Harold Jay Kuizema

Harold Jay Kuizema passed into glory on April 3, 2024. He was 98 years old and lived in the Holland Home Raybrook community for over 25 years. He was born August 16, 1925, in Grand Rapids, MI, to Henry and Elsie Kuizema in their family home.

A lifelong member of Oakdale Park Christian Reformed Church, Harold graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 1943. Months after graduation and on his eighteenth birthday he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in Europe with the 106th Infantry Division, which fought in the Battle of the Bulge. In that battle, he was wounded twice, experienced frozen feet, and escaped three times. His parents received a notice that he was missing in action, but by the grace of God he returned home. He then attended Calvin College, focusing on business.

Harold married the love of his life, Jessica DeBoer, in 1949. They were married for 72 years.

Harold’s working career began at H. Kuizema and Sons, the family hardware business, where he worked with his father. He continued to operate and expand the hardware store for over 50 years, later joining Cotter and Company and changing the name to H. Kuizema and Son True Value Hardware. He helped the community with goods and services while seeking to instill Christian values in those he served and employed. Even in his retirement, he was recognized as the owner of the local hardware store.

Harold served in other various capacities: as a member of Oakdale Park Church, he enjoyed teaching Sunday School, was a Deacon, an Elder, and—along with his wife, Jessica—served on the church’s Centennial Committee.

Harold was an advocate for the marginalized in West Michigan, serving with his wife, Jessica, daughter, Diane, and son-in-law, Mark for many years on the board of Christians Concerned for Mental Illness. He and Jessica also welcomed Calvin international students into their home and into their lives. Harold served as a board member of Calvin Academy of Lifelong Learners where his responsibilities included recruitment of new members.

During the second half of his life—especially in retirement—Harold and Jessica visited over 40 countries and all 50 states. They loved these rich experiences and were especially intrigued by the variety of people that they met. An annual highlight for Harold was reunions with his friends from the 106th Infantry Association, for which he served on the board and provided spiritual guidance.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Jessica; his daughter, Diane; and son-in-law, Kock Seng Chee. He leaves behind 3 daughters, Ellen (Norm) Thomasma, Carole (Albert) Valk, and Joan Chee; and one son-in-law, Mark DeHaan. He also leaves 6 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister, Jeanne Rypma; his sister-in-law, Dorothy Zylstra (Dale) Sheler; and brother-in-law, Ken Kwantes.

Visitation will be Monday, April 15 from 6 to 8 pm at MKD Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. Kentwood, MI and Tuesday, 10 am, at Oakdale Park Church. The funeral service will be held at Oakdale Park Church, 961 Temple, SE, at 11 am on Tuesday, April 16 with a luncheon and graveside service to follow.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Oakdale Park Christian Reformed Church. A live stream of the service can be found at https://oakdaleparkchurch.org/live/.