Herman Haagsma

WHITINSVILLE —

Herman Haagsma, 85, of Whitinsville, died Monday, Oct. 6, 2008, at UMass Medical Center, Lake Street, Worcester.

He was the husband of Sandra L. (Gruizenga) Haagsma and the late Ferne E. (Robinson) Haagsma, who died in 1975.

Mr. Haagsma was a mechanical engineer for the Raytheon Co. in Sudbury for eight years before his retirement in 1988. He had previously been employed at the former Bay State Abrasives in Westboro, the former Draper Corp. in Hopedale and the former Whitin Machine Works in Whitinsville.

Born on Aug. 25, 1923 in Whitinsville, Mr. Haagsma was the son of the late Arthur and Teresa (Jongsma) Haagsma and had been a resident of Whitinsville most of his life. He was a graduate of Northbridge High School, class of 1940, and Worcester Junior College, class of 1952, where he earned his associate degree in engineering.

Mr. Haagsma was an Army veteran, serving during World War II. He was a charter member of the Fairlawn Christian Reformed Church and served on the consistory of the church. He enjoyed camping, fishing and loved his family.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, James H. Haagsma of Whitinsville; one stepson, Kurtis L. and his wife, Kimberly, Terpstra, of Grandville, Mich.; two daughters, Joy L. Haagsma of Hyannisport, Janet L. and her husband, the Rev. Robert, Arbogast of Sunbury, Ohio; one stepdaughter, Heidi R. Terpstra of Grand Rapids, Mich.; one brother, Andrew Haagsma of Grandville, Mich.; two sisters, Nellis Venhuis of Grant, Mich., and Ann Baker-Riker of Wilberham; six grandchildren, Brandis J. Haagsma, Katie Arbogast, Kristie Arbogast, Martha Arbogast, Alexis Terpstra, Seth Terpstra; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother, Gerhardus Haagsma, and one sister, Rena Dekker.

Funeral services with full military honors will be held on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008, at 10:30 a.m., in the Fairlawn Christian Reformed Church, 305 Goldthwaite Road, Whitinsville, MA 01588.

Interment will follow in Riverdale Cemetery, Providence Road (Route 122), Northbridge.

Visiting hours will be Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Buma Funeral Home, 480 Church St., Whitinsville.

Memorial donations may be made to the Whitinsville Christian School, 279 Linwood Ave., Whitinsville, MA 01588.