Sidney Tjepkema

Sidney was born on August 8, 1916, in Vesper, Wisconsin. His parents were Dutch immigrants who came to the United States with their families when they were young. As a youth he helped operate several small cheese factories owned by his family and also helped with chores on his family's farm and his grandparent's farm. He attended the University of Wisconsin, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering. Early in his career, he worked on construction and maintenance of power lines and electric power plants. In 1946, he moved to Jackson, Michigan, where he began a long career as an electrical engineer taking major responsibility for many projects including some work done overseas. He was the head project engineer for the design of several very large electric power plants in the United States. In retirement, he taught electrical engineering classes at the University of Wisconsin in Platteville, Wisconsin. On September 28, 1940, Sidney married Margaret Thompson at the Wisconsin Dells. Sidney and Margaret had a long life together and a close and loving relationship. Sidney was also a devoted and loving parent who gave his children the support and freedom they needed for their growth and development. He used his construction and engineering skills to remodel the family home and then to design and build a new home for his family. He also found time for gardening and for recreation including golf, bowling, and solving crossword puzzles. He was active in the communities where he lived, participating in service organizations and church activities. Throughout his life he maintained a close relationship with his brothers and sisters, and he helped with the care of his brother-in-law, Horace. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Gertie; his brothers: Richard, Jacob, Roy, and Clarence; and his wife. Survivors include sisters, Ida Thoenig and Rita Tjepkema; sons, James and wife, Kathryn and John and wife, Christa Schwintzer; grandchildren: Caroline Tjepkema, Elizabeth Tjepkema, and Vanessa Stockard; and great-grandchildren, Zoe Stockard and Aine Stockard.