Gregory Neal Veltema

Greg was born on November 27, 1951 in Lansing, MI. He graduated from Holt High School in 1970 with Top 10 honors. He spent one year studying at Hope College and then served the Reformed Church of America as a youth pastor for one year in New York. His collegiate studies continued at Grand Valley State where he met the love of his life, Patti. He graduated in 1974 and they married shortly after.

Greg earned his Juris Doctorate in 1978 from Cooley Law School. Following graduation, he continued in the family construction business until 1982 at which time he opened a private law practice in Lansing. Greg spent 30 years practicing law and often engaged in thoughtful and thorough conversations with family and friends putting his critical thinking to the test.

He was elected to 3 terms as a Delhi Township trustee in the Fall of 1980 and served for a total of 12 years. He was an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church where he served on the building and grounds committee, was an usher, participated in rector searches, trips to a monastery and parish events (including the infamous Shrove Tuesday pancake dinners where there may have been some smoke in the kitchen) with fellow men.

Greg’s hobbies varied throughout the years yet reading remained a constant. He was an avid supporter of Anne and Jack’s athletic endeavors, always on the sidelines and sometimes on the field as head coach. Living with integrity, working hard, and knowing the value of a dollar were three things he instilled in his children. He was even known to send pennies, nickels and dimes to his grandkids to help them learn the names and value of a coin. He was a cat lover and even went so far as to buy one when Patti was working and brought Penny Lemieux home without her knowledge. The last 9 years were marked by paraplegia yet didn’t stop him from enjoying life. He made a conscious decision to establish his new normal following the injury. Greg continued to live his life despite limited mobility including sending many emails that often left friends and family confused. His quirkiness was oddly endearing yet sometimes a head scratcher. Even in Greg’s passing he remains to give with all his generosity by being a donor to Michigan Gift of Life.

He was predeceased in death by his parents Corneal and Esther Veltema and mother-in-law, Eleanor Roberts. He will forever be remembered by Patti Ann, his wife of 48 years; daughter Anne Gaertner (Eric); son Jack Veltema (Katie), brother Bruce Veltema (Mary); brother-in-law Robin Roberts (Sue); Grandsons Charles Neal Veltema and Keegan Neal Gaertner, and step grandson AJ Gaertner; nieces Nancy Everson (Mike); Kelly Leonard (Nate); Kim Tomrell (Tom); nephew Paul Roberts; several great-nieces and great-nephews and grand puppy Yogi.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at All Saints Episcopal Church, 800 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823. Visitation will be Saturday, July 9, 2022 at 9:00 am with service to follow at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Sparrow Foundation or Capital Area Humane Society.

If you are unable to attend the Funeral Service you may join the service by visiting this livestream link: https://youtube.com/c/AllSaintsEpiscopalChurchEastLansingMI. The link will become active just prior to the service beginning on July 9th at 10:00 am.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greastlansing.com for the Veltema family.