Dale A. Talsma, of Martin died Saturday just two days shy of his 79th birthday.
Dale was born Aug. 9, 1942, in Kalamazoo, the son of Nicholas and Josie (Hoekstra) Talsma. As a young boy he went through Martin schools before graduating from Kalamazoo Christian with the Class of 1959.
After high school he went to work for Mead as a machine adjuster and was employed there for more than 42 years. While at Mead he was also the union steward for a number of years.
He married Jean Miller on. Oct. 20, 1961, and together they had three children: Doug, Brian, and Jody.
His hobbies involved racing. He loved racing and was someone who helped push the cars out at Kalamazoo Speedway. His family describes him as strong-willed, a man with a quick wit, great sense of humor and a hard worker.
Dale is survived by his three children: Doug (Kelly) Talsma, of Martin; Brian (Ginger) Talsma, of IN; Jody (Matt) Barkley, of Kalamazoo; five grandchildren: Allison (Jeremy) Halsted, of Hopkins; Amy Talsma, of Allegan; Christopher Talsma, of Martin; Cole Talsma, of IN; Benjamin Wilcox, of Kalamazoo; four great grandchildren: Adam, Bailee, Tyler, and Evan. He is also survived by his brother: Larry (Deb) Talsma, of Hastings.
Dale is preceded in death by his wife: Jean; grandson: Rick Talsma; parents: Nicholas and Josie Talsma, and brother: Denny Talsma.
The family will have a memorial gathering from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, at the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, Marshall-Gren Chapel, 120 South Woodhams, Plainwell. Those who wish may make contributions to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.
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