Clarence Tjeerdsma, 90 of Springfield

His funeral service will be 10:30 am, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. Burial will be in the church cemetery, rural Springfield, with military honors. Visitation will be at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield Monday from 1 pm to 7 pm, with the family present from 6 to 7.

Clarence "Speed" Tjeerdsma, son of Oscar and Susie (DeVries) Tjeerdsma, was born on a farm near Springfield on September 21, 1919. He died Saturday, October 31, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall. Clarence attained the age of 90 years, one month and 11 days.

Clarence was a lifetime resident of Bon Homme County. He attended Hitt Country School through the eighth grade. Clarence served in the US Navy during World War II and was a member of the Dwight Wood American Legion Post #132.

Clarence married Evelyn S. Hubregtse on June 21, 1945 at her parents' home. Six children were born to their union. Together they farmed and raised livestock on a farm near Perkins. They became residents of the Springfield Assisted Living Center on July 20, 2004. Evelyn died May 3, 2006. Clarence became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall on October 30, 2009.

Clarence made confession of faith on November 18, 1940 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield and remained a faithful member all of his life. He served two terms as deacon and also served as Sunday School Superintendent.

Clarence served as a Bon Homme County Commissioner from 1978 to 1986. He also served as secretary for Farm Bureau, was a member of Farm Mutual of Bon Homme County, and a member of Resource, Conservation and Development.

Clarence enjoyed bowling, wood working, gas engines of all types, restoring old tractors and being in the Friday Night Domino Club .

Thankful for having shared his life are his children: Norma and husband Mel Adema of Sioux City, IA; Dwight and wife Sue of Springfield; the late Clarice and husband George Heisinger of Springfield; Wendell and wife Marsha of Salem; and Lowell and wife Lois of Springfield; 13 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; special friend Lorraine DeJong of Springfield; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Clarence was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years; two daughters: Rita Sue in infancy and Clarice Joan Heisinger on January 31, 2003; parents; and seven brothers: George, who died as an infant, Peter,Gerrit, Jess, George, John and Oscar.