Jack Wiersma

Jack Wiersma, whose death occurred on April 1st, was born in Aduard, The Netherlands, on July 2, 1935.  Four years later he emigrated, with his parents and three siblings, to Lacombe, Alberta, Canada.  At age eighteen he became a student at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, and after obtaining his PhD at the University of Iowa, returned to Calvin to teach in the Education Department.  During his career there he was instrumental in developing the special education curriculum for future classrooms.  He also helped to launch the Friendship Series, creating relevant religious education material available for special needs individuals and their teachers.

Jack is survived by Dottie his wife of fifty-nine years, son Calvin and his wife Katherine Anderson and their children Rebecca and Gabriel; daughter Susan and her husband Bruce Uchimura and their children Melanie and Marissa; son Gordon and his wife Anne Heath, children Anna and Bethany, and Liam and Stella Morrison; and son Sherman.  Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.  Jack was preceded in death by his sibings, Theresa, George, and Don. 

A memorial service will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 134 N Division Ave. on Monday, April 24th, at 1 pm, with a reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider Camp Sunshine, (serving individuals with special needs), PMB 200, 430 East 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423. www.campsunshine.info

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