Leo Folkertsma of Lynden, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 2, 2018. He was 85. Leo leaves a legacy of wisdom, humor and love.
Lieuwe was born to Folkert and Jantje(Aukema) Folkertsma in Nyemirdum, Friesland, The Netherlands on Sept. 2, 1932. He grew up with six brothers and sisters on their family dairy farm. At the age of 19, he packed all his earthly belongings in a wooden box and headed to Canada.
He worked various jobs in Ontario, Canada before moving down to southern California. There he met his wife Betty de Gelder and they were married in Oegstgeest, Holland on May 24, 1961. They settled in the Skagit Valley in Mt. Vernon where he and his brother dairy farmed. There, his three children were born. In 1968, the family move up to Everson and he bought a farm. They finished clearing the land and developed the dairy on Hampton Road, where he was a fixture for almost 30 years.
He loved going to the sale (auction) barn, working the fields and taking care of his cows. He enjoyed exploring and travelling the world. He was an avid supporter of Lynden Christian Schools and each winter, you could find him watching the basketball teams. He and his family were faithful members of Second Christian Reformed Church and later Bethel Christian Reformed Church. In his retirement he cherished spending time with his grandchildren. You could often find him in the library, studying about the world, reading Forbes or The Wall Street Journal.
Leo was preceded in death by his brothers Andy, Age and Sint and sisters Tjesje, Janny and Alie.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Folkertsma; and three sons Frank of Everson, Phillip (Karen) and their three children Ashley, Austin, and Alexis of Colleyville, Texas; and Arnold (Patricia) and their three daughters Kristen, Kari, and Kelly of Lynden.
You are invited to a memorial service for Leo at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 7, in Bethel Christian Reformed Church, 1105 Liberty St. Lynden, with Pastor Homer Wigboldy officiating.
Memorial Contribution can be made to Lynden Christian Schools, 417 Lyncs Drive, Lynden, WA 98264. You are invited to share your memories and condolences in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
