With full hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we share that Minor “Mike” Jay Meindertsma, 96, of Traverse City passed away peacefully April 20, 2026 surrounded by the love of family.

Born in Ottawa County on September 25, 1929 to the late John and Anna (Kooistra) Meindertsma, Mike lived nearly a century filled with simple joys, quiet strength and unwavering love for those around him. He had a gentle way of making people feel welcome and valued, and a presence that brought comfort to family and friends alike.

At the center of his life was family– especially the remarkable marriage he shared with his forever sweetheart Carol Lieffers, of 62 years, wed September 14,1957 in Eastmanville. Together, they built a life rooted in commitment, partnership and enduring love.

They found great happiness and contentment in raising their family. Gatherings of friends and family, holidays, Sunday dinners, and everyday moments spent together were what mattered most.

Mike was the operator of the Traverse City Waste Water Treatment Plant for nearly 30 years, later turning a hobby into an occupation supervising the bag boy crew at the golf cart barn at the Grand Traverse Resort for several years. He approached work with seriousness and pride, holding high standards for himself and for those around him, believing that doing something well was simply the right thing to do. Those who worked alongside him knew that respect was earned–and worth earning.

Outside of work, Mike embraced life’s simple pleasures. He and Carol loved to travel, camp, and their 25 years of wintering in Zephyrhills, FL. He also enjoyed time on the golf course, visiting with friends at the Traverse City Elks and Eagles, and found his greatest happiness relaxing with Carol, friends and family. Whether sharing stories or raising a cold beer at the end of the day, Mike appreciated the balance between hard work and well-earned rest.

Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Carol, in 2019; siblings Laura Ruster, Ruth Elzinga, Calvin Meindertsma, Catherine Meindertsma and John Meindertsma; and grandson John Michael Meindertsma. Mike is survived by his sister Lois Mulder, sister-in-law Muriel Meindertsma, daughters Peggy (Dennis) Howe and Patty (Joe) Filko, son Mike (Brenda) Meindertsma; and grandchildren Molly (Scott) Stevens, Emily (Duke) Leonardo, Merah (Andrew) Hebert, Michael, Macy, and Marley Meindertsma, great grandchildren Sloan Leonardo, Jameson Stevens, Winslow Leonardo, Miles Stevens, Romey Leonardo and Andres Hebert, and many special nieces and nephews.

Though we will miss him dearly, we take comfort in knowing that his long life was one of deep love, purpose and connection. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished so deeply–and perhaps in the occasional toast raised in his honor.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, April 30 at the Traverse City Golf and Country Club from 4:00-7:00. We welcome friends and family to join us to have a bite to eat, share a memory, and lift a glass in remembrance of Mike. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Traverse City Junior Golf Association, an important organization to Mike.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks to the staff at Bay Ridge Senior Living Community and Munson 4B doctors, nurses and support staff, and the clergy and membership of Faith Reformed Church. We are so grateful for the love and care shown to all of us over the years and during this difficult time.