Charles Edmond "Chuck" Bouwsma

BOUWSMA, CHARLES E. Mr. Charles "Chuck" Edmond Bouwsma, age 88, died on Friday, July 18 from complications due to congestive heart failure. He was a patriarch, musician, educator, gardener, folk dancer, World War II purple heart recipient, environmental pioneer, master pedestrian and social entrepreneur. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Gretchen, and their children: Emily, Elizabeth Oppewal (Bear Berends), Thomas (Patty), Andrea van Voorthuijsen (Karel), Catherine (friend Steve Norman), David (Cathleen) and Christopher. He is preceded in death by his brother, William J. Bouwsma, and survived by his sister, Gretchen Bouwsma Emmons and stepmother-in-law, Terry Fielstra. Grandchildren: Angela Bouwsma, Corina (Corey) Van Duinen, Brianna (Michael) Chesser, Marya (Mike) Camilleri, Carrie (Patrick Norton) Oppewal, Sita Bouwsma-Berends Caballero, Matthew (Silvia Rotela) van Voorthuijsen, Rose Bouwsma-Berends, Molly (Scott) Bouwsma-Schultz, Nate Berends, Zack Berends, Eric (Kristin) Fisher, Rachel (Mike) Williams, Nick (Micah) Fisher, Hannah (Dave) Richards, Kate (Jonathan) Rhoads, Sophie Bouwsma, Annikka Bouwsma, Ethan Bouwsma, Marguerite Bouwsma and Carson Bouwsma. Great-grandchildren: Sidney, Jonah, and Owen Van Duinen; Andrew, Chloeisha, Tegan, Ja'Meir, and Trenten Chesser; Dylan, Joshua, and Reid Norton; Chloe Richards; Leora Fisher; and Winter Williams. His legacy continues with four more great-grand babies on the way. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 26 from 12 noon - 2 PM, at Grace CRC at 100 Buckley St. SE, Grand Rapids. Memorial service at 2 PM. Celebratory gathering at Hawthorne St. to follow. A memorial vespers service will also be held on Sunday, July 27 at 4 PM at Porter Hills Retirement Village at 3600 Fulton St. E. in the Meeting House at the West Entrance. Visitation will follow. All are welcome to bring home-grown flower arrangements. Donations may be made in Chuck's name to Well House (wellhousegr.org), or to the recipeint of your choice