Jurre "Jerry" Steffen Zylstra

ZYLSTRA, Jurre 'Jerry' Steffen - Passed away peacefully at the Greater Niagara General Hospital on Thursday, April 30th, 2026 at the age of 96. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 71 years Saakje 'Sally' (nee Weiland) Zylstra, his parents Georg and Geertruida (nee Langendijk), and siblings Kornelia (Kory), Johanna (Joppie), Sijbrandus (Siep), Annestatia (Annie), Wilhelmina (Minnie).

Jerry is remembered as the proud father of George (Lorraine) Zylstra, Joanne Slack (Mike Burke), Peter (Janet) Zylstra. Loving grandfather of Josh (Aileen), Jeffrey, Amber (Timothy), Russell (Jenna), Jeremy, Steffen, Wendell, Arielle, Violet and 7 great-grandchildren. He will be fondly remembered by his sister and brother-in-law Petronella (Lucy) and Fred Dijkstra and many, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jerry was born and raised in Leeuwarden, Friesland the Netherlands. Apprenticed as an electrician, spent two years in the Dutch army with one year of active service in Indonesia. Jerry and Sally met at the age of 16 and were married just before emigrating to Canada in 1951. Jerry quickly found work as an electrician in Niagara Falls and spent time on 25 cycle conversion while working at Webster Electric. Jerry went on to work for RYKO Electric for a 2 week assignment which turned into ownership of the company, keeping many customers happy, until his retirement in 1997. Jerry and Sally spent much time together with family and friends, travelling, fishing, dancing, playing euchre, and meeting with family for Sunday morning “coffee".

The family wishes to acknowledge the compassionate care Jerry received from the staff at Cavendish Manor.

Cremation has taken place. Friends are invited to join the family at the PATTERSON FUNERAL HOME, 6062 Main St. Niagara Falls, visiting on Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 1 PM to 2 PM. The Rite of Committal to follow at Lundy's Lane Cemetery. Online condolences at pattersonfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider making a donation to St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church – Breakfast Program in Jerry's memory. To do so virtually, you may send an e-transfer to [email protected] with the Message Line: Breakfast Program in Honour of Jerry Zylstra from (Your Name or Anonymous).