Jay Besteman, age 93, of Rudyard, Michigan, died on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at Evergreen Living Center in St. Ignace, Michigan. He was born November 30, 1919 in Rudyard, Michigan, the son of Peter Besteman and Rena (Postma) Besteman. Jay grew up in Rudyard and lived there most of his life. He served in the US Army during WWII.

Jay married Edna Mae Postma on May 20, 1942. He worked as an equipment operator at the iron mines, air force base, Champion, Inc., and for Howard Bawks. Jay retired after eleven years as a custodian at Lake Superior State University. Jay was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Rudyard. He enjoyed gardening vegetables, hunting and trapping.

Jay was survived by one daughter, Nancy (Paul) DeJonge of Hudsonville, Michigan; two sons, Peter Jay Besteman of Hamilton, Michigan and Richard (Janice) Besteman of Rudyard; son-in-law, Gary Brinks of Hudsonville; sixteen grandchildren, Steve (Kelli) Brinks, Mike (Jamie) Brinks, Rick (Christy) Brinks, Jody (Jason) Gilmore, Brian (Tammy) Mannes, Bradley Mannes, Matthew DeJonge, Jana (Kyle) Buiskool, Mike (Shannon) DeJonge, Neil (Becky) Besteman, Pam (Brian) Tyson, Julia (Mark) Seliga, Alyssa Besteman, Fred (Kiyomi) Besteman, Tina (Steve) Sawyer and Dennis Besteman; and twenty-six great grandchildren, Kyle, Cody, Caleb, Nolan, Jarrett, Abby and Jacob Brinks, Shadrack, Brianna, Christine, and Carianna Mannes, Ryan and Jake Buiskool, Macy and Serena DeJonge, Caden "Bud" and Reagan Besteman, Cara, Lauren, and Jett Sawyer, Anna Leigh and William Gilmore, Alicia and Kayleigh Mannes, and Aubrey and Cameron Seliga. He was also survived by his sister, Johanna Folkersma of Grand Rapids, Michigan and brother, Elmer Besteman of Rudyard.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna in 2007; daughter, Judy Brinks in 1998; sons, Frederick Besteman in 1970 and James Besteman in 1999; and brothers, Marvin, Glen and Chris Besteman.