TRAVERSE CITY - Edward T. Huibregtse, 79, of Traverse City, formerly of Muskegon, died Thursday morning, June 13, 2019, in his home surrounded by family.
Born May 21, 1940 in Muskegon, Mich., he was the son of the late Lester and Leona (Smith) Huibregtse. He married the love of his life Jean M. Juntunen on Feb. 28, 1970, in Muskegon, and moved to Traverse City later that year.
He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force with the Iceland Air Defense Force, served as a Fire Captain for the Norton Shores Fire Department, and was a volunteer with the Traverse City Fire Department. He retired in 2003 after 15 years with the U.S. Postal Service, moving on to 13 years volunteering with Patient Escort, 'pushing wheelchairs' at Munson Medical Center. These experiences brought life-long friends from every sector.
Hunting and fishing were passions of his, and he liked nothing better than taking his kids and grandkids fishing - or teaching others. When they weren't biting, "At least we had a nice boat ride." His yearly hunting trips to "Turkey Hill" didn't always result in venison, but there was always a story to tell.
Ed was famous for his garden and chickens in previous years, and loved tending to his yard and tomato plants. Retirement allowed him to travel - camping throughout Michigan and visiting many of the National Parks more than once with his wife, and later with good friends.
He is survived by his family; son, Jason Huibregtse of Traverse City; daughter, Cindy (Mat) Kamerad of West Bloomfield; grandchildren, Ian and Alex Huibregtse and Drew and Lindsey Kamerad; sister-in-law Janice Huibregtse of Norton Shores, Mich.; brother-in-law Richard Juntunen of Schaumburg, Ill.; as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many, many dear and wonderful friends.
In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his wife Jean of 36 years, his daughter, Debby; and brothers, Eugene Huibregtse and Leroy Huibregtse.
Friends may call Monday, June 17, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 18 at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. Brian Conover will officiate. Burial will take place after at Oakwood Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Ed, memorials may be directed to the Traverse City Chapter of the Salvation Army, 1239 Barlow, Traverse City, MI 49686 or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; 549 Ottawa Ave NW #307, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Arrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com