Andrew John Balkema

Andrew John Balkema

Crete, IL/formerly of Cedar Lake, IN

Andrew passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at the Riley House (Hospice of the Calumet). He was born in the Netherlands on July 13, 1937 to Jan and Hilda Balkema and immigrated to the United States at age 12. Andrew is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marguerite (Vanderby) Balkema. In addition, he is survived by his children Beverly (Larry) Musch of Cedar Lake, IN, Robert (Patty) Balkema of St. John, IN, Carlene (Howard) Jabaay of Crete, IL, and Lavonne (Patrick) Ganzel of Cedar Lake, IN; his grandchildren Tyler (Jessica) Jabaay, Travis (Tiffani) Jabaay, Melissa Balkema, and Kyle Musch; his great-grandchild Wyatt Andrew Jabaay; his siblings John A (deceased) and Janice Balkema, John H and Lori Balkema, Henry J and Linda Balkema, and Renald and Dorothy Schans.

A celebration of Andrew’s life will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019, 11:00 am at Bethel Church, 13620 Wicker Ave., Cedar Lake, Indiana. Family and friends are invited to attend the celebration. Light refreshments will follow the service.

Andrew was a graduate of Illiana Christian High School and Long Beach State College. He was employed, most recently, by Digital Printwerks, Seven Up/Canfield, and as the owner of Main True Value Hardware in East Chicago. He enjoyed spending time with his family, gardening, and adding to his coin collection. A special highlight was singing in Men of Accord and for many years he was the Classical Treasurer for both Classis Illiana and Classis Southern California (Christian Reformed Church). Andrew was supporter of Christian education, serving on boards, committees and in fund raising. He served in the church as a Sunday School teacher, superintendent, elder, and deacon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made at Andy’s request to Faith and Action, 25353 State Street, Unit D, Crete, IL 60417.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper-Kevin Nordyke by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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