Frederick Jousma

EWEN - Our father, Frederick Jousma of Ewen, Michigan, passed away on Dec. 21 after battling cancer for several years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Dorothy Jousma, of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

He is survived by two brothers, John Jousma of Alto, Michigan, and Don Jousma of Grand Rapids. Also surviving are his three daughters, Gayle (Evan) Sironen of Ewen, Rae (John) Volkmann of Phelps, Wisconsin, and Angela (Bill) Kuhn of Boyne City, Michigan.

Fred had six grandchildren, Carolyn (Mike) Kerkela, Emily Vukusich, Jenny (Dorian) Bell, Laura (Mitch) Napralla, Megan Volkman and Bryce Volkman. Fred also had 10 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his special fishing buddy, Roger Brady of Bruce Crossing, and ex-spouse and lifelong friend Ann Jousma Miller.

Dad was a hardworking man and held many jobs throughout his life. At a young age, he helped his uncles with farm work and drove a truck route that picked up milk in cans from the local dairy farmers. He worked at the Steelcase manufacturing plant in Grand Rapids but didn't care for that type of work and chose to be a farmer instead. He raised beef cattle and crops on the family farm in Alto before moving his family to the U.P. in 1973 to run a dairy farm near Bruce Crossing.

During his dairy farming years, he helped other local farmers fill their silos and lent out equipment when others needed help. He milked cows until 1982.

Dad also loved being on bowling leagues at "the alley" in Bruce Crossing. He had many friends from his bowling league days. He was also a volunteer for the Bruce Crossing Fire Department for many years. Our dad loved snowmobiling and at one time belonged to a local snowmobile club. For many years, he enjoyed going to the races in Eagle River, Wisconsin.

After he retired from farming, he hauled logs for Midwest Timber and then drove a tanker truck for Cargo Transport, hauling fuel from Green Bay, Wisconsin, to the western U.P.

Dad was a U.S. Air Force Veteran, serving his country from 1962 - 1965. He was trained as a cryogenic specialist and was deployed to the Johnston Atoll in the South Pacific, where he made liquid oxygen. He was a member of the American Legion.

Our father loved the outdoors and spent many happy days fishing the local lakes and rivers. He also made many fishing trips up to Canada, where he was known to be the first boat out on the water in the morning and the last boat in at night! Dad loved deer season, when his brothers, John and Don Jousma, and nephew, Nick Jousma, would come and hunt with him. His living room was full of beautiful antler mounts from big bucks that he had taken over his lifetime.

Dad was also a big dog lover, having a loyal canine companion almost all of his life. He favored beagles, bird dogs and labs. He also loved feeding the birds and had a huge feeder just outside the living room window, where he could watch the deer, turkeys and other wildlife from his recliner.

Fred will be sorely missed by his family and his community.

A gathering of family and friends was held Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Cane Funeral Home-Bruce Crossing Chapel.

Those who wish may donate to Sonco Ambulance.

Cane Funeral Home-Bruce Crossing Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.