Joseph Sietsma, 75, Lafayette, known as "The Christmas Tree Man," died Monday, Aug. 21, at 2:15 a.m. in Home Hospital, where he had been a patient for a week.

Mr Sietsma and his late wife owned and operated the Wea Pines Christmas Tree Farm for 32 years.  He was a member of the Indiana Christmas Tree Association.

He was born Jan. 21, 1914, in Lafayette, and was a lifelong resident of Tippecanoe County. He attended Klondike High School.

He was married June 27, 1934, to Hattie Jane Bol, in Lafayette. She died May 7.

He worked in the heating and air conditioning business from 1945 until 1978, and was involved with his son, George, in Sietsma Heating and Air Conditioning Co. for seven years.

Mr Sietsma was a member, past elder, deacon and Sunday school teacher at First Reformed Church. He also was a member of the building committee involved in constructing the church at 1718 N. 15th Street.

Surviving are two sons, George R. Sietsma, Battle Ground and. Paul A. Sietsma, Lafayette; and a daughter, Mrs John (Jeanette) Shoaf, Lafayette. Also surviving, 10 grandchildren, 12 great grand children.

Service was Tuesday in First Reformed Church with the Rev Michael VandenBerg officiating.

Interment was in Rest Haven Memorial Park.

Hippensteel Funeral Home, Lafayette, was in charge.