Richard A. Buikema, 91, of Eldridge, IA, formerly of Fulton, IL, died Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Grand Haven Retirement Community in Eldridge.
Dick was born November 14, 1934, in Morrison, IL, the son of Richard E. and Hattie (Byland) Buikema. He was educated in the Morrison grade schools and graduated from Morrison High School in 1953. Following high school, he proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. On October 4, 1955, Dick was married to Ruth Ann Voss in Fulton, and they shared their lives together for over 70 years. Dick was employed by General Electric in Morrison, for 30 years, before retiring in 1992. In addition to his career, he dedicated his time to serving others as an EMT in Fulton. He was a faithful member of First Reformed Church in Fulton, where he served as a Deacon and Elder and was actively involved in many areas of church life. Dick was a charter member of the Fulton Country Club and a member of the Fulton American Legion Post #402, where he served as Treasurer. Along with Ruth, he delivered Meals on Wheels and volunteered regularly throughout the Fulton community. Together, they spent 28 winters in Alamo Palms, TX, where they remained active and formed many lasting friendships.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth; daughter, Brenda (Dan) Jamison of Princeton, IA; son, Randall (Mary) Buikema of Franklin, TN; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters, Charlotte Houzenga of Sterling, IL, and Martha (Donald) Smith of Morrison; brother, Ted (Hazel) Buikema of Rock Falls, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cathleen A. Steines; granddaughter, Elizabeth Ann Buikema; sister, Francis Damhoff; brothers, Orville Buikema, his twin brother, Robert A. “Bob” Buikema, and Harold Buikema.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Fulton Chapel of Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home.
Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Doug Evenhouse, Pastor of North Ridge Community Church in Eldridge, officiating.
Interment will be at Fulton Township Cemetery in Fulton, IL.
A memorial has been established.