DUIKER, Tjerk (Jerry),

DUIKER, Tjerk (Jerry), age 79, of Stratford went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 3, 2018.  Beloved husband of 56 years of Susan (nee Andela). Loving father of John & Jackie Meyering, John & Heather Duiker, Ken & Deb Duiker, Michael Duiker, Brad & Suzanna Greenfield, Gerald & Marie Duiker, Rennie & Tanya Duiker, Ancy Duiker, and Sid Duiker. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Jerry is predeceased by his parents, Oscar & Grace Duiker, his father and mother-in-law, Keimpe & Jacoba Andela, his brother, Jack Duiker, his twin sister, Jeddy Dupain (nee Duiker), his sister-in-law, Ellie Duiker (nee Geleynse), his sister-in-law, Nellie Andela (nee Guldemeester), and his grandson, Brooklin Duiker. Jerry was born in Leeuwarden, Friesland, Netherlands on July 21, 1938. He immigrated to Canada with his family in 1953 and settled in Barrie, Ontario. Shortly after marrying Susan in 1961, they settled in Stratford. Jerry was a successful businessman and worked for and eventually co-owned International Artcrafts until selling it in 1989. Not ready to retire, Jerry bought Stratford Honda, Players Small Engines, and eventually Ziebarts. Jerry was also an active member of the community, including the Rotary club (past president), Paul Harris fellow, Heart & Stroke Foundation (past president), Perth Cancer Society, and United Way. Jerry and Susan were also foster parents for many years. In his younger years, Jerry spent much of his free time coaching hockey and soccer. Jerry and Susan were charter members and generous supporters of the Stratford and District Christian School and Christian education has remained a passion his whole life. An avid sports fan and cribbage player, Jerry loved competition, although he also could spend hours quietly reading a good book.  Most important to Jerry has always been family. His love for his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was obvious in all he did. Ere zij God! Family and friends are invited to the Christian Reformed Church of Stratford, 190 Athlone Crescent, Stratford on Tuesday, June 5 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will take place at the church on Wednesday, June 6 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 9:45-10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy memorial donations may be made to Stratford and District Christian School or the Canadian Cancer Society through the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St., Stratford  519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com