Charles Wiersma
Charles “Chuck” Wiersma, of Waupun, WI passed on to his heavenly home on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at Waupun Memorial Hospital.
Chuck was born on May 6, 1923 in Cambria, WI to William and Jennie Wynsma Wiersma. Chuck served his country during WWII with the United States Navy in the Pacific theater. Following his Navy service, Chuck learned to fly and owned his own airplane. On December 7, 1956 he married the love of his life, Jennie Pausma in Waupun where they resided for the remainder of their lives. Chuck was employed by John Deere Horicon Works for more than three decades from which he retired. Chuck was a charter member of Bethel Reformed Church in Waupun where he served in various leadership roles. He also served on the Central Wisconsin Christian School board. Chuck was a member of the American Legion Post 210 and the Klompenfest Committee and volunteered many hours at Bargains Galore Thrift Store which benefited Central WI Christian Schools. He enjoyed gardening of all sorts and was especially proud of his flowers. For many years, Chuck spent one week during the fall picking apples at a local orchard. Despite humble and difficult beginnings, Chuck found faith in God as his loving Father and shared this faith with his six children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Chuck is survived by his children: David (Betty) Wiersma of Randolph, WI, Daniel (Carrie) Wiersma of Des Moines, IA, Tom (Julie) Wiersma of Waupun, Tim Wiersma (Cate Lineberry) of Raleigh, NC, Ellen (Michael) DeVries of Madison, WI, and James (Heidi) Wiersma of Richmond, VA; 19 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Further, he is survived by three brothers: Robert (Linda) Wiersma of Portage, WI, Larry (Crystal) of Beaver Dam, WI, and Harvey (Lana) Wiersma of Columbus, WI; four sisters: Evelyn Leystra of Cambria, WI, Catherine Pixler of Madison, Linda Neuman of Beaver Dam, and Joyce (Gordon) Henderson of Beaver Dam; and sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Chuck was preceded in death by his wife Jennie in 1999; brothers: Henry, James, Willard, William Jr., and Howard Wiersma; sisters: Alice Evans, Mary Becker, Shirley Krueger, Mabel Thomas, and Dorothy Whitrock.
Funeral services for Charles Wiersma will be held Monday, January 23, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Waupun with Rev. Jeff Brower officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Mound Cemetery in Waupun with American Legion Post 210 providing military honors. Friends and relatives may call on the family on Sunday, January 22 from 6-8 p.m. at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home of Waupun and on Monday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, please forward donations to World Renew 1700 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508.
Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home of Waupun and staff are serving the family. Please visit our website at www.wernerharmsenfuneralhome.com for further information and to send condolences.