Joe (Jelle) Dotinga, 88, died Wednesday, June 26.

He was born in Gauw, Friesland the Netherlands to Willem and Baukje (Nauta) Dotinga. He was the fifth of 17 children.

He married Nancy (Nienke) Boschma Dotinga in 1950. In 1951 they immigrated to California.

He and his wife started in the dairy business in 1956 and somewhere along the line he was promoted to dairy “farmer.”

Mr. Dotinga was a member of Escalon Christian Reformed Church and served as elder for two terms. He enjoyed singing in the choir for many years.

His favorite past time was traveling with his fifth wheel, enjoying God’s creation, reading, puzzling, and driving his tractor until he was 87 years old.

He is survived by his children, William, Barbara Schwisow, Joanne (Brent) Ayotte, Sidney (Cynthia), Harriet (Dave) Schaapman, Henry (Diana), Thomas (Sandra); four brothers; six sisters; 30 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy; daughter, Janna Dotinga Verhoeven; grandchildren, Christopher Dotinga, Chris Brinkley; three sisters; and three brothers.

Visitation was held July 2 at Deegan Funeral Chapel, Escalon. A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3 at Burwood Cemetery, 28320 E. River Road, Escalon. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 6 at Escalon Christian Reformed Church, 2203 California St., Escalon.

Deegan Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Escalon Christian Reformed Building Fund, 22013 California St., Escalon 95320; or to Ripon Christian Schools, 435 Maple Ave., Ripon 95366; or to Bethany Home, 930 W. Main St., Ripon 95366.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times

July 3, 2013