Henry Gjeltema

GJELTEMA, Henry
Of Kalamazoo Henry passed away Wednesday evening, January 30, 2013 at Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, FL. He was born October 28, 1937 in Uxbridge, MA, the son of John and Bertha Schotanus Gjeltema. On July 7, 1961, Henry was united in marriage to the former Joyce Pastoor in Kalamazoo. He was employed by Allied Mechanical in Kalamazoo for 35 years until his retirement in 2000. He was an active member of Milwood Christian Reformed Church for over 45 years and also active in the Kalamazoo Christian Schools where he served on various boards and volunteered. Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Joyce Gjeltema; their three children, Donald Kimberly Gjeltema, Amy Mark Niewoonder and Scott Deborah Gjeltema; six grandchildren, Courtney Gjeltema, Tyler Gjeltema, Katie Warren Zepp, Daniel Niewoonder, Ryan Niewoonder and Kara Gjeltema; four brothers, Bert Marilyn Gjeltema, Peter Anne Gjeltema, Harold Barbara Gjeltema and Stuart Wilma Gjeltema; two sisters, Lois Guis and Florence Jorritsma; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents and four brothers, Herbert, Raymond, Richard and William Gjeltema. A funeral service for Henry will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 7, at Milwood Christian Reformed Church, 3306 Lovers Lane, with Pastor Jason Zimmer officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Wednesday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street. A private interment will be in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park South. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Kalamazoo Christian School Association or West Michigan Cancer Center.