Edward Tjaarda

Edward Tjaarda passed away on January 8, 2024, at the age of 87, in Bakersfield, CA. Ed was born in Langelille, Friesland, Netherlands to Pier and Grace Tjaarda on July 5, 1936. He was the 4th of 12 children. Ed was a country boy at heart as he grew up on a dairy farm in Holland until the age of 15. At that time he immigrated with his family to the USA. The Tjaarda family settled in the Bellflower, CA area. Ed went to work moving irrigation pipes and milking cows to help bring in money for the family. After 2 1/2 years a new Dutch girl arrived to the area. His sister Greta highly encouraged Ed to ask her out. It took a box of chocolates but he got the girl. Ed married Sharon DeJager on March 28, 1956. They were blessed with four children.

Ed and Sharon and their four children moved to Corona, CA in 1964 to go into partnership on a dairy with Harold and Tena Brouwer. Times were tough but a stubborn and hard working Dutchman should never be underestimated.

In 1976, it was time to move on from the partnership and after 7 more years of renting and working a dairy in Corona they were able to establish their own dairy. In 1983, Ed and Sharon moved to their own dairy on Panama Lane in Bakersfield, CA. In 2000 the dairy moved to Shafter, CA where it is still in operation.

Ed loved the country life. Checking on the cows, taking them to beef, fixing things, and working around the dairy gave him joy. He loved to laugh and have a good time. Ed loved spending time with his wife, Sharon, as they did so many things together. He was proud of his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. He loved that so many were at his home for most major holidays. Ed was not a worrier and was very content in life. He enjoyed attending Valley Baptist Church and the Abundant Life Sunday School Class.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents Pier and Grace Tjaarda, two sisters Joyce Kootstra and Helen Kootstra, and two brothers Homer and Harm Tjaarda. Ed is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sharon, 3 brothers John (Audrey), Andy (Joyce), Roy, 4 sisters Greta Boschma, Clara (Art) Van Holland, Pat Dayton, Tina Hallada, many extended family members, 4 children Perry (Pauline) Tjaarda, Ronald Tjaarda, Jeannette (David) Montgomery, and Geri (Hendrik) Leyendekker. Also, 13 grandchildren, Blake Tjaarda, Tiffany (Joe) Gonzales, Nathan Tjaarda, Shannon Tjaarda, Ronnie (Christine) Tjaarda, Ashley (Matt) Lyons, Maddie Tjaarda, Sarah Tjaarda, Shayna Montgomery, Michael (Stephanie) Montgomery, Shelly Staal, Chris Leyendekker, and Anna Leyendekker. And 8 great grandchildren, Ellie, Noah, Tanner, Kaylee, Max, Zoe, Teddy and Audrey.

Ed will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather who had an amazing laugh and a smile that would light up a room.

A visitation for Edward will be held Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306.

Funeral service will occur Friday, February 2, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306.

Graveside service to follow 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306.