Art Haadsma

Art’s story began in the bustling city of Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1921, such a tumultuous time around the globe. The 1920s were prosperous time for our country recouping from World War I. Business was good, building and purchases of homes were going well and at that time, Art’s parents settled into a home on the West side on Leonard Street to raise their growing family.

Art was the third of six children born to Jacob and Sadie (Sytsma) Haadsma and was raised in their family home alongside his older sister and brother, Pearl and Stewart, and younger siblings, Gerald, Katherine and Mildred.

Art enjoyed a typical “Westside” childhood with many days spent at Richmond Park, ice skating in the winter and swimming in the summer with friends and family. It was a good life, and a simple life where everyone learned to do their part to help the family. Art had a paper route and enjoyed many afternoons on the golf course where he and his brother Stew and friends would caddy for the men who came out to play golf after work on summer nights.

Another way to earn money for schoolbooks and clothes worked out well for Art as his uncle “Mart” had a farm on Three Mile Road NW. His uncle raised fruit and vegetables, and starting in the Spring with weeding, as everything grew and was ready to pick. There was plenty of work to be done. Peaches were picked from the trees, put in bushel baskets and taken to the market for the women to bag and can them. There were a favorite of many.

Next it was time to pick apples and Art helped pick the early ones. However, it was time then to head back to school. Art attended and graduated from Union High School in 1939. The black clouds of the second World War which was raging in Europe were looming, and in 1941, when Japan attacked, lives here in America changed. Most young men were inducted or enlisted in the military and Art was placed in the Army Air Force. After two years of intense training in an electronic controlled net system, he was assigned to the 49th Fighter Control Squadron and stationed on the West coast. During that time, many many letters were written.

As it looked like Art would remain stationed on the West coast, when he came home on furlough Art and Audrey were married. They settled in Fresno, California on Hammer Field and Audrey began working for a dental lab on another Army base nearby. All was going smoothly when unexpectedly he received overseas orders and was sent to the Philippine Islands.

Audrey went back to Grand Rapids and lived with her parents during this time. AS her mother had taken training in real estate, she and Audrey began looking at houses. Audrey was able to buy a cozy little home on Powers Avenue NW. When the Japanese capitulated and the war ended, Art and Audrey had a home. They really enjoyed fixing it and decorating it together.

Art and Audrey were blessed with five children. His precious daughters, Carol, Beth, and Deborah, and then Kathy and Lori. Art was a loving and affectionate father, finding time for fun and games with his girls. They loved going to the cottage for two weeks every year. Even though life was busy with school and activities, the Haadsma family always were led in devotions and prayer by their father at mealtime. Church attendance and Sunday school also was an important part of their lives and training.

Art’s life was enriched by his lifetime as a member of Seventh Church where he served on the consistory board several times. He loved singing in the choir, Art truly loved and served his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and testified to his faith and the Lord’s blessings.

Arthur H. Haadsma, age 98, of Grand Rapids, MI, much loved father, grandfather and great grandfather, went to be with his precious Lord and Savior on October 12, 2020. Art was born October 20, 1921 in Grand Rapids to the late Jacob and Sadie (Sytsma) Haadsma. He is also preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Audrey; daughter, Carol Haadsma; grandson, Joel Bierens; son-in-law, James Van Zweden; siblings, Stewart and Gerald Haadsma, Pearl Postmus, Mildred Harkema. Surviving are his daughters, Beth VanZweden, Deborah (Anthony) Bierens, Kathy Spalink, Lori (David) Huber; Harry Derks, grandchildren, Cheryl (Bruce) Takens, Holly (Jon) Peterson, Steven (Kelli) VanZweden, Justin (Kari) Bierens, Marissa Pell, Nathan (Brooke) Spalink, Meghan (Joshua) Herweyer, Matthew Huber; and many great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister, Kay Faasse; sister-in-law, Betty Vander Stel; and many nieces and nephews. Art was a proud veteran of World War II and a lifelong member of Seventh Reformed Church having served as an elder and deacon. He started his own business, Expert Refrigeration and Appliance Service and Art will be remembered for his friendly personality, always interested in talking with friends and the people he met.

Friends may visit with his family on Thursday October 15th from 6-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW and beginning at 10 AM at church on Friday. A funeral service will be held Friday October 16, 2020 at 11 AM at Seventh Reformed Church, 950 Leonard St. NW. Interment will be in Washington Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Edison Christian Health Center or Forgotten Man Ministries. To read more of Art's life story, leave a memory or condolence visit www.heritagelifestory.com.