Joe Zuidema

Mr. Joe Zuidema, age 90, passed away Tuesday evening, February 12, 2008 in Zeeland. Joe was born March 18, 1917 to Herman and Jennie (Huizenga) Zuidema in Muskegon, and was a lifelong resident of Muskegon. He was retired from Dresser Industries after 40 years of employment, was a WWII U.S. Army veteran, and was a member of Allen Avenue Christian Reformed Church where he served as an Elder and Deacon, and was involved with the Men's Bible Study. Joe volunteered at Muskegon Christian School and Western Michigan Christian High School, and also served on the school board. He also volunteered at International Aid, and Project Philip. He enjoyed golf, loved watching sports, reading the paper, gardening, and being outdoors. On June 30, 1943 Joe married Della G. Zandt. She preceded him in death on February 4, 2003. SURVIVORS include 3 children, Frank (Kathy) Zuidema of Escondido, CA, Marlene (Larry) Somsen of DeSmet, SD, Carolyn (Jim) Venema of Holland, MI; 11 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; 1 brother-in-law, Joe Palsrok of Muskegon; 2 sisters-in-law, Elizabeth "Betty" Bishop of Muskegon, Dorothy Zuidema of Muskegon; many nieces and nephews. Joe was also preceded in death by 5 brothers, Casey, John, Albert, Menno, and Herman Zuidema; 2 sisters, Johanna Palsrok and Clara Buter. SERVICES will be 1:00 PM Saturday at the Allen Avenue Christian Reformed Church, with Rev. Albert DeVries officiating. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery with military rites under the auspices of the Muskegon County Council of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars. VISITATION at The Sytsema Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Ave. (231) 726-5210 will be from 2-4 & 6-8 PM Friday. For a more lasting memorial, please consider the Endowment Funds of Muskegon Christian School or Western Michigan Christian High School.