Albert Bruursema

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Albert Bruursema led a life saturated with honesty, integrity and respect. He was many things in his life – a hard worker, a devout Christian, a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He always held himself up to a high standard, and because of his zestful pursuance of life, he reaped the rewards of a loving family and a happy place in life.

1916 was a year full of excitement on all fronts in the U.S. In science, Albert Einstein had just completed his theory of relativity, and in entertainment, Charlie Chaplin was at his height of fame as a silent movie star. The political scene, too, was dynamic as World War I raged through cities in Europe. Amidst these events that came to define the era, William and Johanna (Roels) Bruursema of Holland, Michigan, welcomed the birth of their son, Albert, on May 10, 1916. One of eight Bruursema children, Al grew up in the Holland area and attended the local schools through the eighth grade. Thereafter, he honorably served his country in the Army National Guard.

Al met his beautiful wife-to-be, Mabel, at a Baker Furniture picnic, which was on the Holland Furnace picnic grounds. At first sight, Al was smitten with Mabel and since he had never dated before, he was nervous about asking her out. But as fate would have it, the two began dating and over their two and a half year courtship, their love for each other blossomed. Al and Mabel were happily married on December 23, 1938, in the Trinity Reformed Church parsonage by Rev. Ter Keurst. Al was so nervous about his wedding day that he forgot to tell his parents, so he and Mabel only had two witnesses at the ceremony. Like many young couples, the newlyweds didn’t have any money for a honeymoon, so they went to Mabel’s parents’ home for lunch.

Over the next several years, Al and Mabel were blessed with five children, who brought a great pride and joy to their lives. Al faithfully provided for his family working at Home Heating and Cooling, and later at Lear Siegler. Time together was always important to Al and Mabel and they took many opportunities to go hunting, fishing and camping as a family. One of Al’s favorite fishing holes was Burt Lake. After their kids were grown, Al converted an old bread truck into a motor home, and he and Mabel would head out with their boat in tow for some fishing and camping. After a day of fishing, Al had an ingenious way of beaching the boat, going full throttle until they hit land. And every time Mabel ended up on the floor after being thrown off her seat. Once, while backing the boat into the water, the brakes gave out and the boat went floating down the river while everything in the motor home was water logged. Al and Mabel had a good sense of humor, they cleaned things up and continued the vacation with their family.

Al was a lifetime member of the Trinity Reformed Church, where he also served on the Greater Consistory. He and Mabel raised their children in the faith, and were always happy to take them to special meetings, like Youth for Christ. After retiring, Al and Mabel wintered in Florida, which Al loved, but Mabel didn’t like being away from their family. At home, Al liked to keep himself busy, especially activities outdoors. He loved doing yard work on his riding mower, or snow blowing the drive in the winter. Al was a real handy man and could fix just about anything. He also had a real talent for woodworking. He and Mabel would often go to local craft shows to sell the woodcrafts he made.

Al had a love of music in his heart, and enjoyed tapping his toes to the beat of Big Band music on his old record player. He also played the accordion. When watching TV, Al’s full attention was on the program. In fact, his children could walk right in front of him and sit next to him and he wouldn’t even notice them until later, when he would ask “When did you get here?” On occasion, Al and Mabel enjoyed going to lunch or dinner at Long John Silver’s. Being a fisherman, Al would say, “If you can’t catch them, buy them.”

Al was a man of great devotion – to his beloved wife, his family and to his faith in the Lord. At the age of 57, with retirement around the corner, he became paralyzed. When asked by his son Paul, dad, “how long were you angry at God?” His response was, “I was angry at God, but only, for two minutes.” Through afflictions and physical limitations, Al always kept his spirits high and attitude positive because he knew God had a plan for his life. On January 2, 2004, Al’s beloved wife Mabel passed away after 65 wonderful years of marriage. Following her death, through the strength of his Lord, Al continued the good fight.

Even in the last three years at the nursing home, he never quit touching the lives of others. Although Al will be dearly missed, his legacy of love and dedication leaves his loved ones with wonderful memories and a strong foundation of faith.

Albert Bruursema, age 91 of Holland, MI, died on Sunday, September 23, 2007, at Resthaven Care Center. Al was preceded in death by his wife, Mabel; daughter, Sandra Busscher; and grandson-in-law, Derrick Van Doornik. Surviving are his children: Jim and Ruth Bruursema of Holland, Rog and Eileen Busscher of Holland, Ruth and Ron Buter of Zeeland, Paul and Linda Bruursema of Holland, Mary and Butch Woodruff of Glenn; 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren; brothers: Elmer and Gert Bruursema of Grand Rapids and Chuck and Joyce Bruursema of Zeeland; sister, Wilma Petroelje of Holland; sisters-in-law: Kay Bruursema and Marie Weighmink, both of Holland; several nephews, nieces and cousins.

Services will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 26, at the Trinity Reformed Church, 712 Apple Avenue, Holland, with the Rev. Don Battjes officiating. Burial will be in the Graafschap Cemetery. Visiting will be from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, September 25, at the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes - Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street, Holland. Memorial contributions may be made to Resthaven Care Center Bethel Program or The Navigators c/o Max Weighmink. Please visit Al’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may sign his online guest book and/or share a memory or photo with his family.

Willem is getrouwd met Jennie Roels. Jennie is geboren op 8 jul 1896 in Holland, Michigan, USA; is gestorven op 19 sep 1977 in Holland, Michigan, USA. [Gezinsblad] [Familiekaart]

Aaldert is getrouwd met Gesien Hommes. Gesien is geboren in 1868; is gestorven in voor 1899. [Gezinsblad] [Familiekaart]

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Geboorte:
geboren in het Nosocomium Academicum

Willem is getrouwd met Trijntje Gerrits Kelder op 28 apr 1860 in Dwingeloo, Westerveld, Drenthe, Netherlands. Trijntje is geboren op 16 feb 1834 in Smilde, Middenveld, Drenthe, Netherlands; is gestorven op 12 sep 1904. [Gezinsblad] [Familiekaart]