Jay Vliek

During his life that spanned nearly a century, Gerald “Jay” Vliek was a blessing to all who were within his reach. He was energetic and always had a smile with a contagious zest for life that made him so much fun to be around. Jay was a devoted husband and compassionate father who loved nothing more than witnessing his family tree blossom to include the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were his most priceless treasure. Someone who was always busy with something, he was continually using his time and talents to help those around him in ways both great and small. Although Jay will be deeply missed, his timeless legacy will be carried on by those who follow in his footsteps.

With the end of WWI in 1918, America was recognized as a world leader and poised for greatness. We did not disappoint as the Roaring Twenties were the days that witnessed more affordable cars due to the assembly line, radios that brought the world around us within our reach, and the end of the silent film era. It was just as this decade was dawning that a couple from Decatur, Michigan, was delighted to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on May 15, 1920. He was the eighth of nine children born to his parents, Lubert and Reka (Sjoerdsma) Vliek. Raised on the family farm, Gerald was no different than his siblings as he too had a nickname - Jay. Money was a scarcity, especially during the Great Depression of the 1930s, so Jay and his older siblings including Jose, Bill, Andy, Sip, Judd, Everett, and John, as well as his younger brother, Ray, learned the value in working hard and being frugal. The Vliek family, like so many other families of this era, learned to share resources. While growing up Jay sang in a quartet, and he played both football and baseball as a student at Decatur High School.

After graduating from high school in 1939, Jay served in the military during the days of WWII. He worked as a carpenter and was stationed in Panama. For the rest of his life Jay was so proud to have served his country during this time of great need.

Once again a civilian, Jay returned home and resumed the life he had set aside for a time. Things became very exciting when he met the young girl who stole his heart. She was a “big city girl” from Paw Paw named Evelyn Sitar, and they met at a dance hall in her hometown. Sparks flew right from the start, and it wasn’t long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together Jay and Evelyn became husband and wife on November 30, 1946 and settled in Kalamazoo. Together the couple was blessed to welcome two daughters, Leslie and Lyle, into their hearts and home. Jay was very involved in the lives of his children and was always sure to speak to them on a compassionate level while showing them kindness through the words he chose. Faith and Family were always a cornerstone in Jay’s life, and he savored every moment they had to spend together.

A hard worker, Jay’s carpentry skills were unmatched. Most of his career he worked for Hoffman Construction, and he spent many years working for Burton and Betty Upjohn who deeply appreciated his expertise and attention to detail in projects both at home and at the Parkview Hills development. He built his homes and also volunteered his skills to family and friends in need of a helping hand. In fact, Jay always had some kind of carpentry project going up until his time of death. He enjoyed trying new things and was innovative, too, since if he didn’t have something that would do the job he would simply build it.

When it came to keeping busy, Jay was also a man of many other interests. He did quite a bit of traveling including when his girls were younger as family vacations were a regular thing. Later on he and Evelyn enjoyed wintering in Florida. Jay loved studying road maps as he had a fantastic sense of direction and was also content just to get in the car and drive. He was an avid golfer who could be found out on the links at the young age of 92! A sports enthusiast, Jay loved football and baseball and kept a close eye on both the Tigers and Lions. Extended family also played an important role in his life as they got together at least once a week for numerous years. Jay tenderly cared for Evelyn throughout her battle with cancer until her death in 1996. A longtime resident of his community, he was a member of the carpenters union and active at St. Monica Catholic Church.

Brighter days were on the horizon for Jay when he became reacquainted with Virginia (Copley) Osmick whom he had known since high school. They fell in love and were married on Dec 7, 1996, at St. Monica Catholic Church, and then Jay returned to his home town of Decatur, later joining the Decatur First Presbyterian Church. Life revolved around their family, and there was no differentiation between whose children and grandchildren were whose as they were all just one big family. With a swimming pool in their yard, they loved having the entire family over. Not surprisingly, Jay took immaculate care of their pool. Jay and Virginia could often be found watching the Detroit Tigers and taking things a little easier in their “golden years.”

As his family and friends can attest, Jay Vliek was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was kindhearted with a great sense of humor and a quick wit that were all his own. Jay leaves behind valuable lessons such as the need to work hard and spend wisely as well as the importance of helping others and having a strong foundation of faith. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know and love him.