Robert Edward "Bob" Tamminga

Robert (Bob) Edward Tamminga was born on December 5, 1937, in Denver, Colorado, to Edward and Ann Tamminga. He was baptized at Second Christian Reformed Church and grew up in Denver, attending Denver Christian schools.
In December 1953, Bob married his sweetheart, Shirley Van Iwarden. He began working alongside his father in the family's general contracting business, where he apprenticed as a carpenter. He was hard working and eventually took over the business from his father, specializing in commercial buildings, churches, renovations, and projects for the State Historical Society. Notable historical renovations include the Molly Brown House, Four-Mile House, The Lace House in Black Hawk, and the Georgetown Loop Lebanon Mine. He had a great eye for building exterior and interior design and applied that to oil painting when time allowed. He also enjoyed restoration of vintage vehicles.
Bob had a deep love for Colorado and enjoyed being outdoors-hunting, camping, fishing, and hiking. Later in life, his passion for the Western lifestyle led him to raise quarter horses, participate in cutting competitions, and embark on wilderness pack trips with family or others eager to join in the adventure.
He and Shirley were devoted supporters of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, attending as many sporting events and school programs as possible. Their faith was central to their lives. They were longtime members of Third Christian Reformed Church (now Hope Fellowship CRC), where Bob served as a Cadet counselor, deacon, and elder. His building expertise was used in various Hope CRC renovations and additions over the years.
Bob battled high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes for much of his adult life, leading to kidney failure. In 2017, he received a kidney transplant, made possible by the incredible gift of fellow Hope Fellowship CRC member Carol Kok. He passed away on March 12, 2025, with Shirley by his side.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley, and their four children and their spouses: Sandy Gulker and husband Fred, Robert Edward Tamminga, Jr. and wife Sherry, Marla Opgenorth and husband Terry, and Jill Velgersdyk and husband Darryl. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
His legacy of faith, family, and craftsmanship will live on in the lives of those he touched.
A memorial service will be held at Hope Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in Denver at 1pm Friday, March 21. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hope Fellowship Christian Reformed Church. https://boxcast.tv/view/celebration-of-life-for-bob-tamminga-jvznngcurv0sv8aej2kh To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert "Bob" Edward Tamminga, please visit our floral store.