Edward 'Ed' Vlietstra

Edward Henry Vlietstra

August 15, 1942 – June 19, 2025

 Ed passed into Glory at the age of 82. He is survived by Thelma, his loving wife of 58 years, three children, Cheryl (Clay), Hank (Charlene), Scott (Lorraine), eleven grandchildren, Levi (Naomi), Dakota (Gregory), Sierra (Phillip), Kade, Ethan, Kira, Rebecca, Jack, Logan, James and Taya, 6 great grandchildren, Evelyn, Elsie, Emmy, Isla, Adam and Ian, and his foster son Jerry Kunneluk.

Ed grew up in Kalamazoo Michigan as the 2nd of 10 children born to Martin and Martha. He enjoyed telling many stories of the fun times and memorable adventures he and his siblings shared. Ed earned an Education degree from Calvin College before starting his career in New Mexico where he met the love of his life, Thelma. They honeymooned in Banff where their appreciation of God’s creation led them eventually to move their young family to Lacombe Alberta in 1977. Ed taught at Lacombe Christian School for many years. He filled his life with what brought him happiness, golfing, gardening, camping in the Rockies, trips abroad and most of all, time with family.

Ed loved his Lord Jesus and spent much time serving in his church community.  He was quick to accept people for who they were and to serve them in whatever way would benefit them most.  He demonstrated Christ’s love to all who knew him. From Nehemiah 8:10 “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength”.  Another favourite from Romans 8: 38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

A Memorial Service will be held on July 12 @1:30pm at Parkside Alliance Church in Lacombe.

Memorial Donations may be made directly to the Global Advance Fund of the Christian and Missionary Alliance at https://thealliancecanada.ca/gift/global-advance-fund/

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