Northborough – Peter Gjeltema, 88, of Northborough, passed away peacefully Oct. 19, 2018, at Coleman House in Northborough, with his loving family by his side, after a period of declining health. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 66 years, Anne L. (Temple) Gjeltema.
Peter was born on July 27, 1930, in Whitinsville, one of eleven children of the late John and Bertha (Schotanus) Gjeltema. Peter was raised in Whitinsville and following school he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, honorably serving from 1951-1955, during the Korean War. Peter settled in Hudson with his wife Anne, in 1955 following his completion of active duty in Albuquerque, N.M. He worked as an experimental machinist and was a tool and die machinist for many years with Polaroid Corporation up until his retirement.
Peter was a true family man, who enjoyed spending time with his wife, his children and grandchildren, and his extended family. He especially loved spending summers at Lake Boon, where he could putter with his flowers, and roam the nearby woods blueberry picking, together with his nephew and grandchildren. He also enjoyed traveling, photography, and spending winters in Longboat Key, Fla.
In addition to his beloved wife, Anne L. (Temple) Gjeltema, Peter is also survived by his daughter, Elaine B. Gjeltema of Hudson; his son, Paul D. Gjeltema and his wife Carol Ann of Stow; three siblings, Lois Guis and Florence Jorritsma of Whitinsville, and Stuart Gjeltema of Michigan; five grandchildren, Peter Gjeltema, F. Zachary Gjeltema, Samantha Gjeltema, Jonathan Gjeltema and Jesse Gjeltema; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his brothers, Hap Gjeltema, Raymond Gjeltema, Richard Gjeltema, Bert Gjeltema, Harold Gjeltema, William Gjeltema and Henry Gjeltema.
His funeral service was held Oct. 25 at the Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson.
Memorial donations can be made to Back to God Hour, 1700 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508.
