Melvin R. Brandsma

A true centenarian (1918-2018), Melvin Robert Brandsma was God-loving and cherished by so many during his 100 strong years on this earth. He passed from this world into God's loving arms on August 6, 2018. Praise the Lord from whom all blessings flow!
Melvin was the son on Grace and Robert Brandsma and spent many years in Roseland with school and his work life. He married Beatrice (Schaafsma) in 1939 and they raised their three children in a Christian home. He loved Beatrice deeply.
Melvin experienced several interesting careers from being an undertaker to a 'super-star' salesman selling various commodities such as: aluminum products, RV campers, power boats and printing jobs for a downtown Chicago company.  Thru all this he was able to use his God-given gifts of salesmanship and being an outgoing people-person. A quick mind and a strong work ethic coupled with a spirited wife, three multi-involved children and several animals set the stage for many adventures and the role he played as 'servant-leader dad' and living by example.
Melvin's life certainly exemplified having a strong faith in God and being 'purpose-driven'. Involvements in church and serving on committees were a result of his focus and spiritual gifts. He has left a wonderful legacy of Christian values and what it looks like to follow Jesus, to his children, grandchildren and great grands.  For that we give God all the glory-great things he has done!
Papa- You have taught us to love the Lord with all our heart, with all our mind and all our soul. Thank you for living Jesus consistently and with passion.
Melvin is preceded in death by his wife Beatrice, son Jeffrey and granddaughter’s husband, Jay Smith. Survived by daughter, Bonnie(Tom) Mannes, his son Lee (Pam) Brandsma and daughter-in-law Anne Brandsma.  Grandchildren are Michael (June) Brandsma, Jamie (Michael) Lowe, Anneke
Smith, Nichole (Scott) Chandler, Danielle (Brian) DeSmit, Kristen (Eric) Haagstrom,  Ryan (Megan) Brandsma, Josh (Katie) Brandsma, Tessa (Brandsma) Leggett and numerous great grands!!
Visitation Thursday, August 9, 2018 at Smits, DeYoung-Vroegh Funeral Home (649 E. 162 ^nd St. South Holland, IL) from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Interment Oak Woods Cemetery in Wichert, IL. Memorial contributions may be given to Cedar Lake Bible Conference Ministries,13701 Lauerman St, Cedar Lake, IN 46303. Further information contact 708-333-7000 or visit our o nline obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com

Matthew 25:23
Well done, thou good and faithful servant.  You have been faithful over a few things; now I will set you over many things: enter now into the JOY of the Lord.