Willis Doezema, 87, of Shelbyville, died Tuesday, Sept. 27.
The son of the late Frank and Jennie (Balfoort) Doezema, he was born in Cascade, moving in 1942 to Shelbyville, where he grew up farming with his dad. After attending East Martin Christian School and a year at Martin Agricultural High School, he began farming full time, milking cows until age 85.
In 1957, after serving in the Army, he married Ardis Lodenstein. Together they had five children. He was a faithful member and served as an elder of Martin Reformed Church.
Surviving, besides his wife of 64 years, Ardis, Willis is survived by his children: Bill and Janet Doezema, Dale and Joan Doezema, Carol and Charles Jager, Brenda and Kevin Marsman, Frank and Melissa Doezema; grandchildren: Sam Doezema, Jake Terpstra, Adam and KelseyTerpstra, Hope Doezema, Katie Doezema, Kristin and Daniel Cadiz, Kayla and Levi Smith, Austin Marsman, Travis Marsman, Jenna Marsman, Sydney Doezema, Trenton Doezema, Cole Doezema, Brodie Doezema including honorary grandchildren: Vincent Karweik, Celia (Karweik) Dull, Ellie (Karweik) Starr; great-grandchildren: Willow Terpstra and Ezra Cadiz; his brothers: Bruce and Donna Doezema and Bob and Pat Doezema; brother in law John VanGoor, in-laws: Pearl and Ray Bronkhorst, Leon Lodenstein, Jan and Dave Williams, Dave and Pat Lodenstein, Clare and Julie Lodenstein, Joann Lodenstein, Sharon VanWierdhuizen, Chuck and Jane Zuverink; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters: Ardeth Schipper and Gloria VanGoor, and brothers: Leon and Frank II.
Visitation will be Saturday, Oct. 1, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Martin Reformed Church, 1073 W. Allegan Street. Willis’ memorial service will be held afterward at 10 a.m., followed by a time of fellowship and light refreshments. Pastor Mark Heijerman will officiate. Inurnment will be at a later date at East Martin Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to East Martin Christian School.
