Pete Bruinsma, Sr.

Pete Bruinsma, Sr. went home to his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. 

Peter was born on April 21, 1936 in Uitwellingerga, The Netherlands to Albert and Tina (Wynja) Bruinsma. 

Pete grew up in Holland and went to school until eighth grade. At age 14, he moved out of the house and worked on a farm for a widow lady. He slept in the barn and she cooked the meals. Pete moved to California in 1955 where he milked cows for Loiue Struiksma for a year. 

Pete married Tillie in 1958. They soon had five kids in 6 ½ years. Pete and Tillie moved to Arlington, WA in 1967 where they leased a farm for 3 ½ years. In 1970 they bought their own farm in Custer, WA and worked the dairy until Pete’s retirement 2002. They sold their large farm in 2002 and built a house close by. They went on to buy a small farm not too far from their original one, which was where Pete was raising heifers.

Pete enjoyed playing pool with friends and going to the Everson Auction Barn. He especially loved to read. Pete and Tillie traveled around the states and on into Europe.

Pete is survived by his children Don (Trena), Debbie (Kevin) Donovan, Tena (Steve) Storgaard, Pete Jr. (Michelle), and son in law Dave (Heather) Spoelstra; nine grandchildren Katie, Nathan (Leah), Janelle (Alex), Sarah (Tyler), Patrick (Lauren), Steven (Brandi), Caleb, Andrew, and Geoffrey; two sisters Jennie Dirks (Dale) and Liz DeHoog (Martin); and also his sister in law and her husband Jennie and Dale Sudenga.

He is preceded in death by his wife Tillie, daughter Mary Ann Spoelstra, and two grandsons Matthew and Luke Spoelstra. 

Memorials are suggested to Ebenezer Christian School and the Lighthouse Mission.

Pete’s memorial service is 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Lynden United Reformed Church with Rev. Mark Stromberg officiating.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.