Peter Miedema

Peter was a gracious man who lived his life with the end in mind; embracing his family, his country and his Lord. He was a man of integrity with a strong work ethic that started as a young man and continued throughout his life. He always treated others with love, gentleness, and in an understanding way. He will be dearly missed by those he leaves.

Peter’s story began on a warm summer day, August 9, 1916, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The decade of the 1910’s were a decade which began with America’s efforts to reform itself and ended with its efforts to reform the world. America was in the midst of a time of great change. Ed and Anna (Bomers) Miedema were experiencing a big change of their own as well with the birth of their first child, a son whom they named Peter.

Peter spent his childhood on the West Side of Grand Rapids with his mother at home while his father supported his family as a grocer. Peter was later joined by younger sister Lucille, when he was five years old. When Peter was of school age, he attended West Side Christian School and he and his family were members of 12th Street CRC. He enjoyed spending time at nearby Richmond Park when he had some time off from school.

Peter developed a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility when he began helping his father deliver groceries. This was a time in our nation’s history that families banded together to meet their various needs; each member helping out in any way they could.

Peter went on to graduate from Davis Tech High School and continued his education from there when he attended Davenport College where he earned a business degree.

It wasn’t long after that when Peter was called to serve his country in the United States Army. He spent time in Scotland, Ireland and England. His duty took him on the battlefield where he was responsible for documenting soldiers killed in action. Peter even found himself in France for what is known as “D- Day,” the first invasion of the Allied invasion on the beaches of Normandy.

Peter was able to rejoin civilian life after three -and -a -half years of valiant service, in 1945.

Peter resumed his church life at 12th St. where he noticed a very intriguing woman named Mildred Terpstra. He had the courage to call her at home and asked her for a date. She accepted and they went to Reeds Lake and attended a play. She played a little “hard to get,” but accepted a second date to a formal dinner at the beautiful Pantlind Hotel. They were later married on September 26, 1943.

After honeymooning in New York City, the newlyweds returned to their home on Myrtle St. Peter worked for Ranivill & Son Ton-Tex Corp. in the credit department.

Peter and Millie’s lives were soon blessed with the birth of their son Ed in 1949, followed by daughter Kathy, in 1952.

Peter was a strong leader in his home on Kenan, NW. He always found the perfect balance between grace and truth. He made many meaningful memories with his wife and children. He taught Kathy about golf; hitting golf balls in the field behind their house, cooked “wieners” in the fireplace in the basement on Saturday nights, and went sledding at Richmond Park. They took summer family vacations at Long Lake and Hamlin Lake. Here Peter was able to fish, which was something he really enjoyed, especially with his mother- in- law.

Peter was an avid sports fan of all sports. He was a Detroit Tigers fan and attended some University of Michigan football games while his son was attending medical school there. He was an excellent bowler and loved to golf, especially at Gracewil golf course and at Palmer Park.

Peter also possessed a strong servant’s heart. He and Millie were involved for many years with Gideon’s International. He also served as an elder in his church at Twelfth Street CRC and later at West Leonard CRC as often as he was allowed, for his entire adult life.

Peter lived his faith out loud as a kind and humble man who was solid in his faith. He always treated others with dignity and respect and carried himself in a calm and peaceful manner. He was a prayer warrior who humbly approached His Lord faithfully.

As adults, Peter’s children moved away, but this didn’t change the impact he was able to make in their lives as well as the lives of his grandchildren. He was as involved with them as much he could be, living apart. He and Mille would drive out to Colorado for important events like graduations, concerts and other special occasions. They also traveled as far as Haiti to visit their son and his family.

When his grandchildren attended nearby Calvin College, they were invited along with various friends and team members to join Pete and Milie at their home for some home cooked meals. These were meaningful times of fun and relating between the generations.

Peter was an eloquent writer who would include mouth watering descriptions of Millie’s Sunday meals in his letters to Kathy. He loved the hymns of old, especially those of George Beverly Shea.

Peter was always a hard working man who even worked after he retired, at the request of his employer. His schedule reduced from four days a week down to one eventually, when he was in his eighties.

Peter Miedema was a wonderful, sensitive and kind husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle. He left a legacy of faith and love that his family and friends will embrace long after his time here on earth. His family holds tight to the promise that one day they will all be reunited again in their eternal home.

Peter R. Miedema, of Grand Rapids died on November 11, 2008. Peter’s family includes; his loving wife, Mildred; children, Ed (Christie) Miedema and Kathy (Fred) Ritsema; his “special kids”, Pat (Gene), Mike (Mary), Jan (Jack), Beth (John), and Ruth (Mark); 6 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; sister, Lucille DeVries; brother-in-law, Dick (Marti) Terpstra; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 14, 2008. at 11:00 a.m. at West Leonard CRC.

Visit with Peter’s family and friends at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes - Van‘t Hof - Grand Rapids, MI, 851 Leonard St. NW from 7-9 p. m. on Thursday, November 13.

Please visit Peter’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave o favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to the Christian Rest Home or W. Leonard CRC.