Obituary of Jerry Ytsma
Tjeerd “Jerry” Ytsma passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus, on Wednesday, April 11th, 2018 in his 96th year. Jerry was born in Assen, the Netherlands in 1922; son of the late Tjeerd Ystma and Trijntje Zwarts. He immigrated to Chatham, Ontario in 1954 and married Cornelia Lea Ytsma (nee Nicolai) in 1954. Survived by his three sons Ron and his wife MaryLynn, Harold and his Partner Wilma Wilmott, and Michael and his wife Diana, all of Chatham. Predeceased by his brothers Jelle (1989), Anne (2006), Frans (2009) all of the Netherlands, and Albert (2010) of Chatham, Ontario. Sadly missed by his four grandchildren Matthew (Tanya), Sarah (Brian), Chad (Ferren), and Cory. Great Opa to Hailey, Nathan, Olivia, Emily, Maximus, and Landen. He was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church, Chatham. Mr. Ytsma serve with the Dutch army in Indonesia. Jerry was employed for 30 years at Lloyd Bag Factory, up until his retirement in 1988. For 12 years Jerry was a volunteer driver for the Meals on Wheels program. Special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the 4th Floor Chronic Care Ward, and good friend Dave Van Eyk for the many visits. Friends and family will be received at DENNING’S OF CHATHAM (519-352-2390), 4 Victoria Avenue, on Friday, April 13th, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9pm. The Funeral Service will be held at First Christian Reformed Church, 25 Tweedsmuir Avenue East, on Saturday morning at 11am. Pastor Nathaniel Van Denend officiating. Interment to follow in Maple Leaf Cemetery. Donations to the Chatham Christian School – Transportation Fund, or a charity of choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www.chathamfuneralhome.com.
