Arlyn D. Zuidema, 88, of Morrison, IL, died Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Rock River Hospice and Home in Sterling, IL.
Arlyn was born March 8, 1936, in Morrison, to Alvin H. and Dorothy A. (Pessman) Zuidema. He was educated in the Morrison schools and was a 1954 graduate of Morrison High School. On June 27, 1958, he married Patricia D. Gossard in Fulton, IL. After graduation, Arlyn worked for Whiteside County on Country roads. Later he worked at Volckman Furniture Mfg., Herman Nelson Corp., and Clinton Corn, before starting a career as a set-up man and parts maker at General Electric in Morrison. He retired from G .E. after 30 years. Arlyn was a member of Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison. He enjoyed a good trail ride, and served–along with his horse Wrangler–as a Deputy for the Whiteside County Mounted Patrol. He also became an EMT for the Morrison Ambulance Association. Arlyn assisted the Holiday Inn with setting up for banquets and helped in the kitchen for weekend breakfasts. His hobbies included working on his 1955 Ford, where it took top honors at car shows and National conventions. He also enjoyed leather tooling, collecting Breyer horses and wagons, and remodeling his home; he even put in a picture window. Arlyn and Pat loved traveling and spending the winter months at their residence in Alamo, TX.
Survivors include his wife, Pat; sons, Steven D. (Kathy Fischer) Zuidema of Sterling, and Stanley D. (Diane) Zuidema of Fulton, IL; three grandchildren, Seth Flemming Zuidema of Morrison, Haley Zuidema of Prophetstown, IL, and Tyler (Hillary Bousman) Zuidema and son Parker of Fulton; sister-in-law, Sharon Zuidema; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Duane Zuidema.
His Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Ebenezer Reformed Church, officiated by Rev. J. T. Bean.
A Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 25, 2024, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home.
Cremation rites will be accorded after the service, with interment at a later date.
Memorials to Ebenezer Reformed Church and Rock River Hospice and Home have been established.