August 1, 1931 – June 7, 2023

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away” Revelations 21:4

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of LOUIS TOLSMA, beloved husband of the late Evelyn Tolsma, on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at the age of 91 years.

Clickable Livestream Link: http://tinysa.com/live/trinityrc

Louis was born on August 1, 1931 in Arum, Netherlands and he immigrated to Canada, where he worked as a farm hand on farms in the Granum and Picture Butte areas. Dad met and married the love of his life, Evelyn Vonkeman, from Iron Springs. They were married on November 22, 1957 and together, they raised two beautiful children, Marlene (Jim) Balsdon of Calgary and Tom (Sandy) Tolsma of Lethbridge. They also had the joy of watching their two grandchildren, Amanda (Warren) and James (Farren) Balsdon come into this world and later, would enjoy many trips to Waterton. They still talk about those times today. There was many a rock skipped along those waters. Dad also had the honour of being a Great-Papa to Ayva. Mom would have been thrilled to have met her.

Louie and Evelyn were married for 53 years, until her passing in 2010. Dad continued to live in their humble little house until he suffered a stroke in July 2022. After four months in the hospital, Dad made a new home at Fairmont Extendicare, until his passing.

Dad worked at Lucerne Foods for over 35 years as a Boiler Engineer. He retired in 1997, but continued to supply the beautiful flowers that he started in his basement in February, so that they were ready for planting in May. Dad has the greenest thumb and he could make anything grow; he truly had a passion for gardening. Many people reaped the rewards of his garden every year. Many times, he would grow something just to donate to the food bank. Both Mom and Dad had very giving hearts.

Dad was predeceased by his parents, Tjebbe and Margje Tolsma, and will be lovingly cherished by his seven brothers and sisters: Karen, Frank, Siebe, Baukje, Minze, Douwe and Ane.

Marlene, Tom and Sandy would like to extend an eternal thank you to Margaret and Rients Mazereeuw. They have been such an amazing support system for us. They treated and cared for Dad like he was their own. Thank you for the countless Monday night suppers and card games, the visits and all the cribbage games, but mostly for the love and compassion that you gave to him, especially these last few years. Thank you to the wonderful staff at Fairmont Extendicare. We could not have asked for a better home for Dad. The staff always showed so much care and compassion for Dad and we greatly appreciated you.

Louie will be laid to rest next to be his beloved wife, Evelyn, in Mountain View Cemetery.

A Funeral Service will be held at TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH, 1100 – 40 Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, June 12, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend John van Eyk officiating. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through the Louis’ obituary on the Trinity URC and Cornerstone websites.

Clickable Livestream Link: http://tinysa.com/live/trinityrc

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2023-06-07
• Location : Alberta