Anna May Eelkema

Anna May Eelkema, 86, died June 7, 2005 at Whidbey Island Manor. She was born August 15, 1918 in Odessa, N.D., to Hirham G. and Ethel Olson Helfrich.

Anna May grew up in Odessa and attended schools there, while she was in high school her father passed away, so after she graduated, Anna May, her mother and several aunts moved to Bellingham. In Bellingham she attended a business college and while attending that college she met John Eelkema.  Anna May and John were married on August 15, 1938.

Anna May and John lived in Bellingham, Burlington and finally Oak Harbor.  Anna May and John worked very hard to establish and grow the family business, Broadview Appliance, while raising a fine family of 6 children (4 boys and 2 girls).  She had a dual role; that of mother and housewife, along with being a business partner to John.

Anna May is survived by her 6 children and their spouses: Lee and Mary Eelkema of Anacortes, Jeannette and John Haakonson of Allen, Wash., Stan and Marilyn Eelkema of Oak Harbor, Jim and Ann Eelkema of Oak Harbor, and Ken and Diane Eelkema of Oak Harbor. She also leaves 17 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Anna May was preceded in death by her husband John in 2003.

A Memorial Service for Anna May Eelkema will be held at Burley Funeral Chapel Monday, June 13, at 2 p.m. Memorials may be made to the First Reformed Church Memorial Fund at the First Reformed Church of Oak Harbor. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel.