Jelle "Jay" Mensonides

Jelle (Jay) Mensonides Founder of Faith Dairy, Inc. Jelle (Jay) Mensonides was born on February 24, 1913 in Bolsward, Friesland in The Netherlands to Liewe and Gerritje Mensonides. He died on September 12, 2005. "Een grote leegte laat hij achter." Jelle's life was marked by a strong commitment to God, his family and his adopted country. In search of a brighter future for his family, he immigrated to California in 1947, moving to Tacoma in 1963 when he purchased Faith Dairy. An experienced dairyman, he expanded and developed the business. He also served as president of the Puyallup Rotary Club. Jelle was active in grassroots political campaigns and issues, once serving as an alternate delegate to the Republican national convention. A man of great faith in God, he and his wife were charter members of the Tacoma Christian Reformed Community Church and embarked on several mission trips to formerly Communist countries. Until recently, Jelle attended Bible Study Fellowship. Jelle delighted in his family: presiding over family dinners, visiting (and always debating) with relatives, playing Rummikub and traveling. Jelle is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Emma. He is survived by his sister Hieke Snoek-Mensonides of The Netherlands, five children: Gert DeKruyf (Tony) of Puyallup, Louis (Etta) Mensonides of Des Moines, Geri (Cor) Beukema of Tacoma, Sid (Cheryl) Mensonides of Tacoma, and John (Sylvia) Mensonides of Tacoma. He was known as Pake to his twenty grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and countless others. He has numerous surviving nieces and nephews in the U.S. and Holland. A memorial service and reception will be held Sunday, September 18, 2005 at 2pm at Tacoma Christian Reformed Community Church (2419 E 72nd St., Tacoma). Arrangements by Hill Funeral Home. Donations in lieu of flowers to Tacoma Baptist Schools.