William R. Zuidema, age 86, died Thursday, November 7, 2024, while surrounded by his loving family.  He leaves his devoted wife of 64 years, Carol (Girard) Zuidema, a son William A. Zuidema, of Tuscon, AZ; three daughters: Sandra Robinson and her husband Martin, of Auburn; Sheryl Russell and her husband Robert, of Manchaug; and Sharon Blaine and her husband Israel Ruiz, of Douglas; eight grandchildren: Amanda and Adam Thibodeau, James Poudrier, Kevin Gardner, Jr., Russell Blaine, Kimberly Russell, Samantha Robinson, LeeAnne Poudrier, and Eric Robinson; and two great-grandchildren Jack and Josie Thibodeau.  In addition, he leaves three brothers; Ernest Zuidema, of South Carolina and Harold Zuidema, of Vermont, and Roland Zuidema, of Connecticut.

Born in Sutton March 23, 1938, to Ane and Fannie (Hammond) Zuidema, Bill grew up in Sutton. In 1955, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country for six years during the Vietnam War Era. He was honorably discharged as a Lance Corporal.  

An avid fisherman, Bill especially enjoyed fishing area ponds and was a member of the Bay State Bass Masters Federation. His prize catch was a 7.5-pound Bass he caught in Manchaug Pond that now hangs in his den.  He was a member of the Dudley-Gendron Post American Legion.  Bill was a long-time member of the Cornerstone Church, in Uxbridge.

In accordance with Bill's wishes, all services are private.  Memorial donations may be made to DAV-Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH, 45250-0301.