Howard D. Datema's Obituary
Howard D. Datema, age 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at The Leila and Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence. He was born January 17, 1935, in Grand Rapids, MI, to Peter and Jessie (Koopman) Datema. He graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 1953 and started attending Calvin University. Howard left Calvin for a few years to join the U.S. Air Force. In the service they discovered his aptitude for language skills and subsequently enrolled him at the University of Syracuse, where he mastered the Russian Language, as it related to his eventual job in the military. He was honorably discharged in 1960 and returned to Calvin, where he met a special girl, Thea VanderHorst. Howard and Thea were married on June 5, 1962. After graduating from Calvin in 1963 with a Bachelor's of Science degree, they moved to the Chicago area to teach both math and history and was also the tennis coach. Eventually they made it to the Detroit area in the mid 60's where he worked as a Systems Analyst for Ford Motor Company for 30 years, retiring in 1996.
Howard was an avid reader and had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, especially as it related to science and nature. He could often be found in his library/den, reading, watching the birds and enjoying his daily crossword and sudoko puzzles. His intelligence did not go unnoticed though, as he became a member of Mensa. He was a man of quick wit and always had a joke ready. He also loved to sing and passed his musical talents on to his children. Howard had a strong faith in God and as death became closer, took comfort in meeting his Heavenly Father.
Howard will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Thea; sons, Kirk (Kathy) Datema and Jed (Becky) Datema; and grandchildren, Jacob and Corinne Datema. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Shirley Mellema and Eleanore Datema.
A Private Family Service will occur at a later date. Memorial Contributions in Howard’s memory may be directed to The Leila and Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence or St. John’s Episcopal Church of Grand Haven. Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417.
Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to be serving the Datema family. To share special memories with the family and sign the online guestbook, please visit http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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