Bruce Alan Harkema, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, and faithful servant of God, passed away surrounded by the love of his family.
Bruce was born to Justin and Beverly Harkema in Muskegon, Michigan, on June 20, 1949. When he was 6 years old, his family relocated to Holland, Michigan, where he would build the life and legacy that meant so much to him.
Bruce graduated from Holland Christian and attended Calvin University before ultimately following the family plumbing trade. Plumbing was more than a profession for Bruce—it was a family tradition and a craft he took great pride in. He made his professional home at Nick Unema Plumbing and Heating, where he devoted over 40 years doing what he loved with people he loved.
Bruce’s faith was the foundation of his life. He loved the Lord and sought to honor Him through a life of humble service — to his family, his church, his work, and his community. Service was simply part of who Bruce was. He was the kind of man who showed his love through his presence, his willingness to help, and his steady commitment to others. He was a family man through and through, a quiet and humble leader whose life spoke through the way he served.
Bruce found joy in the simple and lasting things in life. He loved fishing, woodworking, mission trips, watching sports, and spending time outdoors with family and friends. He especially loved water—whether water skiing at the cottage, the Florida beaches, or the lakes of the U.P. He loved watching his children and grandchildren do what they loved and took great pride in cheering them on.
Bruce was preceded in death by his mother, Beverly; his father, Justin; his brother, Tom; his sister, Patricia; and his brother-in-law, Dick Valk.
Bruce is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susan. He is also survived by his daughters, Erin (Gary) Howe, Jill (Ryan) Tanis, and Laura (Matt) Meiste; his nine grandchildren, Abe (Kate) Howe, Evan (Jamie) Howe, Brady (Morgan) Howe, Trygve, Graham, and Drew Tanis, Cole, Addi and Brook Meiste; and great-grandchildren, Kieran and Josie Howe.
Bruce is survived by his Brothers and Sisters-in law: Judy Valk-Kraker and Steve Kraker, Cal and Margo Mulder, Lucy Harkema, Stepmother Mary Harkema, Stepsiblings Benjamin Harkema, Joseph and Trish Harkema; and many fond cousins, nieces and nephews.
Bruce leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond his years—a legacy of faith, hard work, service, quiet strength, kindness, and love for his family.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, church, and all those whose lives he touched. His hands were often busy serving others, and his heart was always pointed toward God. His family finds comfort knowing he is home with his Lord.
On behalf of his family, a special thanks to Meijer Heart Center and the Transplant Team; Corewell Oncology and Lemmen-Holton; and all the caregivers, nurses, physicians and support staff who cared for him with such compassion and dedication these past 6 years. We are forever grateful for the gift of your care and kindness to him and our family.
Memorial contributions may be given to Gift of Life and Holland Christian Schools.
Visitation will be 4-7 pm Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 East 16th Street, Holland. The funeral service to honor the life of Bruce will be held at 11 am Friday, September 4, 2026, at Faith Christian Reformed Church, 85 West 26th Street, Holland. Interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
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