- Date Of Birth: January 13, 1923
- Date Of Death: June 3, 2017
- State: Michigan
Martha passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2017, in Portage at the age of 94. She was born on January 13, 1923, in Comstock Township a daughter of Lambert and Minnie (Talma) Dieterman, and had been a lifelong area resident.
Martha was a member of Lakeland Reformed Church and worked as an administrative assistant at the Upjohn Company. On September 18, 1947, Martha married Jacob Veldkamp and resided in Portage until purchasing “The Farm” in Vicksburg in 1956. She enjoyed remodeling the farm, gardening, and raising several breeds of dogs while Jake raised ponies and horses. The Veldkamp Farm became well known for having numerous gatherings, weddings and parties take place there. She loved to entertain with dinner parties and pool parties. In the winter she was snowmobiling and in the summer she was boating on Lake Michigan. Martha also enjoyed traveling. Her favorite places were a ranch in Livingston, Montana, Hawaii, and Florida – where she stayed for the past 30 years in the winter. Jake Veldkamp passed away on February 6, 1972. Martha married Robert Spencer on October 16, 1976, and he passed away on October 25, 1998.
Martha was also preceded in death by her parents; a son, Rodney J. Veldkamp; and four siblings.
Surviving are three children, Linda (Dennis) Taft of Portage, Sandra (Allen) Penney of Scotts, and Michael (Cynthia) Veldkamp of Mendon; eight granddaughters, Michelle Taft, Denise (Scott) Gobee, Mistylee (Dave) Osborne, Heather (Donald) Exum and Jaclynn, Jennifer, Jessica & Julianna Veldkamp; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
