Martin Hamstra

Martin J. Hamstra of Grand Rapids (M.J. To friends, Poppie to grandchildren). Age 85. Martin John was taken to his Eternal Home on June 12, 2012 by his precious Lord. We thank our Heavenly Father for ending his suffering from pneumonia and the indignities and hopelessness of Alzheimer's disease. He was a man of faith and prayer. He passed away at Spectrum/Butterworth and was a resident of Spectrum Extended Care for the past 1 1/2 years. We thank the great Spectrum staff for their excellent care and kindness. He was predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Effie Hamstra; his brother, John and wife, Evelyn; his beloved son, Paul Scott Hamstra; and Ben his dog. He will be lovingly remembered and so greatly missed by his family, Laurie Hamstra; his wife; daughter, Susan Ross, (Alan), Pleasanton, CA; granddaughter, Paige Thiermann, MD (Oliver), San Diego, CA; daughter-in-law, Vivian; and grandson, Nathan Paul. His nephews and niece, Phil and Judi, David and Renee, Stephen and Carol Hamstra. In-laws, Ernie and Millie Scheltema, David and Marcia Scheltema. Very special friends, Marv and Ruth Horjus; and many other dear relatives and friends. Martin was a veteran of WWII serving in Germany. He was very proud to have served his country. He was a golfer, loved fishing, children and dogs. He was a "travelin' man." His favorite city was Hong Kong. His hobby was music, classical and sacred choral. He had a tremendous collection and listened to it everyday. He never missed the public singing of the Messiah until his Alzheimer's took over. He was employed for 35 years with UST as a Division Manager. He was a lifelong member of the CRC. He adored his grandchildren and the feeling was mutual. Paige lived in CA, but when she came for visits they were always off on some adventure. He took Nathan and his troops sliding, skating, the zoo and of course, McDonald's. I believe he enjoyed it more than the kids. He volunteered in Nate's 2nd grade class as a reading coach and loved it. Martin's Celebration of Life will be on July 10, 2012 at the KROC Center, 2500 Division Avenue South, Grand Rapids 11:00 am. Dr. Reggie Smith RPK will officiate. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's People. Amen To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Martin Hamstra, please visit our flower store.