Richard Allen Tjalsma

Richard Tjalsma, age 71, of Howard City, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Dorothy Tjalsma; siblings, Jim, and Jerry Emory; nephew, Kirk Emory; brother-in-law, Jose Gutierrez. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 25 years, Linda; children, Casey and VaNia Tjalsma, Anthony and Karla Gutierrez, Chad Gutierrez, Matthew and Samantha Shields; grandchildren, Bayden, Cambel, Gage, Lukas, Bella, Siana, Simone, Mateo; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Oswaldo and Josie Gutierrez; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Oswaldo Jr. and Penny Gutierrez, David and Christina Gutierrez, Lewie and Gloria Carlson; his faithful dog, Maxwell; aunts, uncles, very special cousins and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Rich was a kind and helpful person who loved his family and always took care of his neighbors. Rich was widely known for his grand 4th of July celebrations. His knowledge about home repair and yard care will be deeply missed, as well as his vast accumulation of well kept tools. Richie was known to be the “mayor” of his garage. Come in, sit, have a beer and after a few hours (and drinks) all world problems were taken care of. We will miss hearing “that’s my partner” when playing cards. Mr. Dave and Sam were good partners, but they were still unable to beat the girls. Richie loved music and he would pass on his oldies to the boys with information about the song and band. Richie loved going out to Lake Havasu, Arizona, where his good friend John got him hooked on. He felt at peace out there. Richie was a loyal Democrat and a proud Union Local 167 Member and would defend them always. We have so many people to thank for their kindness throughout this trying time. Your love and support is what has kept us going. Thank You on behalf of our family. Funeral services will be held 11 am Monday, January 30, 2023 at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park Avenue SW, Wyoming, with Rev. Don VanSlyke officiating. Burial will be held at Rosedale Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet the family Monday for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association or Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.