Gary (Gerrit) Scheenstra
Obituary
November 10, 1933 - May 26, 2021 Gary Scheenstra of Bellflower, CA died at the age of 87 due to pancreatic cancer at the home of his daughter. Born in the Netherlands on the family dairy he was named Gerard. At the age of 14 he immigrated to the United States with his parents Piet and Thelma and his brothers John, Carl, Clarence, Ed and Albert. Renamed Gerrit upon entering the US he worked on a dairy for over 25 years and then started his own business as a gardener. He loved being his own boss and working outdoors. He had an amazing work ethic and worked until he was 82 when he was forced to retire after a tree spontaneously fell on him while working. He was also a man of strong faith and was a long time member of New Life Community Church in Artesia. Gary made friends where ever he went and loved to talk and tell stories. He was admired by family, neighbors, and friends. He was a faithful servant and devoted to his family. Working on projects around the house and riding his bicycle around the neighborhood or at Seal Beach on Sundays after church were his favorite past times. He also cherished relaxing on the back porch with his devoted friend Roberto. Gerrit joins his wife Molly, brothers John and Carl and his parents in heaven with Christ their Lord. He is survived by his daughter Debra (David); his son Eric (Tammy) and grandchildren Fryslan and Faith; as well as his brothers Clarence, Ed (Betty) and Albert (Rika).