Owen A. Aukema

Owen A. Aukema, 74 of Danville, Pa., formerly of Sussex, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 26, 2023, to be with his Lord and Savior. He was born on March 31, 1948, to Owen and Henrietta (Huizinga) Aukema. On August 15, 1975, he married the former Anna Mae Jaeger, who survives along with his two sons, Aaron (Christina) Aukema and their 5 children of Williamsport, PA and Joshua (Katie) Aukema of St. Petersburg, Fla.; one daughter, Corrie (Brian) Cieslukowski and their 8 children of Watsontown, PA. Surviving in addition to the above are his siblings, two sisters, Annette “Babe” Kuperus of Dorr, MI and Dorothy (Sam) Valkema of Wantage, NJ together with his two brothers, Charles “Chuck” Aukema of Iowa City, Iowa and Bruce (Renee) Aukema of Martin, MI along with many other family members and friends who loved him dearly. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother-in-law, John Kuperus.

Owen graduated from Eastern Christian High School and Calvin College now Calvin University. He was a member of Sussex Christian Reformed Church and served as a deacon until he made the move to Pennsylvania to be closer to his grandchildren. He most recently attended Redeemer Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Danville, PA.

Owen was an avid reader of Scripture who would readily engage in theological discussions or sharing his faith. One of his favorite activities was sharing his faith and experiences at local drug and alcohol rehab centers as he celebrated 46 years of sobriety himself. He volunteered much of his time serving within his church communities and sharing his gifts of singing and preaching as a choir member and lay leader. When he was not serving the Lord, you could most often find him at a coffee shop enjoying a few cups of coffee and chatting with the staff and regulars at many local establishments.

A private burial will take place at Frankford Plains Cemetery in Augusta, NJ. A memorial service will be held at Sussex Christian Reformed Church, Sussex, NJ at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 25, 2023.

If friends so desire, memorial contributions in Owen’s memory may be made to the Sussex Christian School, 51 Unionville Avenue, Sussex, NJ 07461 or Veritas Christian Academy, 385 Houses Corner Road, Sparta Township, NJ 07871.