Walter R. Wiersma

Walter R. Wiersma, age 66 of Friesland, died on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at his home with his family by his side.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 9, 2013, at First Reformed Church 107 E Winnebago Street, Friesland, with Pastor Robert Ford and Pastor Elliott Pollasch officiating. Burial will be in Friesland Cemetery with Military Honors provided by American Legion Post 401.

Wally’s family will receive relatives and friends at the Friesland Reformed Church Fellowship Hall on Wed. May 8, from 4-8 p.m. and on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of service.

A memorial fund is being established in Wally’s name.

Walter Roger Wiersma was born on November 3, 1946 in Beaver Dam, son of Robert and Winnie (Koopmans) Wiersma. He began his school year in Friesland, seven years at Prairie School and in 1964 graduated from Cambria High School. Wally was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966 and served until 1968. He married Mary Elyn Cupery on July 31, 1970 in Friesland. Wally was an over the road truck driver until 1976, then he drove locally. He owned his own trucking business “Wiersma Livestock and Grain”, taking over for his father. Later he sold the business and worked as a trucker for different businesses. He loved trucks, both driving and collecting toy trucks, which he would re decal for his grandkids or for different events. Other hobbies included refurbishing tractors, antique cars, his ’46 Chevy and his ’64 Impala, giving wagon rides for many events, and playing sheep’s head with his card club. His first love was his family, and spending time with them on family vacations, fishing, or woodworking was priority. He was a volunteer Fire Fighter for the Village of Friesland for many years. As a member of the Legion Post 401, Wally served as a Chaplain and Past Post Commander. He also put his woodworking skills to use making canes for veterans. He faithfully put the flags in the cemetery for every Memorial Day. Wally was formerly a Deacon at First Reformed Church Friesland, where he was a longtime member. He also attended the New Life Fellowship Church in Randolph. He was a friendly man always willing and ready to help anyone.

Wally is survived by Mary, his wife of 42 years, three children: Randel (Jennifer) Wiersma, DeForest, Marsha (Randy) DeVries, Randolph and Walter Gerb (Melanie) Wiersma, seven grandchildren: Justin and Derek Wiersma, Randy, Mariah, and Madalyn De Vries, Spencer and Rianna Wiersma, two sisters: Joanne (Lee) Vaughan, Westfield, Linda (Larry) Dykstra, Cambria, four brothers: James (Connie) Wiersma, Pardeeville, Leroy (Sarah) Wiersma, Black River Falls, Joseph (Pam) Wiersma and Robert (Sue) Wiersma, both of Cambria, brother-in-law, Robert Cupery (fiancé, Pat Paul) Randolph, sister-in-law, Dorie (Terry) Navis, Hilton Head, SC, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Diane Missal, parents-in-law, Gerben and Margaret Cupery, a sister-in-law, Sue Cupery, and a brother-in-law, Bill Missal.