Martin J. Besteman

Besteman, Martin J. Martin Julius Besteman, age 92, of Grand Rapids, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 3, 2014. He was the eldest son of Jake and Lil Besteman. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Karst. Martin was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa who had a great sense of humor. He was the former owner of J.A. Besteman Company in Grand Rapids. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 70 years, Martha (Korsten); children, Gary and Shirley Besteman, Dave and Dottie Besteman, Lynn Bengelink, Steve and Marcia Besteman, Lori and Robert Werkhoven, Brad and Pati Besteman, Jeanne Besteman; 17 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; brother, Jud and Dot Besteman; sister, Frances Jonker; brother-in-law, John Lagestee; sisters-in-law, Coralee Van Amstel, Marcella Menkveld; many nieces and nephews; special cousin, Rev. Arthur Besteman. Memorial services will be held on Monday 11 am at Westend Christian Reformed Church, 1015 Westend Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, with Rev. Dale Cooper, Rev. Henry Admiraal officiating. Interment Rosedale Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to West Side Christian School.

Leave Your Tribute Message

March 26, 2015

Aunt Martha, Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family at this time. Douglas / Linda Besteman

March 26, 2015

I'm so sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know. Kathy Prince

March 26, 2015

Aunt Martha, I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and my many Besteman family members during this sad time. Elizabeth Besteman

March 26, 2015

Hi Lynn, I was sorry to read about your father. I remember him when he would come to Ball Park Drug store ( a few years ago) for a coke and would chat with the owners. He was a fine person. Think of you often and just wanted to express my sympathy to you and your family. Blessings on you. Alice Donahue

March 26, 2015

Dave and Dottie, Steve, Brad, Jon and family, Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad and grandpa. He was a great man imparting his wisdom to Dave as he ventured into the produce business. Dave enjoyed seeing him at Mr. Burger after Mart had retired. It was great doing business with him and you. What a joy to know that he is now with his Savior. David and Joyce Dykstra

March 26, 2015

Our deepest sympathies from the kids of John and Muriel Berghuis. Our parents thought the world of Martin. Mary Ramsey

March 26, 2015

MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY FOR THE LOST OF ONE OF THE TRULY RESPECTED GENTLEMAN IN THE PRODUCE INDUSTRY . I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO KNOW MART AND RECEIVE HIS EXAMPLE OF HONESTY AND INTEGRITY.. PRAYERS AND GOOD WISHES . PAT LYONS patrick lyons

March 26, 2015

Dave and Dottie: Sincerest sympathies on the passing of your father. Never knew him but he looks like a kind and gentle man. Judi and I still have her 93 year old mother. Parents seem to become more precious as we get older. Bob and Judi Lubbers PS: Rev. Cooper and I were classmates from kindergarten through college. robert lubbers