Wilma Josephine Schaafsma

Wilma J. (Visser) Schaafsma died October 19, 2020 at the age of 97. She was born July 20, 1923 in Leeuwarden, Friesland in the Netherlands to Dirk and Klaaske (Van der Weide) Visser. She immigrated with her parents to the United States at the age of two through Ellis Island in New York and then on to California. Her family, including brothers Albert and Richard, were in the dairy business in the Artesia, California area for many years.

Wilma attended Excelsior High School in Artesia, California in 1940. She met Charlie in 1941 at the Dutch church in Paramount, California and was married to him in May of 1942 until his death in 2017. In 1954 they moved from California to Enumclaw, with their 4 kids, and bought the Sonneville farm in the Osceola area. Together they built and worked the dairy for 9 years until they sold it in 1963. 

Charlie started their General Contracting business in 1963 and Wilma was the bookkeeper for their company.  She was also a deaconess at Country Bible Church and was involved in many church activities and outreach and later at Wabash Presbyterian Church as well.  Her love of the Lord, sharing her faith,  and care for people was expressed in many ways including such things as the hats and scarves that she knitted for the homeless, or the baked treats she shared and was known for. She was an avid reader and had a sharp mind, even at the end of her life.  She was spunky and always cheerful, with a good sense of humor.  She enjoyed her family life and was a dedicated wife, mom and grandmother always making her home a welcoming place. Family gatherings were always important to her. She will be missed greatly by her family for years to come.

Wilma is survived by her sons Dan (Connie) Schaafsma of Enumclaw and Ron (Faith) Schaafsma of Auburn; seven grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. Wilma was preceded in death by her husband Charlie, daughter Charlene, and son Sam (Alana).

Please share a memory of Wilma on the tribute wall.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wilma Josephine Schaafsma, please visit our floral store.