Raymond Heemstra – Obituary – Bartlesville

May 17, 1926 – September 16, 2026

Raymond Jacob Heemstra of Bartlesville, Oklahoma passed to Glory on September 16, 2026, at 100 years of age. Raymond was born in Pella, Iowa on May 17, 1926, to Dr. Jacob & Hannah Heemstra. At two years of age, his family moved to Orange City, IA when his father was called to organize the Northwestern Junior College. Ray grew up on campus with his 3 brothers until he was called into the Navy.

Raymond graduated from Northwestern Classical Academy as Valedictorian. He served during World War II in the US Navy as Aviation Electronic Technician’s Mate 3rd class from 1944 to 1946. After his service, Raymond completed 2 years at NWJC, received a Bachelors from Hope College, Holland, MI and a Masters from University of Iowa in Iowa City. A course in nuclear chemistry brought Ray to Bartlesville, OK in 1951 where he went to work at the Bureau of Mines Petroleum Research Center. The next year Ray returned from Iowa bringing with him Maxine, the love of his life!

Maxine Roos and Raymond’s love story began in Orange City. They were placed next to each other at a banquet at Northwestern College. Later Maxine went to the drug store to purchase a hairbrush and Ray said she smiled at him. She had the sweetest smile! They were married on June 17, 1952, in the Bethel Reformed Church in Sheldon, Iowa in a ceremony officiated by Ray’s father and Rev. Teusink. They spent their honeymoon in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The Rockies continued to be a family favorite for vacations.

Ray and Maxine made their home in Bartlesville where they raised 2 children. They were faithful members of the First Presbyterian Church where Ray taught Sunday School and later sang in the choir. Ray and Maxine attended Presbyterian Cursillo in 1998, which led to a Prayer and Share group which continued to meet until 2020. Raymond enjoyed model railroading, fishing, canoeing, hiking and computer programing. He enjoyed taking the family on day trips, camping and yearly trips to visit with family in Iowa.

Ray and Maxine also enjoyed Round Dancing and the Ok Mozart Festivals. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary a year early, by taking a tour of Canada, an Alaskan Cruise and riding in a helicopter to land on a glacier. They enjoyed 71 beautiful years of marriage together

Ray Heemstra was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine Roos Heemstra. Parents: Dr. Jacob and Hannah Heemstra. Parents-in-law: Peter and Gertrude Roos. Brothers: John G. (Jean) Heemstra, Frank (Marion) Heemstra, Howard Heemstra. Brothers & Sisters-in-law: Kenneth (Berdena) Roos, Nelvera (Abe) Schiebout, Bernice (Fred) Baker, Muriel (Harry) Ostendorf, Al Kessel, Arlene (Chuck) Lubbers.

Survived by: son Timothy (Linda) Heemstra of Bartlesville, OK. daughter Laura (Stephen) Matthews of Bedford, Tx., Sister-in-law Gladys Kessel, Grand Rapids, MI, Brother-in-law Edwin (Beverly) Roos. 3 Grandchildren: Tommy Lester, Rebecca Lester, Laura (Andrew) Tinsley. 5 Great-Grandchildren: Kylie (Tyler) Graumann, Katelyn, Lauren, Ashlyn and Makenna Tinsley, Olivia Mallory, Messina (Cooper) Earls. 3 Great Great Grandchildren: Navy, Goldie Graumann, Marsé Mallory. Nephew John J (Jean) Heemstra, Niece Kris (Mike) Kirchgasler and many more Nieces and Nephews.

Raymond will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Raymond lived a life of gratitude to God, and giving of himself. He joyfully shared his faith in God to all who would listen. His favorite hymn was “How Great Thou Art”.

A funeral service for Ray will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church. A graveside service will be held the following day on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 9:00 AM at Memorial Park Cemetery in Bartlesville. Arrangements are under the direction of Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home and Crematory Service of downtown Bartlesville. To leave an online condolence for Raymond at www.honoringmemoriesbartlesville.com.