Obituary of Gerrit Jan Kistemaker

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KISTEMAKER, Gerrit Jan.

Peacefully passed away at his home on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at the age of 55 years.  Beloved husband of Natalie Veltmeyer.  Loving father of Emily and Daniella.  Survived by his siblings Chris Kistemaker (Ninon De Meza), and Ada Kistemaker (Abdallah Allali), along with the Veltmeyer family.

Gerrit, born in the Netherlands, grew up on his parents’ dairy farm. He loved living there in the countryside, spending time in the little forest, taking care of his chicken/bantam here, reading books, playing games, and doing puzzles. After completing his Masters at Wageningen University he went to the University of Guelph for his PhD. That is where he met ‘his’ Natalie, and together they decided to stay and build a family in Guelph.

Gerrit’s professional career encompassed over 25 years as the chief geneticist at Canadian Dairy Network and Lactanet Canada. In this leadership role, he made numerous significant contributions to the genetic advancement of the dairy cattle industry in Canada and at the international level.

Gerrit enjoyed visiting national parks and going on long walks with his family and their two poodles. He avidly supported his two daughters with their musical pursuits and attended many of their concerts. He also had a great love of Formula One and Legos, as well as math, science, and programming.

Resting at the Brombal Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph, the visitation will be on Friday, March 8, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Parish prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Friday at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Parish, 409 Paisley Road, Guelph on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at Marymount Cemetery, Guelph, followed by a reception at St. Joseph Catholic Parish.

In memory of Gerrit, donations to St. Joseph Catholic Parish would be appreciated by the family. Share online condolences and tributes at www.brombal.ca