Thomas Edward Hoolsema Jr.

Thomas E. Hoolsema, Jr. (Tiemen) went home to be with his blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 6, 2015. Tiemen was born on December 6, 1947, at the original Memorial Hospital in downtown Houston, Texas.

Tiemen is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Rev. and Mrs. Thomas E. Hoolsema (Ruth), and his cherished sister, Marcia Van Voorhis.

He was born with a moderately severe case of cerebral palsy. In spite of this, God gave him the courage and strength to face each day. God’s sovereign grace, as well as the blessed hope of Christ’s return, were the driving forces in his life.

He was an honor graduate of San Jacinto High School and Houston Baptist University. Tiemen had various jobs, and from 1991 to 2007, he was employed as a programmer/analyst and technical writer for the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services in Austin. Upon his retirement, he volunteered at Easter Seals of Central Texas.

He was a member of Providence Presbyterian Church in Pflugerville, where he faithfully worshipped and served. He was raised under his father’s ministry at Oaklawn Presbyterian Church in Houston, where he made a profession of faith at age nine. He later attended Bethel Independent Presbyterian Church in Houston, and Grace Community Bible Church in Austin. He authored the book Prophecy and the Doctrines of Grace as a tribute to his Dad.

Tiemen was a sixteen-year season ticket holder for University of Texas football, and attended the 2006 national championship game against Southern Cal at the Rose Bowl.

He is survived by his sister, Marianne and husband Harold Tolsma. He is also survived by nephew, John and wife Lee Ann Tolsma of Knoxville, Tennessee, and their three children, John II, Ann Baker, and Lee Belle; nephew, Peter Tolsma; niece, Ann Tolsma; brother-in-law, David Van Voorhis; and niece, Mary Van Voorhis Eckhardt and husband Kevin.

A graveside service will be held at Forest Park Westheimer cemetery in Houston, Texas on Friday, February 13 at 11:00 am. A memorial service will be held at Providence Presbyterian Church, 17712 Heatherwilde in Pflugerville, Texas on Saturday, February 14 at 11:00 am.

The family would like to thank the Clairmont for their loving care to Tiemen over the last five years. Others to be thanked are his faithful attendants, Christina Robinson and Fritz Krugman, as well as special friends, David and Sonya Featherston.

Memorials should be directed to Camp Peniel Inc., 6716 East FM 1431, Marble Falls, Texas 78654.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)