The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 15.
A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Jelt Sietsema, former member of the House of Representatives.
Whereas, The members of the Michigan House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the passing of Jelt Sietsema, a gentleman of deep commitment and compassion who served this legislative body for 18 years. His long and distinguished tenure of legislative service to the people of his Kent County district was marked by the unselfishness that he displayed in all aspects of his public life; and
Whereas, A native of Grand Rapids, Jelt Sietsema served his country in the Army for three years in Europe during World War II. This strong sense of loyalty to his fellow citizens never left him. He was a devoted family man who was working at a Grand Rapids fabrication plant when he began his pursuit of state elective office with his election to the House of Representatives in 1968; and
Whereas, In Lansing, Jelt Sietsema was known as a gentleman of great personal integrity and as a hardworking lawmaker. He was especially committed to the care of those with disabilities and special needs. Among his many accomplishments as a legislator were his effectiveness as chair of the Public Safety Committee for several years, his sponsorship of legislation requiring curb cuts, and his efforts as chair of the Public Health Committee. Even after his nine terms at the Capitol, he devoted himself to the people of his community as a member of the Kent County Board of Commissioners for eight years; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Jelt Sietsema, a member of this legislative body from 1969 to 1986; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Sietsema family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.