Peter Jay Steensma

Peter Jay Steensma was peacefully called home to the Lord on June 8, 2020. Peter was revered by his family, respected by his peers, and loved by all that were fortunate enough to have been a part of his life. As a firefighter/public safety officer for the East Grand Rapids Department of Public Safety over the course of 35 years, he served his community and positively touched hundreds of lives. As a member of Seymour Christian Reformed Church, he served the Lord faithfully; his generous financial contributions over the years are only outweighed by his enormous amount of personal time given to the church through various services. He loved to work, working multiple side jobs on his days off from the station. He loved watching golf. He loved trying new restaurants and exploring Grand Rapids. He loved being outside. Most of all, he loved his family and his canine companion, Ginger. He was willing to do literally anything to help his family. Peter is preceded in death by his wife, Betty, and his son, Timothy Keith. He is survived by his children: Christina Clark, Kim (Doug) Armstrong, and Nancy (Kevin) Kelly; six grandchildren: Brandon (Alyssa), Kyndra, Ryan, Sean, Lance, and Aubree; three great-grandchildren: Laina, Kylee, Aidan; and many nieces and nephews. A special thank you to Kim H., Chris M., Paul, and Abby for taking good care of Dad. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Peter’s honor to Faith Hospice, Humane Society of West Michigan, or Rehoboth Christian School in New Mexico. A funeral service will be held Wednesday 1:30 p.m. at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood with Rev. Brian White officiating. Burial Greenwood Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday from 12:30 -1:30 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. Due to gathering limitations, you are encouraged to watch the service via livestream at www.mkdfuneralhome.com; scroll down to the bottom of the home page and click the “Join Live Stream” link.