Jay M. Wickstra's Obituary
Jay M. Wickstra, age 92, passed into glory February 10, 2015 in Bradenton, FL. He was born September 28, 1922 to John and Jesse Wickstra in New Era, MI.
Jay proudly served his country in the Navy during WW II. On D-Day he was a crew member on the minesweeper, Osprey, which was the first vessel sunk during the Normandy Invasion. He served both in the Atlantic and Pacific Arenas.
After returning to the home front he met the love of his life, Millie Olson, to whom he was married for 68 years.
He was a long time member, deacon, and elder at First Reformed Church of Muskegon. Jay was well known in the church community as a “chalk artist”. Through his creative talents he shared his Christian faith with others.
Jay is survived by his wife, Mildred, daughters Charlene Krass, Carrie Wilson, grandchildren John and Julie Krass, Steven and Jill Wilson, Joshua and Minglu Krass, and Brian and Jean Wilson. Also surviving him are 7 great grandchildren: Dominick, Amata, Felix, and Lincoln Wilson, and Liam, Crosby, and Aubrey Krass. His sister Ellen Aardema, sisters-in-law, Dorothy Larson, and Hester Wickstra and several nieces and nephews will miss him dearly.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents, sister Betty Phillips, brothers Howard and Edward Wickstra, and great granddaughter Melody Wilson.
Visitation will be at The Lee Chapel on Friday, February 13 from 2 - 4 and 6 -8. Services for Mr. Wickstra will be Saturday, February 14, at 2:00. You may visit the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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