John “Chum” Henry Ritsema

Ritsema, John Henry John “Chum” Henry Ritsema, age 96, of Jenison, entered the outstretched arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, January 24, 2014.  He was preceded in death by his wives, Thelma (Aldering) and Helen (Hoogerhyde); stepson, David Hoogerhyde; sister and brother-in-law, Vi and Bill Buiten; brother and sister-in-law, Frederick and Edna Ritsema; and brother, Clarence Ritsema.  He is survived by his children, Gloria and Carl DeYoung, Doug and Sandra Ritsema; 9 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Mark and Jacki Hoogerhyde, Ann and Don Postmus; step daughter-in-law, Cecily Hoogerhyde; 8 step grandchildren; 22 step great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters, Chris and Gene Dalman, Henry and Arlynne Ritsema, Larry and Pearl Ritsema; sister-in-law, Joanne Ritsema; and several nieces and nephews.  A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 26 at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Drive SW, with Rev. Jim Molenbeek officiating.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Saturday, April 26 from 10-11 AM prior to the service at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sunset Capital Improvement.