ROBERT TJEERDSMA

Robert John Tjeerdsma, 85, of Springfield was born September 10, 1939 on a farm west of Springfield. He was the son of John and Agnes (Schotanus) Tjeerdsma. He passed away November 12, 2024 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Robert was baptized on November 5, 1939 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church of rural Springfield. He made his confession of faith on June 12, 1958 at the church he was a member of all his life. The Emmanuel Reformed Church was also the setting for his wedding to Anita Marcia Eringa of Springfield on July 18, 1961. Together with their family, they enjoyed many years on the farm where they had a successful cattle and agriculture operation. Robert graduated from Avon High School in Avon in 1957. He had the honor of being the Pirate King in his senior year. After high school he worked at various places and then went to Southern State Teachers College at Springfield where he obtained a degree in Vocational Education in 1962. Robert was a big community volunteer. He served on the Bon Homme School Board, the Springfield Development Corporation and spent many hours and days developing the Springfield Golf Course and was the first President of the Springfield Golf Club. Another interest that Robert enjoyed was obtaining his private pilot license and joined the local Airplane Club. Robert was awarded the South Dakota Jaycees Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year Award in the 1970’s. A special time for Robert and Anita was spending numerous years enjoying their retirement wintering in Sun City West, Arizona. Robert was a talented “fixer” and helped many of the family members over the years with special projects and needed repairs. Thankful for having shared his life are his children: Natalie (Tom) Vollmer, Yankton, Ross (Jodi) Tjeerdsma, Sioux Falls, and Paul Tjeerdsma, Sun City West, AZ; grandchildren: Trevor Kutz, Sioux Falls, and John Vollmer, Volga. Robert is also survived by sisters: Sylvia Coulson, Yankton, and Frances Palsma, Springfield; and sister-in-law Arlis Tjeerdsma, Yankton; and many relatives and friends. Robert was preceded in death by his wife Anita in 2010 and also their infant son, Mark Allen in 1966; parents John and Agnes Tjeerdsma; brothers: Dale Tjeerdsma and Harold Tjeerdsma; brothers-in-law: Donald Coulson, John L. Plasma, and Urwin Eringa. An informal time of visitation and sharing of memories of Robert will be held Friday, November 22 from 2-4 p.m., in the basement of the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. A private interment will be held in the Springfield Cemetery. Peters Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of arrangements.