Edwin Jay Terpstra

Edwin Jay Terpstra passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, at the age of 81 years. Born in Holland, Michigan on October 13, 1944, Ed was a member of the first graduating class of West Ottawa High School where he was an All-Area football player, played cornet in the marching band, and where he met his wife, Joyce, the love of his life.

Ed’s greatest loves in life were his wife, his dog, music, and the outdoors. He was a skilled diesel mechanic who retired from Gra-Bell Tuck Lines in 2007. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and sailing. He was someone who read Emerson and the Stoics, who disliked the confinement of a church pew, but who welcomed a discussion of religion and culture. Ed had an appreciation for good storytelling and was also a gifted public speaker, able to recount the life of a loved one with keen insight into what made them who they were, and how they loved and were loved. He had a genuine interest in people and their unique stories.

Ed’s children will remember him for the unconditional support he gave as provider and protector. They will remember the beautiful home that he and their mother created, and how Ed enjoyed feeding the birds and deer and other wildlife in their backyard. His children will remember how he played the banjo and loved bluegrass music. They will remember how he could keep a car running well beyond its expected lifespan, and how he always kept an eye on the weather. They will remember how he loved and cared for their mother, especially during her illness at the end of her life, and how he looked after his own mother after his father passed away.

Ed will be remembered by so many for being kind and warm-hearted, a good friend and neighbor with great integrity and a sense of humor.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Joyce Loncki Terpstra, and his parents, Henry and Antoinette Jekel Terpstra. Ed is survived by his children, Carrie Hodson, Brian Terpstra, and Amy (Brian) Peceny; grandchildren Eric and Heather, Kaiti, Isabel, Simon,

Morgan, Emma, and Megan; great-grandchildren Lauren and Barrett; sister, Phyllis Achterhof; brother-in-law Lynn (Gail) Loncki; and several nieces and nephews. The family will hold a private burial, and a Celebration of Life will be planned for later this year.

Ed’s family wishes to thank the caring staff at Riley’s Grove Assisted Living, the hospice nurses and volunteers from Optimal Care, and all who have visited Ed over the last two years. Condolences to the family and memories of Ed can be shared online at Lakeshorememorial.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring Ed’s memory by sharing a random (or not-so-random) act of kindness.