Chris Postma Jr., age 88, of Rudyard, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at War Memorial Hospital Long Term Care in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He was born December 29, 1929, to Chris Sr. and Tina (Folkersma) Postma.
Chris lived his entire life in Rudyard, except when he was called to serve his country. He was drafted into the U.S. Army when he was eighteen and served two years during the Korean War with an artillery squad. He returned to Rudyard and married Marilyn Meyers on October 26, 1956, at the Rudyard Christian Reformed Church.
Chris had grown up on the farm, attending the Holland School north of Rudyard, and he and Marilyn continued to farm in Rudyard while they raised their five children. He was a hard worker who enjoyed dairy farming. They also raised angora goats and cash crops. He loved growing produce and visiting with the many customers who came every year to buy his vegetables.
Chis played many sports including softball for both Rudyard and Church League. He was an avid Detroit Tigers fan. He loved bowling, hunting, fishing, and many other outdoor activities. When he retired from farming, he worked for Smithers Tire Testing for fifteen years during the winter months.
Chris was a member of the Rudyard Christian Reformed Church, where he enjoyed the Men's Bible Club. He was a member of the Michigan Farm Bureau.
Chris is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Marilyn (Meyers) Postma; one son, Bob (Laura) Postma of Rudyard; four daughters, Pam (Ron) Van Sumeren of Kinross, Michigan, Linda Postma of Rudyard, Sally Postma of Rudyard, and Lisa (Jim) Wrocklage of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; granddaughters, Danielle (Doug) Willis, Nicole Postma and Abby Van Sumeren; grandsons, Tyler Postma, Derrick Postma, and Drew Van Sumeren; one great granddaughter, Marah Willis; one brother, Jake (Carol) Postma of Rudyard; and many nieces and nephews.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents; and by two sisters and their husbands, Marion and Vern VanSloten and Audrey and Dick Hoolsema.
Services will be held Monday, May 21, at Rudyard Christian Reformed Church, 17970 S Tilson Road in Rudyard. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m. Burial will be in North Rudyard Township Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Rudyard Christian School, 10702 W. 17 Mile Rd., Rudyard, MI 49780 or War Memorial Hospital Long Term Care, 550 Osborn Blvd., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.
R. Galer Funeral Home in Pickford, Michigan is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at
www.rgalerfuneralhome.com.Published by The Sault News from May 17 to May 18, 2018.