Robert Schaafsma

Robert Schaafsma, age 88, of Grand Rapids, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, David Bouma; parents, Arnold and Ruth Schaafsma; sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Robert DeWitt; brothers-in-law, Ted Bosch, Donald Rus; sister-in-law, Nancy De Jonge. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 68 years, Beverly; children, Lori and Rod Robbins, Kathy and David Bouma, Pamela and James Walsh, Mark and Tami Schaafsma; 13 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren with two on the way; brothers, James and Joanne Schaafsma, David and Tara Schaafsma; sisters, Shirley Bosch, Nancy Welch, Rhonda Grassie; sister-in-law, Donna Rus; brothers-in-law, Gary and Beverlee De Jonge, Dennis De Jonge; many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Emmanuel Hospice for all of the tender and loving care for Robert. 

Funeral services will be held 11 am Tuesday, December 23 at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, with Rev. Carolyn Cammenga and Rev. Mike Baynai officiating.  Burial will be held at Kent Memorial Gardens.  Relatives and friends may meet the family on Monday from 5-7 pm at the funeral home and on Tuesday from 10-11 am prior to the service.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Emmanuel Hospice or Gideons International.