Francis Gerrit Veldman

F. Gerrit Veldman, age 104, passed away Friday, August 14, 2026. He was born in Muskegon, MI on September 29, 1921 the only child of Francis and Letha (Hibbard) Veldman.

Gerrit received his education at Bunker Junior High and Muskegon Senior High with a Semester at Muskegon Community College where he pursued a course in Industrial Supervision. He worked at the E.H. Sheldon Co. from 1940 to 1970 with time-out for military service in the U.S. Army where he served in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany.

Upon returning home from the service, Gerrit married the former Grace M. Zimmerrnan on September 4, 1945, and together, they raised two children. Grace preceded him in death in 2004.

Gerrit served a year as the State Commander of The American Legion. Upon leaving office, he accepted a job as the State Adjutant for The American Legion and retired again in 1987. After retirement, he returned to Muskegon and continued his service in The American Legion Post No. 9 where he served until 2015.

Gerrit was a life member of The American Legion; Muskegon Elks, VFW 446, DAV, Purple Heart 18, AMVETS 120; and the 70th Division Infantry Assoc. He was also a member of the Non-commissioned Officers Assoc. and served on the Board of Managers of the Michigan Veterans Homes for twenty three years. Gerrit was a communicant of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

SURVIVORS

a son, Burt (Sharon) Veldman; a daughter, Barbara (Arie) Veldman-Bronkhorst. Grandchildren, Barbara (Pablo) Crowe, Jodi Tatum-Cook, John Bronkhost; great-grandchildren, Ashley, Nikolas, Zachery, Carolina, Brian; great-great-grandchildren, Jolene, Newton, Salah; brother-in-law Alan Ortquist. He was preceded in death by spouse, Grace Veldman; Parents, Fancis & Letha Veldman, sister-in-law Dorothy Ortquist

SERVICE

Thursday, August 20, 2026, 1:00 PM at Clock Funeral Home with military honors under the auspices of the American Legion Post #9. Interment in Oakwood Cemetery..

VISITATION

Wednesday, 19th of August, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and One hour prior to the service at Clock Funeral Home. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.