Anita Magdelena (Teekens) Bremmer

Anita M. Bremmer (Teekens), age 94, of Grand Haven, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in Grand Haven, Michigan. She was born on September 4, 1931, to the late Hendrik and Barbara (Hendriksen) Teekens in Gouda the Netherlands.

Anita was born into perilous times of economic depression and war. Her hard-working and resourceful parents made life not only possible, but good for her and seven siblings. Anita grew up during Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. She personally contributed to the Dutch resistance by smuggling identification papers for Jews under her dress. Following the war, Anita's boyfriend, Bart Bremmer presented a two-part proposal: "Marry me and immigrate to America with me." She said yes and yes! They were married on December 2, 1953.

Newly married Bart and Anita set sail across the North Atlantic on a French freighter called the Black Tomae in February of 1953. Upon landing in New York City, they proclaimed, "wonderful America!" America was indeed wonderful for Bart and Anita, offering opportunity to both. Bart thrived in his career as a chemist, and Anita as homemaker, mother, and volunteer Christian educator. She served diligently for Midland Reformed Church and Hopkinton, Massachusetts Congregational. Anita launched the first CROP walk in Midland, Michigan in 1973.

Anita gave birth to and raised three children who survive her: Jackie (Russ) Bloem, Randy (Tracy) Bremmer, Jeff (Carol) Bremmer. Bart and Anita participated actively in the lives of their grandchildren: Michael (Sarah), Mathew (Kristie), Jordan (Megan), and Rachel (Christian) Bloem-Verwys; Daniel, Anna, Natalie, and Grace Bremmer. She was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Andrew, Joanna, Peter Bloem; and Simon, Archie, and Felix Bloem. Anita is also survived by her sister, Toni Van Luinen; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Bart on April 21, 2018; her grandson, Nicholas Bremmer; and three siblings.

Anita practiced home-making vigorously with two mottos: "Tummy's must be full" and "Everything must be clean." Anita's home was often filled with family and friends and her table filled with food, producing lively gatherings where both Dutch and English were spoken simultaneously.

Anita was a prolific artist, recreating the beauty of nature onto canvas, glass, porcelain, and wood. She even turned a rock into a pretty convincing replica of a bunny. Anita enjoyed the company and creativity of her art class held weekly in her basement.

Anita and Bart kept friendships all over the U.S. and Europe, making personal visits on their many travels. They fulfilled their immigrant dreams of exploring the United States with station-wagon, tent, and later, an Apache camping trailer, but never on horseback, as Anita's western movie inspired imagination had hoped for.

The foundation of Anita's wonderful life was always that she was not her own, but belonged body and soul to her faithful savior, Jesus Christ. While she was richly blessed in this life and enjoyed her homes in Grand Haven, Midland, Michigan and Ashland, Massachusetts, she is now at home in the presence of her heavenly Father and many she loved in this life.

The Funeral Service for Anita will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at First Reformed Church, Grand Haven. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21st, at Klaassen Funeral Home, Grand Haven.

A Graveside Service for Anita will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Midland Municipal Cemetery.

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