Francis Bolthuis

Fran Bolthuis, age 88, of Grand Rapids, went home to be with his Lord on Friday, May 22, 2020 of natural causes. He was preceded in death by his wives, Martha (Bigford) Bolthuis and Kathleen (Jager) Bolthuis.  He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 14 years, Marjorie Jeltema; children, Steven (Dawn) Bolthuis, Julie Bolthuis, Heidi Vanderlaan, Katie (Jonathan) De Vries; step children, Elleen (Tom) Fitzgerald, Mark (Jill) Jeltema, Paul (Jodi) Jeltema; 11 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; brother, John Bolthuis.  Fran proudly served our country as a member of the US Army during the Korean War.  He was a middle school band director and choral teacher for 45 years.  He played the trumpet into his 70’s.  Fran was active in the Grand Rapids music community, and was one of the founders of the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band in 1978.  He was also a church choir director for over 40 years. Graveside services will be held at Garfield Park Cemetery 11:00 am Friday, May 29, 2020.  A Celebration of Fran’s Life will be held at a later date.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the  music department of Greenwich Country Day School in Connecticut www.gcds.net or the music department of South Christian High School at www.schs.org.