michael jansma

1933 - 2014

Michael Irvin Jansma, 81, of Loveland, CO went home to his Lord on October 16, 2014. He was born August 26, 1933, in Dyer, Indiana. He was the 8th of 14 children born to Elliott and Clara (Peters) Jansma. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War from 1951-1955, stationed in Iwakuni, Japan for part of those years. He married Betty LaVerne Wiers on October 5, 1956, in Lansing, Illinois. They moved to Loveland, Colorado, in 1972. Mike and his two brothers, Carl and Butch, founded Jansma Bros. Excavating and Trucking Corp. in 1973. Mike operated that business until his retirement in 1995. He loved his family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, restoring classic cars, traveling with his wife Betty, and attending the grandkids' events. They spent several winters in Arizona. He was a member of Faith Evangelical Church. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty, of 58 years and their three children: Gayle Ruiter (Larry), Michael "Mick" Jansma (Kirsten), and Paula Prebish (John); nine grandchildren: Jill, Michelle, Jeff (Karlie) Ruiter; Levi (Katie), Dalton, Rachel Jansma; Tyler, Tanner, Tobin Prebish; two great-grandchildren: London and Antigonee Jansma; brothers: Richard, Arthur "Tub", Peter, Carl, Donald, and James "Butch"; sisters: Grace and Ruth. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers William and Elliott, Jr.; sisters Tillie Koster, Cora Slager, and Joyce Dockweiler. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Evangelical Church, 2707 Wilson Avenue, Loveland, CO. A viewing will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. A light lunch will follow the service. Graveside services will be held following the luncheon.Go to www.viegutfuneralhome.com for condolences. Memorial contributions may be made to the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) or Pathways Hospice in care of Viegut Funeral Home.