Douglas Rosema

Jim and I send our prayers and deepest sympathy to Shelly and her family in the loss of Doug. Meeting him just once while we were in Florida,he was a very likable person.

- Susan schuler

I always hesitate to sign an online guestbook. What's one more story from a stranger? All our stories can't bring back your husband/dad/grandpa. But, sharing stories helps us all grieve. Thank you for allowing us to share that journey with you. I always loved to sing, but Mr. Rosema taught me how to sing. Every day after lunch I happily walked to the choir room with my friends to do what I loved. It was absolutely magical to me what he could make us do with our voices! The variety of music he taught us was fantastic, and I'll never forget the thrill of performing at choir festival. Like so many other students, Mr. Rosema had a lasting impact on my life. I am so grateful for the way he opened up a world of music to me. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

- Katie (Dykhouse) DeVries '97

Dear Family and Friends of Doug, I am so sorry about the death of Doug. He was such a light and an example to me while I taught music, band and choir at Byron Center Christian School over the past 26 years and "fed" his excellent music program of choir and then, band, at SCHS. Doug was a tireless worker who always appreciated and supported the pursuit of musical excellence and challenge. I loved and admired that about Doug. Doug could always be counted on to show up at a MSVMA or MSBOA meeting where I could check in with him about his life and work. And, if not then, I even recall riding a SCHS bus out to a choir festival with our students in Holland and catching up. I also always just "melted" whenever Doug played his sweet trumpet. He'd graciously haul out the horn be it for a Natalie Sleeth choral piece for middle school choir or for a beginning of the year praise assembly for the South Suburban Christian School teachers. Doug demonstrated that music teachers also should keep up their own "chops" while working and teaching students. Doug pursued musical excellence and loved his students. I'll not forget how happy Doug was one of these past years he took his choirs on tour to Europe and had them sing in churches and cathedrals. He was just elated with the experience. Doug would, without fail, smile and open up whenever I asked him about his family and his daughters. A light would come over his face and with his sideways smile and twinkle in his eye, he would respond positively, that you were all amazing and that he thought you were such a gift! I was always so grateful to you, his daughters, though I do not know you in person. You made your dad so happy. That was always clear to me. Today as I look at sweet Doug and his handsome photo, I cry and am sad for his early leaving. I also regret that I did not stay in touch with Doug after he retired from SCHS. I am very grateful for Doug, his life and for his Christian example of musicianship and leadership. He is missed. I think of that verse 4 of "When Peace Like a River" by Bliss and Spafford who wrote .."the clouds be rolled back as a scroll. The TRUMP shall resound and the Lord shall descend, it is well. It is well with my soul." Can you imagine what those trumpets sound like now that Doug has joined that heavenly band? Or, maybe, he's singing with the choir because that sounded like fun, too. Peace to you all. Leah Bouwman

- Leah E Bouwman

Unbelievable loss for us all! So sorry to have to say good-bye to our good ole band and orchestra buddy. He played in our wedding and he was such a fun friend and inspiring and talented musician. We will miss him, but will never forget him! 💔✝️

- Perrin and Alanna Rynders

Shelly, I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Doug's passing. My deepest sympathy is with you and your family. I will be praying for God's peace and comfort in the coming days and weeks ahead. I'm so sorry for your loss. Your old Calvin roomie (and Doug's high school classmate, Kim (Kooistra) Molter

- Kimberly (Kooistra) Molter

Sympathy to Doug's family in his going home to glory. He was blessed with the gift of teaching others to sing God's praises. I enjoyed Mets Choir with him and will be forever grateful for teaching my two boys at SCHS the love of singing. Thanks Doug!

- Lou Ann Post

I am so sad to learn of Doug's passing. In my mind, he is still one of the greatest music teachers I have had the privilege to know. It was my absolute joy to assist him with the South Christian bands for a few years, and I learned a lot from being his co-worker. My condolences to his family, former students, and to all who benefited from knowing him.

- Jack Martinez

Mr. Rosema was pivotal in the development of my musical abilities. What memories I have of Monday night Madrigals. He played a big part in encouraging Chad, Kevin, Mark, Jamie, Mike and I to perform for talent shows, in churches and at some SCHS basketball games. He did and always will hold a very special place in my heart. My prayers go out to his family, please know how much he was loved and appreciated.

- Ben Dykhouse

Mr. Rosema was one of my favorite teachers while I was attending South. The amount of amazing opportunities that I was shown while working with him still impact me to this day, through his energy in directing our choirs, Musicals, and bands, or through the music that he taught us to love. Mr. Rosema was always a friendly face, and someone who always said hello even in passing. Always asking the best of us, even on some of our worst days. On my last day of High School, I took him for a spin in the Corvette that I drove that day. I will always remember that. Sam (4 years Choir, 3 years Madrigals, 4 years Band, 4 years Musicals)

- Sam Atsma

We are praying for your family and send our deepest sympathy. Doug was my high school choir director and made such a profound impact on my love of music. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Thom and Laura (Estelle) Moes

- Laura Moes

Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you walk this difficult and heartbreaking path. In Him, The Sall Family (from SCHS) Kevin & Christine Noah, Gideon, Tristan, Wyatt & Tehya

- Kevin & Chris Sall

Prayers for and love to all Doug's family! I went to high school with him, and my sons both had him as a choir director at South. He was a good guy. So very sorry for your loss!

- Bonita Knoch

Thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this sad time. His love of music was relevant in everything he did💕🎼🤗

- Patty Permoda (South bus driver)