Roy Jelsma, 88, of Springfield

Funeral services are 1PM, Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield. Burial is in the Emmanuel Reformed Cemetery, rural Springfield, with Military Honors. Visitation will be an hour prior to services on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Roy Jelsma was born to Nick and Agnes (Shaver) Jelsma on July 15, 1927 on a farm west of Springfield. He died Sunday, January 17, 2016 at St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall.

Roy attended Equal Rights rural school for 8 years, then graduated from Springfield High School in 1945. Roy was sworn in to the US Army on February 6, 1946 and served until being discharged in 1947. His time was spent in Japan. When he returned, he taught at a country school in Charles Mix Co. from 1947 to 1948.

Roy married Jana Warrington on May 19, 1948 in the old country Emmanuel Reformed Church. He lived on the same farm for 67 years milking cows, raising hogs and doing general farming. His sideline was doing carpentry.

Roy enjoyed the American Legion Post 132 in Springfield where he served as County Commander, Post Commander, Chaplin and Historian.

Roy loved country western music, old country gospel hymns, and playing pinochle and horseshoes.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife Jana of Springfield; three daughters: Judy and husband Bob Knoll of Avon, Nancy and husband Gary Konrad of O'Neill, NE, and Roylene and husband Jerry Kneen of Mitchell; sister Betty Herrick of Grand Rapids, MI; six grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Roy was preceded in death by his mother Agnes; father Nick; grandson Matt yule; brothers Andy, Don and Robert; sister Gert Palsma; multiple brothers and sisters-in-law; and niece Verna Palsma.

Roy will be laid to rest in the Emmanuel Cemetery, where he spent many hours working to make it a beautiful place to spend eternity.