Jelt Sietsema

Jelt Sietsema was a Democratic member of the Michigan House of Representatives, representing part of Kent County from 1969 through 1986.[1]

Jelt Sietsema
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives
from the 94th district
In office
January 1, 1969 – December 31, 1986
Preceded byJohannes Kolderman
Succeeded byKen Sikkema
Personal details
Born(1921-05-07)May 7, 1921
Grand Rapids, Michigan
DiedJanuary 29, 2005(2005-01-29) (aged 83)
Resting placeGrandville, Michigan
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Betty
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Army
Years of service1942–1945
Rank Staff sergeant
Battles/warsWorld War II

Early life

A native of Grand Rapids, Sietsema was a veteran of World War II serving in the European Theater. He attended Radio Electronics Television School, and married Betty Jean Eastman in 1948.[2]

Political career

Sietsema won election to the House in 1968, defeating the incumbent Johannes Kolderman. He went on to serve nine terms. While in the House, Sietsema sponsored legislation requiring curbs to be cut to accommodate wheelchairs.

Along with 14 colleagues, he drew the ire of his caucus in the early 1980s over cutting workers' compensation rates.

Sietsema was defeated for re-election in 1986 by Ken Sikkema.[3]

Later life

After leaving the House, Sietsema won election to the Kent County Board of Commissioners where he served four terms.[4]

Sietsema died on January 29, 2005, aged 83.

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References
  1. The Political Graveyard: Sietsema, Jelt
  2. 1985–1986 Michigan Manual: Jelt Sietsema
  3. Gongwer News Service (Feb. 2, 2005: Former Rep. Sietsema Remembered in House
  4. House Resolution 15 (2005): A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Jelt Sietsema, former member of the House of Representatives
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