Jacob Geertsema

Jacob Geertsema, age 88 of Waupun and formerly of Randolph, passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2011 at the home of Cal and Chris while surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at First Christian Reformed Church, 20 Bly Street, Waupun with Rev. Talman Wagenmaker officiating. Burial will follow at the Randolph Cemetery.

Jacob’s family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, December 16 at Randolph Community Funeral Home, 208 S. High Street from 5 – 8 p.m.and on Saturday at the church from 11 a.m.until the hour of service.

Jacob was born in the Province of Groningen, Netherlands on June 8, 1923, the son of Pieter and Jantine (Buist) Geertsema. In 1948, he immigrated to the United Statesand farmed in Minnesota. He was united in marriage to Alice Rietsema on March 29, 1950in Hollandale, MN. They moved to Randolphin 1960, and operated their dairy farm just south of town until 1991 when they sold the farm to their son and moved to the village of Randolph. Jacob and Alice took many vacations and enjoyed camping, traveling, and visiting family. He was active on the board of AMPI and the board of the Christian Home in Waupun for several years. They were members of the Second Christian Reformed Church of Randolph where Jacob served terms as elder and deacon. He was also active on the Board of Central Wisconsin Christian High School where his children attended, and where he faithfully attended sporting events and concerts. His faith in God was a very important part of his life and he modeled that faith daily to his family, neighbors and friends. In 1995, Jacob married Sadie De Vries and they were married for seven years. Since moving to Waupun in 2007, Jacob was a member Grace United Reformed Church. He enjoyed volunteering at Bargains Galore Thrift Store.

Jacob is survived by six children; Linda (Donald) Pausma, Waupun, Peter (Denise) Geertsma, Randolph, Robert (Judy) Geertsma, Randolph, Roger Geertsema, Carlsbad, CA; Calvin (Christine) Geertsma, Randolph, Mark (Leah) Geertsma, Independence, IA; Seventeen grandchildren; Jennifer (Scott) Kostelyk, Jason (Ashley) Pausma, Laura (Aron) Mc Reynolds, Andrea (Eric) Van Wyk, Stephen (Rachel) Pausma, Ryan Geertsma, Kara (Brad) Bruenig, Jeremy Geertsma, Melissa Geertsma, Colleen Geertsema, Craig Geertsema, Carl Geertsema, Autumn (Kevin) Roland, Amanda Wingers, Jordan Geertsma, Michaela Geertsma, Sean Geertsma, and nine great-grandchildren. He is further survived by two sisters; Jantje Teeninga, Tinie (Cor) DeRoo, and one brother, Kees Geertsema, all of the Netherlands; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Alice in 1994; and a sister, Barbara Bijsterveld.

A memorial fund has been established in Jacob’s name.

Randolph Community Funeral Home is serving the family.