Arthur Bousema

Art Bousema was born on April 1, 1928, in Iowa to Arie and Hattie (Holtrop) Bousema. He was the fourth of nine children. Art had six brothers: Bill, John, Rich, Roy, Bernie, and Hank. He also had two sisters: Greta and Gert. Art attended a one-room schoolhouse until his older brothers went to war. He then helped with the family farm. At the age of 18, Art joined the Army as a paratrooper. He was stationed in Japan for 18 months. Shortly after returning from service, he followed his sister, Greta, to California and lived with his brother Rich and his wife Wilma. He worked at a couple of construction companies before establishing his own. Art began attending Artesia First CRC when he moved from Iowa; he had been a faithful member for 75 years. He served as a deacon and assisted with many construction projects around the church. He lived his faith out through his work and his daily interactions with everyone he met. Art met Marlene (Vos) at First Artesia and was married on February 15, 1954. They were married just shy of 70 years. Early in their marriage, Art and Marlene built their first home on Seine Street in Lakewood. They had five children: Cathy, Art, Debbie, Ron, and Tom. Art loved his family well. As a family, they enjoyed trips to Iowa, summer trips to Big Bear, and local ski boat trips. He also enjoyed bringing animals home so his kids could enjoy a taste of farm life. Their favorite pet was Spunky, the Shetland pony that pulled them around their neighborhood in a cart. The family had many fond memories growing up on Seine Street. In 1988 they moved to their current residence, in Artesia. Art Bousema Construction was established in 1955. Art specialized in dairy construction, specifically with pole barns and shades, serving Chino, San Jacinto, and various other areas in California and beyond. Art was an honest, humble, hardworking businessman who walked purlins until he was 83 years old. His handshake was his word, and he would never ask someone to do something he would not do himself. He truly loved what he did and never complained. After Art’s “early” retirement, he found enjoyment tinkering around the garage, raising chickens, growing vegetables, reading newspapers and history books, walking the dog to Merle’s for a beverage, taking grandkids for walks in the wagon, hanging out with his cat, and spending time with his friends and family. He made it to many of his grandkids sporting events and loved talking “shop” with the many visitors who stopped by to visit. Art was one of a kind. He was hard-working, knew how to have fun with the kids, and had amazing one liners that would have us all laughing. He will not be forgotten. Art Bousema will be missed by his loving wife, Marlene Bousema, his children Cathy and Lee Hibma, Art and Lisa Bousema, Debbie and Dave Flietstra, Ron and Janielle Bousema, and Tom Bousema. He is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Mike Hibma, Rick and Becky Whitcomb (Ethan and Madison), Rhonda and Joe Van Kampen (Tara, Shane, and Reese), Jenilee and Jim Van Kampen (Jameson, Randall, and Valerie), Stacy Hibma, Jonathan and Jackie Flietstra (Joah), Jordan Bousema, Kara Flietstra, Charlene and Justin Antonucci (Caroline and Ryan), Anne and Brad Staal (Avery), and Jaime Bousema. Art will be remembered by his sister Greta Bomgaars and sisters-in-law Bev Dobias, Virginia Vos, and Veda, Marie, Carol Bousema and Kay Wesseling, and his brother-in-law Carl Rossi. He is also loved by wonderful nieces and nephews too numerous to list!

Arthur Bousema

April 1, 1928 - January 30, 2024