Arthur Thomas Sjoerdsma

Arthur Thomas Sjoerdsma, age 87, went home to be with the Lord Sunday morning, December 6, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. He suffered severe head injuries from a fall on Friday the 4th and passed with family at his side. Art was born August 31, 1933 in Grand Rapids, MI. Art served in the Navy as a cook aboard two ships during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1955. Following his service, he worked as a carpenter and continued to do carpentry work on his days off during a 27-year career with the Grand Rapids Fire Department (GRFD) from 1961-1989. For 16 years, Art drove the rescue squad (Squad 1) and drove Truck 1 for four years at station #1 downtown. His squad team responded to every fire in the city and was normally first into building fires for rescue situations. They were dispatched to all pinned-in car accidents and it was not unusual to have 10-12 runs per day. His career ended at the GRFD Fire Dispatch office where he served for seven years. He enjoyed fishing, boating, singing in the church choir, and playing cards with family and friends. Art always maintained a great sense of humor, strong faith, and love for his family. Arthur wrote his life story in 2008 and ended it saying: “This ends the life and times of Arthur T. Sjoerdsma. A short story. For life is short. Our lives are but a mist that soon disappears. But through it all God has been faithful.” Isaiah 25:1

Art was preceded in death by his parents Sam and Catherine Sjoerdsma; step-mom, Gertrude Sjoerdsma; sister, Patricia Naber; and sister-in-law, Judy Sjoerdsma. Also preceded in death was his first wife, A. Jeanne Sjoerdsma and step son-in-law, Jeffery DeVille.

Art is lovingly remembered by his wife of 40 years, Hennie Sjoerdsma; sons Tom (Heidi) Sjoerdsma and Doug (Sherri) Sjoerdsma; step-children Don (Helen) Dieleman, Sandra (Roger) Warren, Karen DeVille, Tom (Teresa) Waterloo, and Amy (Dave) Barber. Art is also survived by his siblings Dave (Harmina “Mike”) Sjoerdsma, Bob Sjoerdsma; and brother-in-law, Erwin Naber. Including spouses, Art has 27 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Due to several factors, including Covid, a memorial service celebrating Art’s life will be held at a later date TBD.