Funeral services for Albert J. Rietsema, age 71, of Hollandale, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 12, at Hollandale Christian Reformed Church. The Rev. Gary Brouwers will officiate. Interment will be at the Hollandale Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the Freeborn County Servicemen’s organizations. Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Albert died Saturday, March 8, 2003, at the Albert Lea Good Samaritan Center.

Albert Jacob Rietsema was born June 14, 1931, to Roger and Aleida (Bosscher) Rietsema in Oldehove, Netherlands. He came to the United States March 12, 1948, to the Hollandale where he farmed. On July 26, 1956, Albert was united in marriage to Lorene VanMeekeren in Hollandale. He served in the United States Army and was discharged in July 1960. Albert was also employed at Farmstead for 38 years, retiring in 1990. His last year of farming was 1999. Albert enjoyed fishing, camping, baseball, and football. He was a member of the Hollandale Christian Reformed Church, served on the church council, and the school board at Hollandale Christian School.

Survivors include his wife, Lorene; children: Chuck and wife Marcia Rietsema of Albert Lea, Ron and wife Lyne Rietsema of Hollandale, Roger and wife Cristy Rietsema of Panama City, Fla., and Cindy and husband Tom Steinkamp of Spencer, Iowa; grandchildren: Aaron and wife Carrie Rietsema, Kristen Rietsema, David, Rachel and Sara Rietsema, Rebecca, Rochelle, Casey and Riley Rietsema, and Tyler, Cody and Ryan Steinkamp; brothers: Jacob and Martha Rietsema of Hollandale, and Bert and Betty Rietsema of Clarks Grove; sisters: Ann and John Heerema of Hollandale, Judy and Pete VanMeekeren of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Pat and Gary VanEyke, also of Kalamazoo; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Alice Geertsma.