Josephine, "Josie", Beukema age 93 of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away into the loving arms of Jesus on November 2, 2024 to join her husband of 71 years, Duke who went home December 17, 2022.

In addition to her husband Duke, Josephine was preceded in death by her parents Henrietta and John Westerhof, her infant children Sheryl and Gregory, and all of her siblings: Henrietta VanDyken, Betty VanWyk, Jean Kooienga and John Westerhof.

Josephine was an outstanding mother who broke with tradition to work outside the home to provide a better life for her family. Our mom modeled genuine love and concern for others and instilled that into us children from a young age. On many occasions one or more of us would be in tow as we visited the elderly, sick and shut-ins. This became a model for us to emulate.

She worked for one company, Michigan Bell Telephone Co. (which became AT&T) from high school through her entire working career. She made many lifelong friends during her working life at "the telephone company". But her greatest joy was her family with whom she shared many adventures from travel, camping and sailing with Captain Duke at the helm.

Josie is survived by Michael Beukema and Jean Anne Leininger (of Minneapolis, MN), Barry and Valerie Beukema (Alberta, Canada), Steve and Heidi Beukema, Susan and Joseph Kirkwood of Grand Rapids, MI., 18 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday November 7, at 3:00 PM at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel with Rev. Talman Wagenmaker officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a memorial contribution to the Teepa Snow Foundation to help further the understanding and support to families and caregivers of loved ones dealing with dementia.