Berl A. Postema

Berl A. Postema, age 74, of Kalamazoo and formerly of New Era, passed away Thursday, June 7, 2018 in Kalamazoo.  Berl was born July 29, 1943 in Shelby to Henry and Millie (VanGunst) Postema.  Berl lived in New Era most of his life and owned and operated Postema Hardware Store with his father for thirty years before retiring in 1999.  He lived in Kalamazoo for the past several years.

Berl served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969.   He married Lois Timmer on February 14, 1970.   He was a lifelong member of the New Era Reformed Church.  He enjoyed camping at Pentwater State Park with family, restoring cars, classic car shows and showing his 64 Chevy at shows in the area.  His family also remembers how he would be called at home after hours and would never hesitate to go back  to the hardware store for a needed part or to help with a project.  

Berl was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease twenty years ago.  He made the best of his time by engaging in life and enjoyed long rides, walks and winter trips to Florida.

He is survived by his wife, Lois; his children, Laurie (Ed) Payne of Grand Haven, Kelly White of Montague, Laura (David) Van Zoest of Kalamazoo and Brad (Kim) Postema of Louisville, Kentucky; his brother, Dan (Claudia) Postema of Everett, Washington; sister, Ruth Postema of New Era; his grandchildren, Eddie Payne, Christa (Tony) Huston, Sara Foster, Jamie (Todd) Swanker, Ben Van Zoest, Eli Van Zoest, Brie Postema, Nick Postema and Caleb Postema; and nine great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents.  

Visitation is Saturday, June 16th, 10 am with the funeral service to follow at 11 am at New Era Reformed Church with Pastor Scott VanArendonk officiating.  Interment will be in New Era Cemetery.  Memorial contributions to Southwest Hospice of Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 are appreciated. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Berl A. Postema, please visit our floral store.