Wallace Dotinga

Wallace (Wietze) Dotinga, age 94 of Artesia, California, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 10, 2022. Wallace was born in Sijbrandaburen, Friesland, the Netherlands, on May 13, 1928, the 7th of 17 children born to Willem and Baukje Dotinga. After getting through his teenage years during the events of World War II, Wallace graduated from college, served in the Dutch Marines, and taught grade school for two years. He then became a restless traveler and went to visit his siblings in North America starting in Canada and ending up in Southern California. He returned to the Netherlands and on April 16, 1957, married Brenda (Barteltje) Dijkstra. They moved to San Diego where three sons were added to the family. Later the two girls came, the last in 1968 when they had moved to Whittier. Wallace had varying occupations, but being a social person his most enjoyable job was running a milk store in Whittier where he could interact with the customers. He spent his retirement years in Whittier where he and Brenda enjoyed visiting with people and hosting many guests.

Wallace is survived by Brenda, his loving wife of 65 years; sons Willem (Kristin) of Alto, Michigan and their children Jennifer, Stephanie (fiancé Mel Vazquez) and Mike (Leah); Sid (Cheryl) of Novi, Michigan and their children Megan (Eduardo) Aguirre, Courtney, Zac, and Brad; Melvin (Jane) of Lynden, Washington and their children Rachel (David) Winslow, Joel (Libby), Nicole, and Brandon; and daughters Tina (Steve) Kampen of Visalia, California, and Bea (Tom) Diepstra of Grand Rapids, Michigan and their children Andy (Kelsey), Emily, and Nathan. They were blessed with 7 great grandchildren soon to be 9.

He is also survived by his sisters Tine Maring, Joyce Hofstra, Reinskje Dotinga, and Siets (Jan) DeVries and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, all seven brothers, and five of his sisters.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 17 at First Artesia Christian Reformed Church, 18411 Alburtis Avenue, Artesia, California with Pastor Rob Golding officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials may be made to The Navigators in support of Joel and Libby Dotinga or World Renew of the Christian Reformed Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitesmortuary.com for the Dotinga family.