Darwin Houtsma

Darwin grew up in central Minnesota. On August 8, 1958 he married Cynthia A. VanDrunen in Worthington, MN. They moved to Artesia, California in 1963. Darwin and Cynthia had four children; Diane, Keith, Kent and Denise. On March 7, 1994 Cynthia passed away.

On Nov. 2, 1996 Darwin married Madalene (VanLeeuwen) Kamstra.

Darwin was a General Contractor. He was involved in home remodel and repair work. He also built new custom homes. For many years he was involved with dairy construction. His construction projects are evident in Southern California, Idaho and Tulare County,

Darwin served in various capacities at the churches he attended. He enjoyed being a Sunday School Superintendant, Deacon, Elder, Sunday School Teacher and Christian School Board Member at Valley Christian School in Cerritos, CA and Central Valley Christian Schools in Visalia, CA.

Darwin is survived by his wife and her children, Judy (Kamstra) and Earl DeVries, Wanda (Kamstra) and John DeVries, Jean (Kamstra) and Rich DeVries, and her 13 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter which are: Jennifer Kamstra, Doug DeVries, Bianca & Patrick Mundwiler (Emma), Brenda DeVries, David DeVries, Kristina DeVries, Ben DeVries, Emily DeVries, Andrea DeVries, Stephanie DeVries, Allen DeVries, Kevin DeVries.

Darwin is also survived by his children, Diane (Houtsma) & Pete Tiemersma, Keith & Janet (Hammingh) Houtsma, Kent & Julie (Eckart) Houtsma, Denise (Houtsma) & Stuart Skelton and 17 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren which are; Cynthia Tiemersma, Andrew Tiemersma, Petey Tiemersma, Jeremiah Tiemersma, Jolene & Sam Britton, Daniel Houtsma, Tyler Houtsma, Hayden Houtsma, Kendall Houtsma, Lillianna Houtsma, Ben & Kirsten Skelton (Ellie, Louise & Ruth), Esther and Frankie Amaro (Miles), Rachel Bourgeois (Gibson), Johnny Skelton.

Darwin’s two surviving brothers are George & Arlene Houtsma of Sioux Falls, SD and Tony & Gloria Houtsma of Wyoming, Mich. He has two surviving sister-in-laws; Bernice Houtsma of Worthington, MN and Phyllis Houtsma of Mora, MN.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Reformed Church, 6400 W. Walnut in Visalia at 10:30 am on Saturday, September 27, 2014. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Central Valley Christian School or Sierra Village.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.