Stefford Jay Veltema

1942 - 2023

Stefford Jay Veltema, passed away March 15, 2023.Steff was born May 12, 1942 in Jamestown, MI. In 1965 he married his lifelong love, Jean Luyk. In 1974 they moved to CA.Steff loved to sing. Music was an expression of his quiet, deep faith in God. Steff enjoyed the outdoors, hiking and camping with Jean and traveling the country in their RV.In his last days, when asked about his philosophy of life, he said, "be kind, help and love." He lived this out with family and friends. He was generous with his time, attention, fix-it abilities and encyclopedic knowledge. He is survived by his wife, Jean (Luyk) Veltema; children Barbara (Joel) Bruxvoort of Pacifica, CA, and Steven (Ari Nagamatsu) Veltema of Oita, Japan; grandchildren Benjamin Bruxvoort, Ellis Bruxvoort, Selena Veltema and Lilika Veltema; and many beloved friends. He is predeceased by parents, Clarence and Dorothy (Baker) Veltema, sister and brother-in-law, Charlotte and Andrew Ponstein and a niece, a nephew and grandnephews.Memorial Donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley "Concerts and Special Music Fund" (2407 Dana St. Berkeley, CA 94704) or the Devil Mountain Chorus (2638 Lariat Lane, Walnut Creek CA 94596).Memorial Services will be held at 1PM on May 19, 2023, First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley. All are welcome.