Edward Ossewaarde Jr

Edward Ossewaarde Jr., of Kalamazoo, MI went home to be with his Lord on December 13, 2020 at the age of 94. He was born on February 24, 1926 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to the late Edward and Anna Ossewaarde. Ed was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and served in the Army Air Force stationed in the India Burma Theater. After he left the service he attended Western Michigan University and then transferred to Northwestern University where he graduated with a degree in Business. He pursued a career in accounting, working many years with the Brunswick Corporation initially in Muskegon and then transferring to Cincinnati then Baltimore before returning to Portage. Ed retired from Flowserve (Durametallic) at the age of 61. He was a member of Southridge Reformed Church since 1968 serving on the consistory as an Elder. He enjoyed gardening, canning, making pickles, jigsaw puzzles and his brother Jack's organ music. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren especially when he could help on projects. He was a kind man with a big smile and a great sense of humor.

He was united in marriage on June 9, 1951 to Ruth Lillian Klan and they were married 66 years before she preceded him in death in 2017. He was also preceded in death by his daughter Kaye Lynne in 1993, his parents, brother Jack Ossewaarde, and sister Betty Freund. Surviving Ed are Scott (Karen) Ossewaarde of Ooltewah, TN, Steve (Susan) Ossewaarde of Mattawan, MI ; 9 grandchildren Erin (Matt) Chaffin, Matthew Ossewaarde, Kristin (Paul) Haney, Michael (Annie) Ossewaarde, Gary (Katherine) Ossewaarde and 8 great grandchildren. He loved them all dearly.

A private committal service for Ed will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery. A celebration of life service will be held in the summer of 2021. Memorials in his honor can be made to Southridge Reformed Church at 6726 Texas Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.

Please visit Ed's tribute wall to leave a condolence or personal memory of him.