Tjeerd Wouda of Ethel, and formerly of Atwood and Huntsville, passed away peacefully at Listowel Memorial Hospital on Sunday, April 5, 2026, in his 80th year.
Devoted husband to Atie (Hartenberg) Wouda, and loving father of Joshua & Amberly Wouda of Huntsville, Jeremy & Alison Wouda of Aylmer, QC, Kirsten & Jerome Bosman of Ethel, Jonathan & Cailagh Wouda of Collingwood, and Benjamin & Magalie Wouda of Sherbrooke, QC. Proud grandfather of Nolan, Mackenzie, Nathan, Claire, Callum, Theodore, Juliette, Sawyer, Eliana, Adeline, Eloise, Koa, Asher, Beatrice, and Raya.
Brother of Reinoud & Tini Wouda, Popkje & Piet Lont, Jantsje & Wim Boterhoek and Pieter Wouda, and brother-in-law to Ysbrand de Haas, all of the Netherlands, and Piem Wouda of Cambridge. Predeceased by his siblings Tamme, Jan, Anne, Teake, and Pietsje.
Tjeerd was born and raised in Beetgumermolen, The Netherlands. His father owned a bakery that was later instrumental in the direction of Tjeerd’s life. After pursuing different careers, including as a waiter and car detailing product salesman, he regained his passion for baking. During that time, he also met his wife, Atie. Together they purchased their first bakery in Stadskanaal. Five years into that endeavor, a stirring led them to start exploring the possibility of moving to Canada, and in 1981, they immigrated to Huntsville, ON when Tjeerd was 35 years old, and they purchased the Windmill Bakery.
In 1983, Tjeerd put his faith in Jesus for salvation. After a particularly difficult period in their life, being married fourteen years, in which they were unable to start a family, it was in 1985 that God worked a miracle and blessed them with the first of their five children (Psalms 128:1-4).
His life was marked with many ups and downs, but through it all his faith grew stronger. He demonstrated his passion for baking bread by providing quality baked goods for the community, serving the many resorts and restaurants in the Muskoka area. He developed a reputation for his incredible work ethic and customer relationships. Tjeerd taught his children through his life the importance of doing what you love. All five children spent many years working alongside him in the bakery. As much as he would have loved to see at least one of them also find their passion in baking, he was so proud of how they all found their own paths and was an unwavering support to them.
He was a proud Opa to his 15 grandchildren, known for playing games, reading books, and praying for them by name. He stayed close to his grandkids despite the geographical distance between them. He enjoyed connecting to them through loving video calls, receiving cards and letters, and he always kept an active interest in their lives.
Tjeerd and Atie worked together as a team, in business and in life. They enjoyed almost 55 years of marriage. They served together in various ministries in their local churches; they enjoyed their weekly Tuesday date night, and they loved doing simple things together like going for a drive and stopping at a scenic spot for a picnic.
Tjeerd and Atie sold the bakery in Huntsville in 2015 and retired to Atwood. Tjeerd quickly discovered that you can take the baker out of the bakery, but you can’t make the baker stop baking. Tjeerd found part-time work at the Fresh Start bakery in Gowanstown, which he enjoyed until 2023 when he was diagnosed with cancer. He continued to enjoy life and eventually moved with Atie to Ethel in 2024. In his final years, despite the challenges of living with cancer, he found purpose in deepening his relationship with the Lord, enjoying visits from family and friends, and supporting Atie as much as he was able.
Funeral service will be held at Listowel Evangelical Missionary Church on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior and reception to follow. The service will be livestreamed and the link available on the funeral home website. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Ethel.
Tjeerd cared deeply about the work of Voice of the Martyrs, and donations can be made to this cause through Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel.
Online condolences may be left at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca
