Edward Idema

Edward Gordon Idema, age 92, of Jenison, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 1, 2026. He was born in Grandville, Michigan, to the late Cornelius and Margaret Idema, where he was raised and later worked on the family farm. Kind and loving, with a strong work ethic, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a member of the 21st Infantry, serving in Korea. He gave selflessly to his community as a volunteer firefighter with Georgetown Township for 24 1⁄2 years and faithfully worked as a custodian at Jenison Christian School for 25 years, where he was affectionately known as “Tidy Idy”. Following retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling together and making lasting memories. Unashamed of the Gospel, he shared his faith whenever the opportunity arose and was a steadfast supporter of all his family’s activities, especially those of his grandchildren. Above all, he made sure his family knew the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus. He also found great joy in gardening and was well known for his beautiful flower gardens at Jenison Christian School and at the condominiums where he lived. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Marge Idema; brothers and sisters-in-law, Earl (Wilma) Idema, Lloyd (Irene) Idema, Robert Idema, Gordon Idema, Art (Bonnie) Idema, sister and brother-in-law, Marie (Joseph) Spyke; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dave Van Kampen, Will (Maryann) Warners, Gord (Judy) Warners. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Edward W. and Stacy Idema, Sandy and Randy Langeveld, Dawn Basket, Randy and Becky Idema; grandchildren, Mike Langeveld, Alisha (Charles) Kingston, Lawrence Basket, Tristan Idema; step grandchildren, Tyler Dreyer, Samie (John) Kooiker; great-grandson, Charles Edward Kingston; sister, Carol Van Kampen; several loving nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, at Baldwin Street Christian Reformed Church, 2101 Baldwin St., Jenison, with Pastor Ron Baker officiating. The burial will take place at Floral View Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW and also on Wednesday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Sunset Legacy Foundation or Faith Hospice. 
 

The service will be live-streamed and can be viewed via this link.