Jerry Tjepkema

Jerry Tjepkema, age 80 of Waupun, died on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at Waupun Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Jerry was born on February 18, 1929 in Arpin, Wisconsin, the son of John anad Lucy Van Stedum) Tjepkema. On November 14, 1952, he was united in marriage to Jeanette Posthuma at the First Randolph Christian Reformed Church in East Friesland. They operated their dairy farm near Waupun for many years. Jerry was a hard working man who was also employed at Monarch Range in Beaver Dam, but farming was his life. Jerry especially looked forward to times with his family. He really enjoyed visits from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jerry also enjoyed going for car rides with his wife. He was a faithful member of the First Christian Reformed Church of Waupun where he was a past choir member.

Jerry is survived by Jeanette, his wife of fifty-seven years; seven children, Janice (John) DeVries; Dennis (Anne) Tjepkema; Steve Tjepkema; Calvin (Wanda) Tjepkema; Clarissa (Dan) Roets; Gerald (Karen) Tjepkema, all of Waupun; Jean Tjepkema (Mike Marx) of Lomira, and a son-in-law, Brian Vincent, Oakfield. He is further survived by twenty-five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Alice (Herman) Aalsma, Waupun; Carol De Groot, Rosendale; and a brother-in-law, Lester (Minnie) Van Buren, Waupun; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Louise Vincent; a great-granddaughter, Jenna Voight; sisters, Jeanette Van Buren; a brother, Bylass Tjepkema; and a brother-in-law, Maurice De Groot.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 28, 2009 at First Christian Reformed Church, 20 Bly Street, Waupun; with the Rev. Craig Van Hill officiating. Burial will follow in the Alto Cemetery.

Jerry’s family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, December 27, 2009 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Kohls Community Funeral Home, 405 W. Main Street, Waupun; and on Monday at the church from 10 a.m. until the hour of service.

A Memorial Fund has been established in Jerry’s name.