Jerry A. Pinkster
December 25, 1931 – October 8, 2026
A service in witness to Jerry’s life and faith will be held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Westwood Christian Reformed Church, 620 Northampton Rd., Kalamazoo. Friends may call on the family on Sunday, October 11, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, 917 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, and on Monday one hour prior to the service at church beginning at 10:00 a.m. Jerry will be laid to rest at East Cooper Cemetery, Kalamazoo. Memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries, Shalom, or Westwood Christian Reformed Church, in c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Jerry A. Pinkster Age 94 of Kalamazoo passed away early Thursday morning, October 8, 2026. Jerry was born in Kalamazoo on December 25, 1931, the son of Frank and Ida (McDowell) Pinkster. On October 17, 1952, he married Marjorie De Leeuw who preceded him in death in 2000. On March 23, 2002, he married Patricia DeVries Westra who survives him. Jerry was a Registered Architect and a former partner at Tower Pinkster. Jerry proudly served his nation in the United States Air Force serving in French Morocco. Jerry was a person of faith. He was a former member of Haven Reformed Church and currently was a member of Westwood Christian Reformed Church. During his marriage to Marjorie, they volunteered with Mobile Missionary Assistance Program. The only requirement was owning an RV and having a passion to tell others about Jesus. He loved volunteering in other capacities as well. He truly had a servant’s heart. He and Pat enjoyed opening their home to newcomers to their church. He never saw things as problems; he looked at things as opportunities. He had a very positive outlook on life. “If you’re not having fun, don’t do it,” was one of his many mantras. He had a great sense of humor, although he never saw himself as funny. He had some humorous colloquialisms, like “Do you hear the Indians coming?” which was his signal to put the kids to bed so we can go get an ice cream cone. In his spare time, he enjoyed being at their cottage on the island at Pine Lake. Later they built a home on Pine Lake. Besides his faith, the most important thing to Jerry was his family. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Besides his wife, Jerry is survived by his children, Deborah (Steve) Young, Michael (Nancy) Pinkster, Daniel Pinkster, Julie (Eric) Renzema, Gregory Westra; grandchildren, Joshua (Kristina) Newhouse, Scottie (Hristina) Petrovski, Jeffrey Pinkster, Zachary (Shannon) Pinkster, John (Brittany) Pinkster, Ryan Pinkster, Rachel (Matthew) Roush, Kaitlyn Renzema, Levi (Sarah) Renzema, Abigail (Jacob) Veldt, Anthony (Lilyana) Renzema, Matthew Renzema, Michael Renzema; eleven great-grandchildren; niece, Marcia Williamson; and countless friends. Besides his first wife, Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, Al Newhouse; sister, Jean (Claus) Posthumus; nephew, Jon Posthumus.
He will be missed by many.
So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family. We enjoyed seeing Aunt Pat and Jerry at Gun Lake Chapel during the summer. Also enjoyed the visits when I came to see my mom Marion at PVP. May God give you all the peace that passes understanding and give you comfort at this time.
My thoughts and prayers to out to the whole family. I remember doing projects for Jerry as far back as early 70’s and years later again working for him at TPTA in Kalamazoo for 12 plus years. A great fellow to know and work for.
So very sorry to hear of Jerry’s home going. Jerry was a wonderful man of God who was the heart of TPTA. He led the firm with grace and and eye to doing the right thing. I have many fond memories of Jerry and the many company picnics at his home as I grew up. He is reunited with Dad and Majorie as well as Jesus. I wish I had known to be able to express my condolences in person. I will be keeping you all in my prayers.
Patricia,
I am saddened to read about Jerry’s passing. I am thinking of you during this difficult time.
Amber
Jerry was one of the best human beings I ever knew, and my Dad loved him, considered him a brother. He lived a long life with many people who loved him dearly. Even so, he will be greatly missed.