Born in Holland, March 12, 1934, Ted was raised on a farm and immigrated with his parents and family to Canada in 1947. The Kaemingh family started in Manitoba before settling in the Emo area in 1951 to raise their 12 children. Being the third eldest in the family, hard work and responsibility were no stranger to him. Farm chores, Ontario Hydro, and Tompkins Hardware were some of the early jobs before his primary career as an Esso fuel agent, which became the family business. Marrying the love of his life, Ynske Wielinga on June 6, 1958 started a wonderful new chapter of his life as a husband and father to six children; Arnold, Dale, David, Karen, Christine and Theodore Jr.
The 60’s, 70’s and 80’s were spent raising his family, growing his businesses and modeling to all how to be a faithful husband, loving father, respected community leader, and a generous and industrious Christian servant.
A long time member of Emo Christian Reformed Church, his faith in God and love of Jesus was evident in his every day walk of life. He was fondly known to many as “Uncle Ted” or “Opa”, and he will be dearly missed. His always growing family was very important to him and family time was cherished. Married over 64 years, his family of 2 grew to 8, and with 23 grandchildren and now 20 great grandchildren, there are 67 in total. Spending time with family, time at Clearwater Lake, traveling, and working in his Bobcat were some of his favourite pastimes. He was passionate about his faith, Emo Christian Reformed Church, Cornerstone Christian School and his daily work. He loved helping others and had a genuine heart of service. Having a keen eye for detail and a passion/vision for landscaping and property development, he turned his attention in the last 30 years to building a beautiful subdivision for many to live in and for the town of Emo to enjoy.
Ted lived a full life. At 88 years old, he had more projects on the go and more ideas than anyone we know. He left a legacy and we are so thankful that God blessed us with Ted, Dad, Opa, and Uncle Ted.
” Well done good and faithful servant.”
Matthew 25:23.
Ted is survived by his wife Ynske and children: Arnold (Carol), Dale (Kathy), David (Kristine), Karen (Paul) Koomans, Christine Sikkema, Theodore Jr. (Patricia). Grandchildren: Jenna (Mike) Debbink; Kaylene (Dan) Agombar; James (Holly) Kaemingh; Colin (Emma) Kaemingh; Cole (Colleen) Kaemingh; Tanner (Stevie-Lee) Kaemingh; Teagan (Brian) White; Megan (Tyler) Polakoski; Derek Kaemingh, Janelle Kaemingh; Zachary (Brittany) Koomans; Lucas (Alyssa) Koomans, Caleb Koomans, Katrina Koomans; Justin, Tyler, Ben and Luke Sikkema; Dawson, Julia, Lauren, Ava and Bradley Kaemingh. Great-Grandchildren: Ashton, Lucas, Teagan, Kate, Hudson, Avis, Brooks, Myra, Lyrie, Braden, Chloe, Brianna, Nova, Leni, Kip, Max, Bodie, Isaiah, Colton, and Kendal.
Ted was pre-deceased by his parents Arnold and Grada Kaemingh, in-laws Jake and Grace Wielinga, and son-in-law Ron Sikkema.
Ted was loved by all his brothers and sisters and in-laws in the Kaemingh and Wielinga families including many nieces and nephews. Siblings: Ann d. (Nick d. ) Veldhuisen; Henry (Thea) Kaemingh; Gertie (John d.) Kamerman; Alice (Hielke d.) Wieringa; Dini d. (Glen d. & Thea) Ewald; Ada (Don d.) Shortreed; Joanne (Ted) Veenstra; Ann (Ralph) Fluit; Arnold d. (Judy) Kaemingh; Helen (Elmer) Cates; Janette (Herb) Bax. Klaas d. (Betty d.) Wielinga; Florence d. (Fred d.) DeJong; Linda (John d.) Esselink; Ann d. (Pete) Bosker; Arend (Wilma) Wielinga; Greta (Jim) Groen; Affie (John) Duifhuis; Jack (Anne) Wielinga.
Ynske Kaemingh and family appreciate everyone’s support and prayers and would like to thank the medical staff of the LaVerendrye Hospital, Northridge Funeral Home, Emo Christian Reformed Church, The Dorcas Society, Mayor Harold McQuaker and the Township of Emo, Cloverleaf Grocery, Border Blooms, Sight and Sound, Maverick Judson (MJ Interactive), Pastor Mark Mast, Dr. Marno Retief, and those who gave food and flowers.
In honor of Ted Kaemingh, donations can be made to Cornerstone Christian School in Emo.
“Life is not a journey to the grave, with the intent of arriving at retirement age, all pretty, and preserved. But rather, it’s a journey where we never quit, never quit and come skidding into the end, broadside, used up, totally worn out and loudly yelling wow what a ride!”
-Author unknown
