Joe Balkema

BALKEMA, Joe
Kalamazoo Passed away Friday, March 30, 2012. Joe was born October 28, 1928 in Kalamazoo, a son of Rudolph and Gertrude Takens Balkema and was a lifelong resident of Kalamazoo. On June 30, 1950, he married Margrete Batts, who survives. Joe is also survived by their children, Ann Eddie Randol, Ralph O. Nancy Balkema, Nancy Dan Naugle all of Kalamazoo and Barbara Gary Campbell of Paw Paw; 10 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; a brother, John Dorothy Balkema of Kalamazoo; a sister, Grace Bernard Bruining, of Hudsonville; a sister-in-law, Mina Balkema of Kalamazoo; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Leonard Jean Batts, Eleanor Batts, Ruth Batts, Otto Ruth Batts, Tony Flossie Batts and Clarence Linda Batts; many nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers and sisters, Pete Marie Balkema, Henry Josephine Balkema, Louwina Jelke Huttinga, Jennie Jake De Haan, Bertha Balkema, Lena Balkema and Ralph Balkema; brothers-in-law, John Batts, Bert Batts and Wayne Batts. He was a faithful hard working husband, loving father and devoted grandfather. His passion was truck driving, which he started at age 14, delivering celery to Chicago. He gave up his dream of over the road trucking to be with his family, but in later years he was able to haul heavy equipment for Balkema, Inc., with his four trucks, all named "Little Margrete". He was happiest behind the wheel of anything-truck, boat, cycle or whatever. He could not swim or even be in water, but he bought a boat so every Friday he could take his children and grandchildren skiing. Over 50 people learned to ski behind Joe's boat. He also enjoyed tractor pulling and in 2010, was inducted into the Michigan Antique Tractors Hall of Fame and was a member of the Lakeshore Pullers. He worked most of his life as a mechanic at Balkema, Inc., and was known by everyone there as "Uncle Joe". Since his retirement, he has always had a mechanical project restoring something at "The Shop". He was a member of Calvary Bible Church, and for many years drove a bus to bring in those who were not able to drive. He was a volunteer worker at Camp Barakel for many years. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM in the Calvary Bible Church, 855 S. Drake Rd. with Dr. John Barnett, officiating. Interment will take place in Riverside Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St. on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Memorials may be given to Camp Barakel or the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.