This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: VanSolkema, Holley, Kramer, VandenBerg, Noteboom, Bazan, a. Bandstra Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/QFB.2ACE/734 Message Board Post: Gilbert Van Solkema - Gun Lake formerly of Byron Center, Gil Van Solkema went to be with his Lord, Friday August 2, 2002, after a two-year battle with cancer. Gil's life began May 8, 1926 in Byron Center, Michigan the son of the late Andrew and Angeline Van Solkema. A graduate of Calvin College, he also attended the University of Michigan and Valparaiso University. Much of his life was spent as a teacher and as an administrator in Christian schools; in the later years of his working career he worked in the real estate business. Gil loved his flower garden and enjoyed fishing, and found peace in these activities. On May 1, 1994 he married Eunice Holley, they shared 8 wonderful years together. A large part of their lives was the Martin United Methodist Church where Gil was a member, and an active part of the Stephen Ministry. Gil also spent many hours attending the school activities of his two grandchildren. In addition to his wife Eunice, his family includes his son and daugh! ter-in-law, Gary and Debra Van Solkema, his grandchildren: Derek and Whitney Van Solkema, his daughters and their spouses, Judy and Doug Kramer, Cheryl and Bob Vanden Berg all of Grand Rapids, his step children; Jean Holley, Shirley and Dale Noteboom, Robert Holley, Mary Bazan, and Roger Holley, his step grandchildren and a great grandson, brothers and sisters and their spouses, Wes and Arlene Van Solkema, Chris and Bob Koster, Maxine and Don Alberda, Byrle and Myrna Van Solkema, Ardis and John Bandstra, Ruth and Don Vander Horn, the mother of his children; Dorothy Van Solkema of Grand Rapids, many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Monday and Tuesday 2-4 pm and 6:30 – 8:30 pm, at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams St. Plainwell. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday 11 am at the Martin United Methodist Church, with his friend and pastor, William Bills speaking. Burial will follow in Winchester Cemetery, Byron Center. Memorial gifts may be made to the Martin United Methodist Church or the Heartland Hospice. Please share a memory with the family at the chapel or on line at www.rdmg.com.Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on 8/4/2002. (submitted by a volunteer, no further information)