Gone Home to Glory, the Lord has taken His own Sjouke Kornelis “Jake” Kielstra, on April 23, 2019.
Born March 18th, 1928 to parents Hendrick and Grace Kielstra (nee Nicolai). The beloved husband of Tena (nee Vanderleeuw) Kielstra of 64 years and dedicated Dad to Christine Schram (Brad Schram 2005), Grace and Bill Patterson, Rick and Sandra Kielstra, Margaret and Chris Newby and Paul Kielstra and Jeanette McComb. Best Pake to Grandchildren Brandon & Julie Schram and Tami & Michael Eagen, Mark & Jackie Patterson and Mary & Chris Holland, Kathryn Kielstra & Steve Holsappel, Nick Kielstra, Ben Kielstra, Connor McComb, Christopher Newby Jr, Casssie Newby, Nick Newby and their families, and great grandchildren Nathan Schram, Harper & Reese Eagen, Nora Holland, Calvin, Gwen, and Henry Holsappel.
Dear son-in-law of the late Stan & Christine Vanderleeuw.
Survived by much loved brother and sister-in-law Hank & Ena Kielstra, sisters Corrie Venema and Shirley Tadema and sister-in-law Margie Kielstra and predeceased by brothers and sisters-in-law Klass & Maaike, Cecile & Betty, Pieter & Heike, Ray & Sine, and Allen Kielstra and brothers-in-law Peter Venema and George Tadema and two infant siblings.
Survived also by dear brothers and sisters-in-laws, John & Mary, Ann (late Jake), and Jim & Wilma Vanderleeuw, Margaret & Wiebe Nywening, Florence & Stuart Schaafsma, and the late Melvin Vanderleeuw.
Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Born in Surhuisterveen, Friesland, the Netherlands, Jake immigrated to St Thomas, ON in 1951. He was ever thankful for the Iona Station, ON farmer who sponsored him to come to Canada for whom he worked very hard. In the years to follow as a salesperson and as caretaker for his children’s Christian School and caretaker of First Christian Reformed Church, Chatham. He also served several terms as an elder in the Church. He was thankful to have served on the Board of Administration that over saw the building of the Chatham Christian Senior Home where in later years, he and Tena resided.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Tomen for the many years of care. Thanks also to the staff of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and Riverview Gardens for the loving care that was given to Jake over the last several months. A very special thanks to RVG staff on 5th West. Visitation will be held at DENNING’S OF CHATHAM (519-352-2390), 4 Victoria Avenue, on Thursday evening, April 25th, 2019, from 6 to 8pm. Interment in Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham, followed by a Memorial Service at First Christian Reformed Church, 25 Tweedsmuir Avenue East, Chatham, on Friday morning at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jake’s memory may be made to the Chatham Christian School Tuition Assistance Fund or Chatham Hope Haven. Online condolences may be left at www.chathamfuneralhome.ca.
“For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21
