Marten Joldersma

Marten Joldersma, a resident of the area for the past 52 years, passed away at Dundas Manor Nursing Home on May 25, following a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 84.
He was born on Dec. 19, 1921 in Schoonebeek, the Netherlands to his parents Lambert and Marchje Joldersma (nee Wemnehove). He was the third youngest of 13 children. Marten's father died when he was 16 and he helped his mother at home. He met Grietje Heuving and they were married in 1950. A year later they immigrated to New Brunswick where they remained for 1 1/2 years. In 1953, they moved to the Williamsburg area, where he worked for various farmers, on the Seaway, and for Upper Canada Parks. In 1960, they bought a farm in Hulbert, where they raised five children. Marten continued to farm until 1982 when he and Grietje retired and moved to Williamsburg.
He was an active participant in the Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church, helping to build the church and establish Timothy Christian School. His number one love was his Lord, followed closely by the love for his family. Horses came in a close third. He also enjoyed reading.
He was a quiet man, not wasting words. He was very patient, as well as a hard worker. He had a good sense of humor and was a good listener. He was a good role model for others to follow. He will be missed.
He is survived by his wife of over 55 years Grietje, his children Mary (Harold) Douma of Chesterville, Ginus (Margaret) of Hulbert, Jenny Joldersma of Alexandria, Lambert (Hennie) of Hulbert, and Arlene (Sid) VanderVeen of Drayton, and his siblings Lambert (Tinie), and Tinie (John) Deunk, all of Holland. Marten will be fondly remembered by 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by sisters Jantje Bouwers, Anna Vanderlee, Roseanna Vanderlee, Roelofa Vos, Dina Wiggers, Jacoba Joldersma, and brothers Rense, Roelof, and Mark. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.
Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Williamsburg, on May 28. The funeral service was held at the Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church on May 29, followed by interment at New Union Cemetery in Williamsburg. The pallbearers were his grandsons Michael Douma, Kevin Joldersma, Ryan Joldersma, Matthew Joldersma, Nicholas VanderVeen, and Jordan VanderVeen.
Donations to Winchester District Memorial Hospital or Timothy Christian School would be appreciated by the family.