Jerry Hielkema

Jerry Hielkema, age 79 of Fenwick, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, November 26, 2017.

He was born the son of John & Catherine Hielkema on March 26, 1938 in Grand Rapids and they along with his wife Joyce; special friend, Reggie DeWitt; brother, Paul Hielkema and an infant son have preceded him in death.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Laura (Tim) Roede of Puyallup, Washington; grandchildren, Tammy (Ken) Murray of Auburn, Washington, Katherine Roede of Port Orchard, Washington; great-granddaughter, Paige KT Murray of Auburn, Washington and very close friends, Dennis & Donna Hopkins of Fenwick and Al & Karen DeWitt of Shelbyville.

If there was a local music jam session going on chances were you would find Jerry there. While he didn’t play himself, he enjoyed listening to others play, spending time with his friends and meeting new people as Jerry had really never met a stranger. In his younger days, Jerry was a frequent competitor at the Grand Rapids Speedrome driving car number S75 for years. Jerry enjoyed hunting and fishing and would often hunt behind Dennis & Donna’s barn. He was a great guy who was very likeable and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

Visitation with Jerry’s family will be on Friday, December 1, 2017 from 4 – 7 PM at the Simpson Family Funeral Home in Sheridan.

Funeral services for Jerry will be on Saturday, December 2, 2017 beginning at 1 PM with Pastor Jamey Nichols officiating. Final interment will be at Sunfish Lake Cemetery in Cannon Township.

For those wishing to make a memorial donation in Jerry’s memory the family suggests donation be directed to the White Pine Library and envelopes will be available at the funeral home.