Theodore Schaafsma

Theodore Schaafsma, age 99, died peacefully at his home on October 23, 2021. He was born on October 26, 1921, in Springfield, South Dakota. The family moved from South Dakota to Michigan in the mid 1930's. Ted graduated from Martin High School in 1938. Upon graduation he attended Parson's Business School. He worked for over thirty years in the quality control section at the Durametallic Corporation and retired from there in 1984. Ted served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of Trinity Reformed Church, Kalamazoo where he served on the consistory and volunteered as church treasurer for many years. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed travel and camping, loved to play card games with his family and friends, and was often seen at his grandchildren's sporting and band events. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Alice Schaafsma, wives, Vera Schaafsma and Patricia Boven Schaafsma, his siblings, Lewis Schaafsma, Marion Schaafsma and Dorothy Walters, step-son, Tom Boven, and son-in-law, Don Bailey. Ted is survived by his daughters, Roberta Schaafsma and Joanne (Steve) Griffioen, step-children, Dan (Sue) Boven, Craig (Jean) Boven, and Sue (Jon) Conklin; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The family is grateful for the excellent care Ted received from the Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan team and the love shown to him by his special caregiver, Sandy Skartsiaris. The family will hold a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ted's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, American Cancer Society, or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, c/o the funeral home. Friends and family may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.