Carl John "Poppie" Aardema's Obituary
Mr. Carl John “Poppie” Aardema, age 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 26, 2025 with his family by his side. He was born on the family farm in Falmouth, Michigan on August 3, 1938 to Martin and Genevieve (DeRuiter) Aardema. Carl left the family farm at the age of 16 to pursue his education at Calvin College, where he earned his Bachelor of Mathematics. He continued his studies at Wayne State University, receiving his Master of Mathematics. Carl began his teaching career at Grosse Pointe Christian Day School, later dedicating 30 years to Hamtramck High School. He also taught at Wayne County Community College before retiring in 1995.
It was during his time teaching in Grosse Pointe that Carl met the love of his life, Mary Jane Jonker. They were married on December 28, 1962, and shared nearly 63 wonderful years together.
A passionate advocate for education, Carl had a deep love for numbers, whether in mathematics or in financial matters. He was also a lifelong baseball enthusiast; an avid Detroit Tigers fan, little league coach, church softball statistician, commissioner of the Babe Ruth Baseball League, and an enthusiastic card collector.
Affectionately known as “Poppie” by his family and friends, Carl found his greatest joy in time spent with his children and grandchildren. He had a profound appreciation for nature, especially flowers and birds, and took great pride in maintaining a beautiful yard. His efforts were recognized with a town beautification award at their home in Grosse Pointe.
In one of his final conversations, Carl asked his son Kevin, “What’s our goal here?” Kevin answered, “To love others.” to which Carl simply responded, “Ok,” resting peacefully, knowing that he had passed on life’s greatest lesson.
Carl's life was guided by two unwavering pillars: love for others and faith in Christ. He often closed his prayers with the words, “May the Dear Lord Jesus be in the center of our hearts and in the center of our minds.” This legacy of love and faith lives on in his family.
Poppie will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Mary; five children, Julie (Mark) Zuidema, Kevin (Kay) Aardema, Brian (Stephanie) Aardema, Randy (Heather) Aardema, and Rebecca (Thomas) Caulfield; 11 grandchildren, Allyson (Brett) Zuidema-Ermer, Jack Zuidema, Adrienne (Mason) Workman, Josian Aardema, Brooke Aardema, Luke Aardema, Will Aardema, Cole Aardema, Thomas Caulfield, Chloe Caulfield, and Lucy Caulfield; and seven siblings, Corinne Bosch, Donald (Ann) Aardema, Roger (Carol) Aardema, Linda Bryant, Bonnie (Ron) Fynewever, Pat (John) Fynewever, and Nancy (Doug) Lindborg. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Marian VanWyk.
A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, October 2, 2025 at Ferrysburg Community Church, 17785 Mohawk Dr, Spring Lake, MI 49456 with Pastor Nate Visker officiating. VISITATION will be one hour prior to his service. Burial will be in Spring Lake Cemetery. MEMORIALS in memory of Poppie may be directed to Trinty Health at Home Hospice. You may sign his online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417.
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