Thomas A. Aardema
May 7, 1939 – June 9, 2025
A memorial service to honor and celebrate Tom’s life will be held at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, beginning at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Open Door Ministries of Kalamazoo or Centrica Care Navigators, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Thomas A. Aardema, age 86, passed away at Rose Arbor Place on June 9, 2025. He was born May 7, 1939 the son of Tracey and Joseph Aardema in Holland, Michigan. He graduated from Hope College Class of 1961 where he met Judith L. DeWitt, Class of 1963. They were united in marriage on August 24, 1963. Tom worked in the computer industry, spending twenty-six years with IBM in Kalamazoo. When not working he had many hobbies and passions. He greatly enjoyed aviation, travel, reading, playing guitar and keyboard, oil painting and sailing his yachts, “Alibi” and “Reverie” on lake Macatawa and Michigan. His is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judy Aardema; son, Eric Thomas of Kalamazoo; daughter, Joanne (David) Mih of Portage; grandchildren, Jason, Kate and Lilly Mih of Portage; Robert Aardema of Kalamazoo and Maggie Aardema of Wrightsville Beach, N.C.; several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in passing by his parents; brother, Jack (Maggie) Aardema of Wrightsville Beach, N.C.; and a sister-in-law, Bonnie (Robert) Aardema of Kalamazoo. Tom felt blessed in his life for parents and brothers who loved him, a loving and faithful wife, children who were his friends and precious grandchildren in whom he delighted.
“So long, its been good to know ya,…..”.Tom loved music and he taught me to love it too. In fact, he taught me a whole lot of other things too. He was my lifetime mentor, advisor, confidant, father figure and best friend. I hope you are in a better place now as you sail away or fly off into the wild blue yonder – whatever floats your boat!. Thank you Big Brother. I have loved you to the moon and back. Hubs
Dear Judy , I’m so sorry you’ve lost your life partner. Tom was a great guy & after reading about his many & varied interests I wish I’d made the effort to know him better. He always seemed shy when we served together on the Consistory at 2nd Reformed but perhaps he saw me the same way. I do remember a round of golf we shared at MCC arranged by George Arwady following Anna Mae’s death in 1991. Brilliant sunshine & good fellowship, great time together! Tom was gifted and kind. Please know you and your family are in my prayers. Love, Chuck