WILLARD JAY "BILL" JAARDA
Jan. 19, 1928 - Sept. 27, 2008
PLYMOUTH - Willard Jay "Bill" Jaarda, 80, passed away of natural
causes on Saturday, September 27, 2008, in the emergency room at
Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth. Bill had resided on
4th Road in Plymouth since 1972, coming from North Liberty, Ind. Bill
was born the son of William John and Anna (Bounce) Jaarda on January
19th, 1928, in Holland, Michigan. He attended Holland schools and was
raised in the Dutch Christian Reformed Church. He served his country
during the Korean Conflict stationed in Okinawa, and was a member of the U.S. Army -
29th Infantry Regiment. He was honorably discharged on August 22nd, 1953. On July
3rd, 1954, in North Liberty, he took as his bride the former MaryBeth Granning, who
survives. Together they enjoyed retirement winters in McAllen, Texas. Bill was a
faithful Torrington Corp. employee for 31 years. He was the last master inspector to
leave the plant at its closing in 1984. He was a master of many things... to his family
he was an advisor with vast knowledge of various subjects, he was a carpenter with
the eye of a perfectionist for quality. Over the years he has acquired many, many
airway friends as an operator of Citizen Band radios since 1973, known as " Wild Bill ."
Or you may have just found Bill puttering in the garage. Also surviving are a son and
family, Brian J. (Nelda) Jaarda of South Bend, Ind., and children, Michael B. (Amber)
Jaarda of Osceola, Ind., and Nicole (Robert) Wright of Mishawaka. Together they have
given Bill six great-grandchildren: Bethani, Samantha, Christopher, Caleb, Clarke and
Collins. A sister, Lorriane Palmer of Holland, survives with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Sara Brower. Friends are invited to visit with
the family on Tuesday, September 30th, from 5 - 8 p.m. in the Johnson-
Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, and after 7 a.m.
Wednesday, October 1st, until time of services at 1 p.m. in the funeral home.
The Rev. Paul Rowe of the Apostolic Christian Temple in South Bend will
officiate. Burial will follow in the Memorial Garden of New Oakhill Cemetery,
Plymouth. Memorial gifts may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Words of
condolence may be shared with the family through the funeral home web-site at:
www.johnson-danielson.com .
Published in the South Bend Tribune on 9/29/2008