Paul John Bajema, age 80, went to be with the Lord on September 27 after a brief illness.

Born in 1946, Paul grew up on a dairy farm in Alberta, Canada, and was doing chores and driving tractors in the fields at an early age. His family moved to Byron Center in the 1950's and settled on an 80-acre homestead on 84th Street. After graduating from Unity Christian High School, Paul went on to attend one year of Grand Rapids Junior College before transferring to Ferris State College and earning a degree in computer sciences. Following college, Paul worked briefly at Zondervan Publishing before moving to Old Kent Bank where he spent the majority of his career in data security. He retired in 2009 as the Assistant Vice President and Section Manager of Information Systems at Fifth Third Bank.

An avid reader and methodical researcher, Paul was always learning about new places, people and ideas. He enjoyed golfing with family and friends, as well as softball leagues at the Christian Reformed Recreation Center. Traveling was another favorite pastime both before and after retirement, with Route 66 being a favorite route to explore. Most importantly, Paul was a devoted man of God and servant of Christ, showing his faith in every aspect of his life—from family to church to work and in between. Family meals always began with scripture or an excerpt from his daily devotion and leading his family in prayer.

Paul is survived by his wife of 38 years, Ruth Bajema, daughter Amy (Bruce) Kulfan, stepsons Michael (Karen) Brower, Mark (Alecia) Brower and Christopher (Holly) Brower, and grandchildren Brianna, Riley, Alison, David and Alexandra. He was predeceased by his parents, Awne and Bertha Bajema, his son Jason Bajema, and his brother Jac Bajema.

Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, October 8 at 10:00 a.m., also at Zaagman Memorial Chapel.