Jelt Sietsema

Jelt Sietsema
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 94th district
In office January 1, 1969 – December 31, 1986
Preceded by	Johannes Kolderman
Succeeded by	Ken Sikkema
Personal details
Born	(1921-05-07)May 7, 1921 Grand Rapids, Michigan
Died	January 29, 2005(2005-01-29) (aged 83)
Resting place	Grandville, Michigan
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Betty
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army
Years of service	1942–1945
Rank	Staff sergeant
Battles/wars	World War II

Jelt Sietsema (May 7, 1921 – January 29, 2005) was a Democratic member of the Michigan House of Representatives, representing part of Kent County from 1969 through 1986.

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.

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.

Later life

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

Sietsema died on January 29, 2005, aged 83.