DUANE TJEERDSMA

Funeral services for Duane Tjeerdsma, 90, of Springfield were held Monday, February 9 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. Burial was in the Emmanuel Cemetery, rural Springfield. Peters Funeral Home in Springfield was in charge of arrangements. Duane Robert Tjeerdsma was born May 8, 1935, to Gerritt and Hattie (DeRoos) Tjeerdsma in Running Water. Duane passed away at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center on February 4, 2026. Duane attended Lincoln Country School for his elementary years and graduated from Springfield High School in 1953. He married Margie Lieuwen on November 16, 1955, in New Holland. To this union were born four children: Jay, Harlan, Tammy, and Lisa. In 1980, Margie suffered a brain aneurysm. Duane cared for her until her passing on January 24, 1998. Duane married Linda Mesman on October 4, 1999, in Springfield. Duane spent a large part of his life farming. He also worked selling insurance and later sold Moorman’s Feed. Working as a feed salesman became a full-time job when he stopped farming due to Margie’s medical needs and care. Duane worked for Moorman’s Feed for many years. Duane loved the job as it included having coffee and socializing with his customers. After retirement from Moorman’s, Duane became the custodian for the Emmanuel Reformed Church serving for 39 years, from 1983 - 2022, when dementia affected his ability to continue. After his retirement from Moorman’s, Duane also took up bike riding, putting many miles on his recumbent bike and participating in rides such as Tour Dakota and the Ragbrai. Family vacations to the lake in Minnesota were a tradition for over 50 years. Duane enjoyed fishing and having the family all together. Duane was a lifelong member of the Emmanuel Reformed Church. His journey on this earth was marked by love and unwavering faith in God. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion. Duane leaves to cherish his memory, his children: Jay (Beula) Tjeerdsma of Springfield, Harlan (Kelli) Tjeerdsma of Springfield, Tammy (Mike) Doyle of Tyndall, and Lisa (John) Vlcek of Tabor; his wife, Linda Mesman of Springfield; one brother, Mel (Carol) Tjeerdsma of Maryville, MS; two sisters: Carol Jurrens of Avon, and Cheryl (Don) DeJong of Muenster, TX; one sister-in-law, Mae Lieuwen of Platte; grandchildren: Chad Tjeerdsma, Justin Tjeerdsma, Joshua Tjeerdsma, Jodi Moore, Jessi Vlcek, Ali Vlcek, and Kolton Vlcek; and 12 great-grandchildren. Duane was preceded in death by his wife, Margie; parents Gerritt and Hattie; brothers Frank (Noreen) and Donald (Marjorie); and brothers-in-law and sistersin-law: Eldon Jurrens, Will Lieuwen, John Lieuwen, and Cornelius (Eleanor) Lieuwen.