George Tjoelker, age 79, of Lynden, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2015, in Lynden.
Son of a Klompen maker, George immigrated to the United States from the Netherlands in 1947 at the age of 11 with his parents, Meindert and Janet, and eight siblings. In 1958, he married Geraldine (Geri) Ny-land. While George’s vocation was as a dairy farmer, he was also an accomplished builder and a consummate handyman. The bearer of a steadfast faith, George, along with Geri, spent his retirement working as a volunteer with a number of Christian service organizations, including SOWERS, as well as the Trout Creek, Black Lake, Warm Beach, The Firs and Cedar Springs Bible camps and conference centers.
George is survived by his wife of 59 years, Geri; and their four children, Roger (Cynthia), Larry (Joy), Dennis (Edi) and Sandi (Dave). The children provided George and Geri with 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, all of whom he was very proud.
George was preceded in death by his brother, John. He is survived by his remaining brothers, Henry, Bert and Bill, and his sisters, Winnie Maarhuis, Frieda Van Dyke, Alice Hazenberg and Janie Glass.
A memorial open house for family and friends will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, at Cedar Springs, 4700 Minaker Rd., Sumas WA 98295.
George passed too soon and will be deeply missed. To honor his memory, donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Cedar Springs Christian Retreat Center and Whatcom Hospice, 2800 Douglas Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225.
