Burnie Charles Wiersma's Obituary
Burnie Charles Wiersma, age 88, of Spring Lake went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 1, 2015. He was born November 5, 1926 in Grand Rapids to Charles and Christine (Brus) Wiersma.
Burnie was a veteran of the US Navy and served in WWII and the Korean War as a radio operator. Burnie graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 1944 and Calvin College in 1950. He received his Master’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1953. He first taught at Forest Hills High School and then taught at Muskegon Christian School for over 36 years, retiring in 1988. He also served as the Spring Lake Township Clerk for 15 years. He was an active member of Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church, where he served as an elder and deacon and sang in the choir for many years. He enjoyed traveling and wintering in Texas, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his family and his grandchildren.
Burnie married the former Elinor Wezeman on August 20, 1954, in Spring Lake, and she preceded him in death on December 14, 2013. He is survived by four children: Jeanne (Jeffrey) Weenink of Essexville, MI, Charles (Julie) Wiersma of Nunica, David Wiersma of Grand Haven, and Lynn (Jeffrey) VanDyke of Grand Haven; eleven grandchildren: Jenneke, Justyne and Jaime Weenink, Chris, Chet, Mitchell and Nicole Wiersma, Tyler and Parker Wiersma, and Ellie and Gwen VanDyke. He is also survived by five sisters-in-law: Dorothy (Marshall) Teunis, Carolyn (Lee) Baas, Irene (Al) Bishop, Marilyn (Paul) Webster, and Pat (Ron) Kendzierski; three brothers-in-law: Alvin, Henry (Nancy), and John Wezeman; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Wildschut.
The funeral service for Burnie will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, September 10, 2015 at Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Drew Sweetman officiating. Friends may meet the family 5-8 PM Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Spring Lake. Interment will be in Spring Lake Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Burnie may be given to Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church or to Muskegon Christian School. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
The family is being served by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Spring Lake.
What’s your fondest memory of Burnie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Burnie?
Share a story where Burnie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Burnie you’ll never forget.
How did Burnie make you smile?
