John Talsma

John Wesley Talsma was a lifelong resident of Rudyard who worked in his family's dairy business, Sunlight Dairy, until his retirement in 1972.

Mr. Talsma was 90 when he died Monday, August 1, 2005, at Tendercare Long Term Care Facility in Sault Ste. Marie.

He was born August 24, 1914, in Manton, to Arthur Egbert and Willominna G. (nee Tejema) Talsma.

A lifelong area resident, Mr. Talsma lived in Rudyard, the former town of Rosedale, and Sault Ste. Marie. He married Albertha Gertrude Marlik July 10, 1935.

He was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Rudyard, and he enjoyed woodworking and repairing wooden items.

Mr. Talsma is survived by three sons and their families, Gerald and Jean Talsma of Rudyard, Warren and Kathleen Talsma of Dallas, Texas, and Thomas Talsma of Negaunee; 11 grandchildren and their families, Brenda and Robert Weltzer, Terry Talsma, Peter Talsma, Michael and Georgia Talsma, Kenneth and Jennifer Talsma, Elizabeth and Andre Clarke, John Talsma, Carrie and Wesley Green, Abigail Talsma, Jeffrey and Kathy Talsma, and Danny Talsma; four great-grandchildren; two sisters and their families, Albertha Sims of Battle Creek and Goldie Stalls of Springfield, Ohio, and one brother, Robert "Vernon" Talsma of Grand Rapids.

Mr. Talsma was preceded in death by his wife, Albertha; and two brothers, Egbert and Raymond Talsma.

A funeral was held Friday, August 5, at the Christian Reformed Church in Rudyard. The Reverend Robert D. Steen officiated.

Burial was in North Rudyard Cemetery in Rudyard.

Memorials may be directed to the Christian Reformed Church Building Fund at 17970 S. Tilson Road, Rudyard Michigan 49780

Reamer Galer Funeral Home of Pickford assisted the family with arrangements.