Gerald Allen Bultema
June 9, 1939 – August 3, 2026
In accordance with his wish cremation will take place and a memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be given to First United Methodist Church, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Gerald “Jerry” A. Bultema, age 87, passed away on August 3, 2026, at Corwell Health in Grand Rapids, MI, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Kalamazoo on June 9, 1939, the son of the late Carl and Ruth (VerPlank) Bultema.
After graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School, he attended WMU and received a Bachelor of Science degree. He worked for more than twenty years as a financial planner, spent time in the classroom teaching and was involved in computer science. When not working he enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing and hiking. He also enjoyed a great card game with friends. He had a strong faith and was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo where his smile and joyful spirit will be missed. Above all Jerry loved his family. He was especially proud of his children and grandchildren and leaves behind the legacy of a life well lived.
On June 26, 1962, he married the love of his life, Marjorie (Mellema) Bultema who survives. He is also survived by three children, Jeri Ann (Michael) Kazeks, Charmian (Shane) Fletcher and Amy (Cason) Conway; grandchildren, Camille and Chloe Carpenter, Evelyn Conway and Dylan Fletcher; four siblings, Robert, James and John Bultema and Lois Offet; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was also preceded in passing by a brother, Carl “Bill” Bultema; sisters, Phyllis Peters and Dorothy Landells.
So sorry to see you go… Thank you for your kindness, you were a wonderful friend and neighbor. You are loved and missed.
Many thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Will be lifting up you and your family.
Jerry was a wonderful, thoughtful, caring friend to my husband & I & all who knew him. Someone friends & family could always depend on.
Jer will be greatly missed but will be in his Heavenly home.
Loving thoughts are with you Margie, and, family. ♡♡ Vonnie W
Margie, I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband, Jerry. I’m praying for you and your family.
I have been wondering where you were at because I haven’t seen you in a long time. Sue Shields.
I am so so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing! Jerry was like a 2nd dad to me in high school; always looking out for us!! I recall a time that a group of 3 or 4 of us girls went out to tee-pee a teacher and we got stuck in a ditch. It was Jerry who retrieved us and brought us back to the Bultema home. He always took any antics in stride. His teasing, humor and his kind heart were the best of him!!! Such a wonderful man!! Surely Mr Bultema is entertaining the crowds in heaven tonight.
I’m sending so many hugs to your family during this difficult time.
Dear Marge and family, It is very difficult to lose your life long mate. ( and father) He was a part of your life for most of your life. It does get easier as time goes by. But you will always have a hole in your life. Remember the good times…it helps. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
I am so sorry for your lost. I will say prayers for the families healing in hoping the pain goes away . He will be so missed
I never had the pleasure of meeting Jerry but he and Marge were longtime friends of my parents. I lost my mom a year and a half ago and Jerry went to visit my dad nearly every week after her passing. My dad looked so forward to seeing Jerry! They liked to play cards back in the day and really enjoyed reminiscing. These visits meant so much to my dad and he is going to miss Jerry deeply. We are so very sorry for your loss.
The neighborhood won’t be the same without you Jerry. When we first moved into the neighborhood, you were so welcoming and always willing to help out. One had to speak with you just once, to know what a great guy you were. I’m sure Milton was waiting for you at The Rainbow Bridge and you two are together again. Rest in peace Jerry.
Am sorry to learn of Jerry’s passing. Sending prayers to his family.
Nancy & Lou Burroughs, Wall Lake neighbors
There are no words that can express a life shared for 64 years. Even as our health becomes challenged, or the prospect of beginning life’s “new adventures” in the promised realm we cannot see, we rarely can release someone with whom we have shared so deeply and for so long even as we give them permission to begin the new journey. We hold you and the whole family in the tenderness of our hearts, the place where we are closest to God. May the clumsy expressions we offer convey some grace for your grief and loss.
Jerry was one of my best friends. We competed by doing the Wordle game daily. Even though I would tease him when he lost, he always complimented my solution. We served on the neighborhood board together, where he was responsible for many improvements. When I have told neighbors of his passing, each replied “He was such a nice guy”
He will be missed by all.
Margie, I only found out about Jerry today. I am so sad to hear this. I always loved bantering with Jerry. And the two of you…oh my! Please accept both Tom’s and my deepest condolences. Sending you love and light.