Andy Walma

When reflecting on the life of Andrew Walma, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He faced challenges head-on with a spirit of fierce determination, and his faith formed the unshakeable foundation of his life. Nothing brought Andy greater joy than spending time with his loved ones, no matter how simple the moments. Forever loved, Andy will be dearly missed by those who knew him best.

The 1950s in the United States are remembered as a time of great and influential change. The country boomed in the wake of the Korean Conflict, and the civil rights movement was in full swing. It was during this exciting time that Andrew and Rolena (Zomer) Walma were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child. On October 20, 1958, in Platte, South Dakota, their wait was over, and they welcomed their son, Andrew John, into the world.

Growing up, Andy was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised on the family farm in Stickney, South Dakota, alongside his four younger siblings, Cindy, Julie, Jackie, and Donnie. From a young age, Andy helped with the crops and the animals on the farm, learning quickly how to use his hands and work hard. There wasn’t much else to do in their rural area, so he was known to get himself into a bit of mischief throughout his childhood. At the age of 16, he bought his first car, a GTO. Andy attended local schools and graduated from Stickney High School, then went on to work on a farm in Montana for a time before returning home.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Andy as he met the woman who would soon become the love of his life. Her name was Susan Mast, and the two first met at a wedding in Iowa. Sue immediately caught Andy’s eye. Not long after, Andy moved to Grand Rapids with a friend to find greater opportunity, where Sue lived as well. The two began dating, and as their relationship blossomed, it didn’t take them long to realize they were truly made for each other. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Andy and Sue were married on April 16, 1982, at First Netherlands Reformed Church. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon to the Smokey Mountains.

All who knew Andy can surely agree that, of all the things he loved in life, he treasured his family above all else. Over the years, he and Sue were overjoyed to welcome their eight beloved children, Kimberly, Andrew, Katie, Kristen, Michael, Mark, Donnie, and Jolene, into their hearts. Andy and Sue raised their children in their home on the Northeast side of Grand Rapids. He truly thrived in his role as a father, and he was very patient and loving with his children. Later in life, Andy was thrilled to become a grandfather as well. He adored his grandchildren and doted on them whenever he could. Andy always considered himself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

One meaningful tradition that started with his father-in-law was a regular Saturday breakfast gathering at Bill’s Family Restaurant. He loved snowmobiling as well, enjoying trips to the UP, but perhaps just as many miles in circles around the home with kids.

Andy was never afraid to work hard when it came to providing for himself and his family. After moving to Grand Rapids in 1979, he began working for Andy Egan Company. Andy was a backhoe operator, but he also did some mechanic work when needed. He truly enjoyed his time at the company, and he loved interacting with the people throughout his thirty years there. Andy Egan Company was very generous with Andy, and when his health complications began to slow him down, the company worked well with him until his retirement. The men he worked with brought him so much joy. He loved to share the stories of their “adventures” with the family at the end of the day.

Andy experienced difficulties in life as well. His brother, Donnie, was diagnosed with Leukemia and passed away at the age of 3. Then, his sister, Jackie, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and passed away at the age of 37. When Andy was 33, he too received a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis. Over the next few decades, he had to fight hard against the disease, and his faith allowed him to find strength throughout his battle. Andy was a member of the Netherlands Reformed Church throughout much of his life. He attended church regularly and participated in daily devotions. Thanks to his faith, Andy was able to maintain a positive attitude and love those around him well, modeling what it means to suffer with grace. He relied on the care of his wife, Sue, and was always grateful to her for the role that she played in his life.

Andy pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He had a lifelong love of cars. He repurchased his GTO and restored it, then would later rebuild a ‘55 Chevy pickup truck. Andy spent much of his time in the garage tinkering, and the children were always welcome to join him. He was known for his strict daily routine. Each year, the Walma family would make trips to South Dakota to visit their family. Sometimes, Andy would visit in October to help during the fall harvest as well.

As family and friends can certainly attest, Andrew Walma truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Andy was a friend to many and beloved by all. He poured his heart and soul into all that he did, and his primary focus in life was forming deep and personal relationships with those around him. Though he will be dearly missed, Andy leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Andrew Walma, age 65 of Grand Rapids, passed away at his home on March 7, 2024 , surrounded by loved ones after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Andy was born in Platte, South Dakota and lived in Stickney, South Dakota, helping his parents on the farm until he moved to Grand Rapids in 1979. He then worked at Andy J. Egan Company for 30 years.

Andy is survived by his wife, Sue; their children (and grandchildren) Kimberly & Daniel Spaans (Silas, Ezra, Mara), Andrew & Erin Walma (Eliana, Emmett), Katie & Kevin Schoenborn (Austin, Shelbie, Keagan, Aiden, Maverick), Kristen & Cleveland Reid (Carter, Adalee), Michael & Amanda Walma (Colton), Mark & Dena Walma (Liam), Donnie & Janelle Walma (Desmond, Jordyn), Jolene & Lance Maassen; his mother, Rolena Walma of Corsica, SD; mother-in-law, Joan Mast; sisters Cindy (Dan) Kwekel and Julie (Myron) Baanhofman; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Arnie (Donna) VanVeldhuizen, Karla (Jeff) Merritt, Linda (Robert) Lytle, Karen (Matt) Kruithoff, Dan Mast; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Andy was preceded in death by his father, Andrew Walma; father-in-law Adrian Mast; and 2 siblings, Jackie and Donnie.

His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 11 AM at First Netherlands Reformed Congregation, 1261 Beckwith Street NE. Friends are invited to visit with his family on Monday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. Interment in Fairplains Cemetery. Andy worked hard so that his children could have a Christian Education. In his memory, please consider a memorial donation to a Christian School of your choice. To read more about Andy, to share a memory or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com