Charles Aardema

With a deep faith, Charles Aardema lived by his convictions. He served his church, provided for the family he loved, and set a fine example for his children to live by. Devoted to his beloved wife, Charles was a dedicated father and grandfather whose greatest joy was being surrounded by those who brought him the greatest joy - his family.

Nestled in the small community of Amsterdam, Montana, Charles' story began in the year 1931 as difficult days of the Great Depression created a jobless rate of nearly four million. Yet even as unemployment skyrocketed, many remained hopeful. For Onie and Sadie (DeBoer) Aardema, the days were made brighter on June 10, 1931 when they welcomed the birth of their son, Charles into their arms.

Charles joined his older sisters, Thelma and Ann, and later welcomed younger siblings, Duane, Robert and Jo. His father supported their family as a teacher at a local Christian school while his mother remained at home as a homemaker. Devout to their faith, Charles and his family were members of the Christian Reformed Church. At home and through church, Charles developed an abiding faith which he held close for the remainder of his life.

Although Charles began attending school in Amsterdam, his family moved when he was still quite young to Bellflower, California. There his father became a door-to-door salesman as the Great Depression brought times of economic hardship to all. Jobs were difficult to come by, and with money scarce, teaching in rural Amsterdam could no longer support their family. Charles continued his education in Bellflower before his family moved to Sully, Iowa where his father eventually found work.

From their home in Iowa, his family moved to Fremont, Michigan before settling in Zeeland, Michigan. They became affiliated with the local Christian Reformed Church there where Charles continued to grow and be strengthened in his Christian faith. In Zeeland, Charles attended Holland Christian High School where he was voted Student Council President. It was a tremendous honor for Charles as it was the very first year they had a student council. Charles excelled in his studies and was a friend of many before graduating in 1949.

Following high school, Charles joined the National Guard and went to work in the Zeeland area. With the Korean War well underway, Charles enlisted into the U.S. Army where he was trained as a paratrooper. During his training he had the opportunity to jump many times, and enjoyed the challenge. The war came to an end prior to his being deployed, and never had to use his paratrooper skills in combat.

However, it was during one of his furloughs while attending a basketball game when a young lady caught Charles' attention, and Lois Van Koevering was one of the sweetest gals he'd ever seen. The very next evening he attended a roller skating party, only to find Lois Van Koevering in his midst once again. After finally being introduced, the couple formed a dating relationship and a romance soon developed. Lois graduated in 1953, and with Charles still in the service, their romance remained long distance but they continued their courtship by letter.

Upon his honorable discharge, Charles returned to Zeeland where his relationship with Lois blossomed. On September 10, 1954, they were blessed in marriage. During this time, Charles enrolled at Davenport College under the GI Bill, and went on to further his education. He had a keen interest in numbers, and liked accounting.

As a couple, Charles and Lois continued their membership in the Christian Reformed Church and became affiliated with a church near their home. They settled into a place on Main Street, and there they started a family of their own. Charles worked to support his new family while continuing his education, eventually graduating from Davenport with his accounting degree.

In 1957, Charles and his family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan into a home on Bristol NW and joined the West Leonard Christian Reformed Church. Their family grew to include three children, Andrew, Karen and Mary Jane who were a blessing in their lives. In time, Lois became ill, and after several years of numerous tests, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. While the disease hindered her some, she continued to do her best caring for her family. Charles helped as much as he could and was a real support for Lois. He was instrumental during these years helping his family remain happy and comfortable as they brought their burdens to the Lord who always provided a way for them.

Charles was a dedicated and hard worker. He worked in accounting for a steel company on the west side of the city before moving on to Beverly’s, a woman's clothing store. His children always said that while their father worked as an office manager there, their mother was most likely the best dressed lady around. For a time he also worked at Joppe’s Dairy in accounting, but eventually settled into a long term position at Harvey Cadillac where for 18 years he worked as an office manager and used his accounting skills. He later went to work for another dealership, Grand Olds where he worked as an accountant. He retired after 18 years of service there, but continued on part time.

Church was an integral part of the Aardema's lives. Charles served as a church Elder, Deacon, Sunday school teacher, and as Sunday School Superintendent while Lois was also a Sunday school teacher and a consistent attendee of church functions. They were a very happy couple who enjoyed time with family, visiting friends, and attending church and the many social activities there. Throughout the years, fun-filled, weekly summer vacations were shared as a family at rented cottages on Long Lake near Traverse City. Their family enjoyed this time together and always looked forward to this “get away” each year.

Even though Lois’s condition worsened over time, she continued to be as active as possible which was made possible by Charles' unending devotion and dedicated care. Sadly, in 1983, Lois passed away. During this time, Charles clung to his faith and God's promises. His daughter, Mary Jane continued to live at home, and even though she could not fill the void, she took good care of Charles.

Charles took some time and traveled to the place of his birth to spend with friends and visit the places of his youth. He also enjoyed traveling to Maine and other states with his daughter, Mary Jane. On several occasions, Charles visited his daughter, Karen and her family in Waupun, Wisconsin. In later years he frequently visited his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Beloved by his family, they always looked forward to calls from Charles on their birthdays. He always sang Happy Birthday to them over the phone, and even as adults, they eagerly awaited his call on their special day.

Charles began having health issues roughly 15 years ago and was diagnosed with cancer. With treatment, he was able to lead a good life. However, within the last year, he spent time in the hospital off and on, and requiring more care, Hospice was called in during the last few weeks. As the Lord was soon to call Charles home, these thoughts from Job 19:25-26 were greatly on Charles mind: “I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end He will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God.”

A man of integrity and faith, Charles Aardema was a faithful, Christian man who lived by example to the very end. He lived fully and completely in the Lord's care, and devoted himself to the family he dearly loved. Although he will be deeply missed, thoughts of Charles will bring blessed remembrance of a man dearly loved.

Mr. Charles A. Aardema, aged 83 of Grand Rapids, passed away Sunday, June 29, 2014 at his residence. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois (Van Koevering) Aardema. Surviving are his children: Andrew Aardema, Karen and Stu Mulder, Mary Jane Aardema; his grandchildren: Charles and Melissa Mulder, David and Robin Mulder, Grant and Leah Mulder, Alyssa Mulder; his great-grandchildren: Carson, Kaelyn, Kenzie, Addison; his sisters, brothers and their spouses: Thelma and Lee Bakker, Ann Van Norden, Duane and Mary Aardema, Robert and June Aardema, Jo and Jerry Wheeler; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Sharon Van Kovering, James and Pat Van Koevering, David and Sharon Van Koevering, Mark and Carol Van Koevering; several nieces and nephews. His funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 2, 2012, 11:00 AM at West Leonard Christian Reformed Church with his pastor, Rev. Neil Jasperse and his grandson, Rev. Grant Mulder officiating. Interment will be in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with his family at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. N.W. Tuesday from 6–9 PM and again at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Faith Hospice are appreciated. To read more of Charles’s life, share a memory or sign his online register book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.