15, 2024. The youngest of eight siblings, she was born on May 9, 1932 to John and Mamie Folkema. Betty was a 1950 graduate of Fremont High School and married Nelvin G. Harmsen, her classmate, on October 10, 1952. When Nelvin returned from his Army service, they moved to Grand Rapids and started their family with the birth of Marla. They then moved to Goshen Indiana for Nelvin’s work. Their second daughter, Nora, was born in Goshen.

Betty would work as a church secretary for the Goshen CRC and later would work doing insurance claims for a private medical practice in Elkhart, Indiana. After retirement they returned to Fremont to enjoy their time closer to family and friends. They traveled to Europe, the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean islands, and to Hawaii for many years to take care of their “granddogs”, while their daughter, Dr. Nora Harmsen, did volunteer dental visits to the Marshall Islands.

Both Nelvin and Betty volunteered time with the American Decency Association and delivered bibles to local businesses for their waiting rooms. Betty was active in the Ladies Ministry of First CRC and enjoyed bible study and helping with the bereaved members of the church and community. She made cakes and crocheted prayer blankets for those in need.

She enjoyed her independent senior living at Trillium and more recently lived at Green Acres of Fremont.  Betty is survived by her daughter, Marla Granger (Doug) of Wisconsin and her three children, and daughter Dr. Nora Harmsen (David Bramlett) of Hawaii.

Visitation Services to be held at Kroeze-Wolffis on Tuesday, November 19 from 2-4 and 6-8pm. Funeral will be at First CRC on Wednesday, November 20, at 11:00 am with Reverend Ronald DeYoung officiating (Livestream will be available on the First Fremont CRC YouTube Page). Interment at Sherman Township Cemetery will be at 1:30pm. Donations in her memory may be given to Fremont Area Community Foundation for The Fremont Christian School Endowment Fund.

She always reminded us “not bad for a 92 year old”.

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