Gerald Alsum
November 9, 2016, Gerald B. Alsum took his glory flight home to his heavenly father. Gerald was born on January 24, 1930, the first born son of Harvey and Elizabeth (Huizenga) Alsum. On April 12, 1951, he married Jennie DeVries. Their first home together was in Friesland, Wisconsin. While Gerald was serving in the Korean War, his first daughter, Linda Graves (Bruce Johnson) was born. His second daughter, Judy Alsum, was born while they still lived in Friesland. Later, Gerald moved with his wife and two daughters to Randolph, where they were blessed with two more daughters, Karen (Calvin) Lemmenes and Marlys (Richard) Lemmenes. In 1962, Gerald moved his wife and four daughters to Brandon to begin his own business, Alsum Plumbing & Heating. After moving to Brandon, Gerald was again blessed with two more children: a son, Harvey (Lynn) Alsum and daughter Amy (Tom) TeBeest.
A party was held this spring to celebrate Gerald and Jennie’s 65th wedding anniversary. It was attended by his children and all of his 11 grandchildren: Ryan (Jill) Lemmenes, Jennifer (Robert) Buchholz, Andrea (Cory) Kwakkel, Lydia Lemmenes (Dustin Weiss), Claire Lemmenes, Lauren TeBeest, Cole TeBeest (Erin Rawson), Macy TeBeest, Chloe Alsum, Nora Alsum and Maggie Alsum. Gerald was fortunate to spend time that day with all seven of his great grandchildren: Reed Lemmenes, Grant Lemmenes, Miles Lemmenes, Anna Buchholz, Abigail Buchholz, Audra Kwakkel, and Holland Kwakkel.
Gerald is survived by his brothers: Donald (Mariann) Alsum, Marvin (Joann) Alsum, and Norm (Ruth) Alsum; sister: Doreen (Nick) Hengeveld; sister-in-laws: Gladyce Alsum, Myrna Alsum, Margaret DeVries and Gertrude Hopp.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents Harvey and Elizabeth Alsum and brothers Bernard Alsum and Ken Alsum.
Visitation will be Friday, November 11th from 4-6 p.m. at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Waupun, Wisconsin.
Gerald was a member of Alto Christian Reformed Church since April 1962. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., at Alto Christian Reformed Church, N3631 County Road EE, Waupun, Wisconsin.
Military honors will be held by American Legion Post 210 at a private service at the cemetery.
For over 28 years, Gerald was a member of the Gideons. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Gideons. Checks should be mailed to: Gideons International in memory of Gerald Alsum at PO Box 25, Waupun, WI 53963, or dropped off at Werner-Harmsen Funeral home at 201 E. Jefferson Street, Waupun, Wisconsin.
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home of Waupun and staff are serving the family. Please visit our website at www.wernerharmsenfuneralhome.com for further information and to send condolences.