Vernon “Vern” Wayne Jacobsma passed away peacefully at the age of 90 years and 6 days on January 1 at Beth Haven with his loving wife, Donna, by his side as he went to his eternal home and into the arms of his Lord and Savior.
Vern was born December 26, 1931 in Sheldon, Iowa. He was the first of three sons born to Russell and Aletha (Pekelder) Jacobsma. He grew up in Sibley, Iowa where he went to school through the 8th grade and worked for his parents on their farm. He was drafted to the army December 1952 to serve in the Korean War until September 1954. When he returned from the service, he married his sweetheart, Donna Smidt of Ocheyedan, Iowa in October of 1954. They were blessed with 67 years of marriage. They moved to Southern California in 1960 with their 2 young sons. Vern took up truck driving which he did for 35 years for a variety of businesses. He retired in 1993. Vern and Donna enjoyed traveling full-time in their RV from 1996 to 2002 enjoying God’s beautiful creation and spending time with their Iowa and Michigan family. When they decided to settle back down, Ripon, CA became home for them which they both agreed has been a good move.
Vern will be remembered for his hard work, providing for his family, his love for woodworking, gardening and sharing his harvest with others, and being a good handyman that could fix most anything, always lending a hand or a tool to help others. He loved to sing along with his gospel and quartet music, and he always looked forward to worshiping his Lord with his church family. Spending time with family was always a highlight for him. He also had a fun and witty personality accompanied by a big laugh that we will all miss.
Vern is survived by his wife Donna; his children: Brad (Gayle) Jacobsma of Ripon, CA; Rhonda (Charlie) Byma of Zeeland, MI; daughter-in-law Gina Jacobsma of Olathe, Kansas; along with 8 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, 5 step-great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson.
Vern was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Aletha Jacobsma; his brothers Dale and Rodney Jacobsma; and his son, Steve Jacobsma.
Donations in Vernon's memory may be made to Bethany Home, specifically to the Beth Haven Activities.