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 NIEUSMA, WILLIAM "BILL" Ada William "Bill" Nieusma, age 72, of Ada, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, December 5, 2013, at Beacon Hill at Eastgate Skilled Nursing Center. Bill was born on November 30, 1941, in Holland, MI., son of Harris Nieusma and Augusta Wolff. He graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1959 after which he attended Western Michigan University where he had dual scholarships in diving and music and where he was a member of SAE fraternity. Bill graduated from Aquinas College where he earned a BA Degree in Business Administration. He was a computer/systems programmer for several businesses and organizations until his retirement from Fifth Third Bank in 2003. His passion in life was Irish fiddling and was involved with many Celtic bands in West Michigan and with the Wheatlands Music Organization for many years. As an accomplished Irish fiddler he led sessions, and encouraged, influenced and taught many musicians. He had many other varied interests including woodworking and repairing fiddles, flying as he was a licensed pilot, and classic cars of which he was the proud owner of a '57 Chevy named 'Miss Daisy'. He could also be found doing Sudoku, crosswords, puzzles and visiting friends on Facebook . Surviving are his wife Sue (nee Mayberry), three children, William J. Nieusma Jr. (Judith) of Oakton, VA, Joel A. Nieusma (Shawne) of Grand Haven, Kathleen S. Sokolow (Mark) of Grand Haven; grandchildren Jordan, Matthew, Erin, Claire, Devin, Logan, Loren, Natasha, Ivan and Maxim; brothers Harris 'Butch' Nieusma Jr. (Patty), Gerald 'Jerry' Nieusma (Judith); one uncle, two aunts, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews; sister-in-law Jolene Hay (Don), brother-in-law David Mayberry, and mother-in-law LaDene Mayberry. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Barbara Kysar. A traditional Irish Wake Service is will be held at the Deer Run Golf Course, 13955 Cascade Rd SE, Lowell, MI 49331 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. December 28, 2013. Please bring your stories and your instruments. In lieu of flowers memorials to the Wheatlands Music Organization, 7251 50th Ave., Remus, MI 49430 or to Beacon Hill at Eastgate Skilled Nursing Center, 1845 Boston SE, Grand Rapids MI. 49506 would be appreciated by the family. The family is being served by:
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Gerry Kretschmar (1961)
As I communicated to Bill's Wife, Sue, I highly respected Bill for the brightness and happiness of his personality. He was a great asset to our fraternity, I only wish I had mingled more at the reunion and spent time talking to Bill. . . unfortunately, that's true of other brothers also. It's times like this that importance of reunions mean so much.
James Otley (1961)
Bill and I did attend the reunion and he enjoyed seeing everyone. We have been friends since Jr. High and he was my big brother. We enjoyed his Irish music several times at a club in Holland, he was an accomplished musician. We recently moved to Grand Rapids and re-established our friendship with he and Sue. Bill will be missed by many.
Jim Otley
Brad Tisdale (1961)
I remember Bill fondly from our fraternity days and have several great shots of Bill at several fraternity functions and parties. I enjoyed catching up with Bill at the reunion and Linda and I send our best to Sue and the rest of the family.........Brad Tisdale
Gary Walker (1961)
I was pleased to see and talk with Bill at the reunion. I have such fond memories of the good times and music we shared at the fraternity house. He will be sorely missed but his memory will survive.
Gary Walker