Robert C. Jongsma

Robert Carl Jongsma, age 91, went to be with the Lord October 25, 2023. Bob was born May 16, 1932 to Peter Jongsma and Elsie (Osterman) Jongsma in Whitinsville, Massachusetts. Bob and Helen Ruth Modderman were married September 4, 1954. They devoted their lives to their five children: Robert (Karolyn) Jongsma, Judith (Dan) Mulder, Peter (Leslie) Jongsma, Jim Jongsma, and John (Amy) Jongsma.

Bob loved his eleven grandchildren: Laura (Ian) Belanger, Megan Thomas, Kimberly (Gray Emerson) Jongsma; Emily (David) Dilmurat, Tomas (Ashley) Mulder, Bill (Kelly) Mulder; Katherine (Steven) Bergsma, Ryan Jongsma (fiancée Tori Floyd); and James, Max and Jack Jongsma. He was blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Eli and Olivia; Hurel, Yarush, Rohlan, Mehliya and Zahir; and Clark.

He is reunited in heaven with his beloved wife Helen, his sister Grace (John) Nyenhuis and Harold (Betty) Jongsma and his parents. Bob is survived by his younger brother Allan (Joyce) Jongsma.

He began his career while he was in high school and became a skilled craftsman and master carpenter. Bob loved his work building beautiful homes with custom finish details and completing historic restorations. In 1950, he enlisted in the US Navy Construction Battalion (the “Seabees”), serving in the Philippines, Subic Bay, Guam, and Saipan.

Bob built the family home on Glen Drive in Whitinsville in 1962, amid acres of woods and a large pond.

He served for many years as deacon and elder at Fairlawn Christian Reformed Church, ministering to the financial and spiritual needs of the congregation with expertise and compassion. He joyfully volunteered countless hours of planning and carpentry work to help build the church and Whitinsville Christian School. He sacrificed to give his children a loving home and a Christian education.

After retiring from Koopman’s Lumber in 1998, he and Helen moved to Byron Center, Michigan to be closer to their children. He continued to enjoy his work as a carpenter, and made good friends at Zondervan and Midtown Craftsmen.

Bob inspired us all with his faithfulness to God, his family, and his work. He loved the Lord; his greatest legacy is passing that love along to all of us.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon Monday, October 30, 2023 at Cook Funeral Home in Byron Center, 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center, Michigan, with visitation from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. The family welcomes you to share your memories of Bob in the online guest book at www.cookcaresbyron.com