Joyce Gjeltema

Joyce Elaine Gjeltema went peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, January 4, 2025. She was born to Donald and Mina Pastoor on May 6, 1935, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After graduating Calvin College with her teaching degree, she started off for her 10-year plan of teaching for five years on the East Coast and five years on the West Coast. However, the love of her life, Henry Gjeltema managed otherwise. They married July 7, 1961, and began their family in Whitinsville, MA. In 1967, they moved back to Kalamazoo where they enjoyed a lifetime of happiness. Proud of her career, after 25 years, Joyce retired from KVCC. She enjoyed traveling, whether it was a tropical cruise, a lighthouse tour, camping, or relaxing at Sarasota Bay. She is loved, cherished and will be deeply missed by her beloved children Donald and Kimberly, Amy and Mark Niewoonder, Scott and Deborah, her six grandchildren and spouses, her eleven great-grandchildren, her great-great grandson, her sister Donna Penning and her many friends. 

A funeral service for Joyce will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 10th, at Heritage Christian Reformed Church, 2857 S. 11th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00-11:00 AM, prior to the service at the church. A private interment will be in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park South. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Kalamazoo Christian School Association or Youth For Christ to support Tyler Gjeltema.

Please share memories of Joyce with her family at www.langelands.com

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Youth For Christ Link