Edward A. Stielstra

Edward Alan Stielstra, 83, passed away peacefully in Holland, Michigan on September 23rd, 2025. A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, October 3rd at Third Reformed Church, and a Celebration of Life service will take place at Third Reformed Church, in Holland, Michigan, on October 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. Ed was born in Holland Hospital on April 11, 1942, to Edward and Gertrude Stielstra. He spent his early years in Holland, Michigan, until the family relocated to Redlands, California in 1953. He returned to Holland to study Biology at Hope College, where he met Sandra Mitter, the love of his life, whom he married in 1969. After college Ed attended the U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School. His active service in the Navy included a deployment to Vietnam as a gunnery officer and chaplain onboard the USS Southerland. He then joined the U.S. Navy Reserve for 22 years where he served as a Judge Advocate and retired as Navy Commander. After active duty in the Navy, Ed attended graduate school at San Diego State University, where he received a Masters of Science in Microbiology, and conducted post-graduate work at the University of Virginia. He returned to the community he loved in Holland, Michigan, and built a home at Pined In Farm, on a parcel surrounded by trees planted by his grandparents. Ed spent 17 years at Amway Corporation in Grand Rapids, Michigan in technical roles including Plant Manager. He volunteered at The Good Samaritan Center, establishing a car program to help people in Holland. When he "retired" he worked as a Realtor at Greenridge Realty in Holland, Michigan. Ed led with a servant's heart and desire to understand. He served in his local Rotary Club embracing "service above self", including a term as president, was a member of the Laketown Township board and served on the board for the Holland Choral. He was passionate about his faith and the community at Third Reformed Church of Holland, and served there as a deacon, elder, and Stephen minister and Sunday School teacher. Family was always a major part of Ed's life. Ed and Sandy enjoyed opening their home and making it comfortable and welcoming for their children, grandchildren, relatives and many friends. His children remember his generous and supportive nature guiding them to make their own informed decisions. Horses, donkeys, dogs, cats, vintage cars and boats also found their way into Ed's big heart and his life. His curiosity was boundless - he read a wide variety of books and developed a range of interests. Ed is survived by his wife Sandy; his children Sarah (Timothy) Groenheide and David (Lynae); his grandchildren Elliot, Kate, Joseph, Luke, and Lillian; and his sister Karen Eiles (Rich Buerge) and brother Steven (Mimi Hills). In lieu of flowers a donation in Ed's name may be given to Hospice of Holland or Third Reformed Church.