Willis Doezema

Willis Doezema, 87, of Shelbyville, Michigan, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. Willis, the son of the late Frank & Jennie (Balfoort) Doezema, was born in Cascade, MI, moving to Shelbyville in 1942 where he grew up farming with his dad. After attending East Martin Christian School and a year at Martin Agricultural High School, he began farming full time, milking cows until age 85. In 1957, after serving in the Army, he married Ardis Lodenstein who was the love of his life.  Together they had five children.  He was a faithful member and served as an Elder of Martin Reformed Church.

In addition to his darling wife of 64 years, Ardis, Willis is survived by his children: Bill & Janet Doezema, Dale & Joan Doezema, Carol & Charles Jager, Brenda & Kevin Marsman, Frank & Melissa Doezema; grandchildren: Sam Doezema, Jake Terpstra, Adam & Kelsey Terpstra, Hope Doezema, Katie Doezema, Kristin & Daniel Cadiz, Kayla & Levi Smith, Austin Marsman, Travis Marsman, Jenna Marsman, Sydney Doezema, Trentyn Doezema, Cole Doezema, Brodie Doezema including honorary grandchildren: Vincent Karweik, Celia (Karweik) Dull, Ellie (Karweik) Starr; great-grandchildren: Willow Terpstra and Ezra Cadiz; his brothers: Bruce & Donna Doezema and Bob & Pat Doezema; in-laws: John VanGoor, Pearl & Ray Bronkhorst, Leon Lodenstein, Jan & Dave Williams, Dave & Pat Lodenstein, Clare & Julie Lodenstein, Joann Lodenstein, Sharon VanWierdhuizen, Chuck & Jane Zuverink; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters: Ardeth Schipper and Gloria VanGoor, and brothers: Leon and Frank II.

Friends are invited to gather with the family to remember and share their memories of Willis on Saturday, October 1, 2022, 9:00-10:00 A.M. at Martin Reformed Church, 1073 W. Allegan Street, Martin, MI 49070. Willis’ Memorial Service will be held afterwards at 10:00 A.M followed by a time of fellowship and light refreshments. Pastor Mark Heijerman will be officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date at East Martin Cemetery, Martin, Michigan. Forever in our hearts, until we meet again.

While visiting Willis' webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook by lighting a candle, and/or sharing a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 120 S. Woodhams St. in Plainwell. 269 685-5881