Our History

1913 – Founded by Edward and Anna (Gilman) Joldersma at 923 East Main Street.  

1914 - Funeral home relocated to 221 Portage Street and the name became Joldersma & Gilman Chapel. Later, Edward suffered a severe accident.

1917 – Anna Joldersma obtains her Mortuary Science License and becomes one of Michigan’s first female funeral directors.

1923 - Anna relocates funeral home to a large mansion on corner of Henrietta and Lovell Streets.

1925 – Edward Joldersma dies as a result of his accident.

1926 – Anna Joldersma married Paul C. Klein who was also a licensed funeral director and the firm became known as Joldersma and Klein Company 

1949 – As a new funeral home is being built the business operates in a building on the corner of South St. and Westnedge Ave. 

1950- Joldersma and Klein Funeral Home opens in its current location at 917 S. Burdick Street. In addition, a daughter, Arlene J. Van Dyken and son-in-law, Marvin J. Clark also become active in the business. (Photo/s)

1980 – The firm was sold to Jerry L. Oele who remained its sole owner for 28 years. Jerry is still very active in the day to day operations of the funeral home on a part-time basis, and is an active member of his church and of the community. 

1988 – Joldersma and Klein, becomes the owner of the records and pre-need contracts of the former Wager and Clark Chapel, a Kalamazoo funeral home from 1884 to 1988.

2009 to Present – Joldersma and Klein is purchased by brothers Dan and Gabe Adams. Dan, his wife Kylee and children live above the funeral home, together with their great staff, they carry on a tradition of affordable funeral services, and serving families as they would want theirs served!