Louis Bylsma, Jr.

Louis Bylsma, Jr., age 86 of Randolph, was called to his eternal home on Saturday, April 16, 2011.

Louis was born in Randolph on July 29, 1924, the son of Louis, Sr., and Dora (DeBoer) Bylsma. He attended the Randolph Schools. On October 4, 1951 he married his life long partner, Bertha Alsum. Louie was a dairy farmer most of his working career. He also served as church custodian for the First Reformed Church, drove school bus, and worked for Jungs Seed Company. His greatest working enjoyment may have been the numerous years he spent working for Wendlandt Livestock hauling cattle for area farmers up until 2006.
Louis’ three great joys in life were his faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; his family; and his passion for hard honest work. He passed these traits on to his entire family.

Louis was a life long member of the First Reformed Church in Randolph where he served as both Elder and Deacon. In his younger years he also sang in the church choir. Louis enjoyed farming and gardening. He especially enjoyed attending his sons and grandchildren’s sporting events. His great source of pride was his family.

Louis was a loving devoted family man. He lived for the days that he could visit with family or play with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His example and lessons of humility, practicality, and Christian values will be deeply and sadly missed by his close friends and family.

He is survived by Bertha, his loving wife of 59 years; his four sons; David (Trish) of Eau Claire, Jim (Pam) of Randolph, Richard (Debra) of Middlebury, IN, and Larry (Doreen) of Friesland; eight grandchildren; Jamie (John) Weaver, Jodi (Darren) Sharp, Jon Bylsma, Andrew (Meaghan) Bylsma, Michael Bylsma, Chelsie (Tyler Stocker) Bylsma, Brittany Bylsma, and Spencer Bylsma; two great-grandchildren, Jason and Johannah Weaver; four step-grandchildren, Sara Grump, Emily (Joe) Grace, Katie (Sagar) Sonar, Jennie Brinley (Gary Vollink); three step great-grandchildren, Ben, Natalie, and Isaiah Grace; his sister, Theresa Westra, and a sister-in-law, Theresa Alsum. He is further survived by close friends Bob and Geraldine Wendlandt, Dave and Lois Wendlandt, and Cliff and Gladys Syens.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers-in-law, Norman Westra, and Newton Alsum.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at First Reformed Reformed Church, 406 High Street, Randolph, with Rev. Tim Ehrhardt and Rev. Ben Bruins officiating. Burial will be Randolph Cemetery.

Louie’s family will receive friends and relatives at the church on Tuesday, April 19, 2011, from 4 to 8 p.m., and on Wednesday, from 10 a.m. until the hour of service.

A memorial fund has been established for the First Reformed Church and Cambria-Friesland High School Booster Club.

Louis’ favorite Frisian saying as the years passed was “It leven is to koart our der spul om te meitjsen…life is too short to make trouble about it.”