Paul VanWestrienen

Paul K. VanWestrienen, age 80, of Kalamazoo, Michigan was born to Henry Artis VanWestrienen and Georgia Leone Kier VanWestrienen, he passed away at Oceana County Medical Care Facility on October 26, 2018. He fought a long battle from numerous illnesses. He graduated from Kalamazoo High School in 1956 and earned the role as first chair clarinetist, furthering his schooling at Western Michigan University. Paul had a love of music. He studied under Dr. Glen Henderson an outstanding organist. Throughout his high school and post high school years, Paul continued his organ lessons and was honored to play numerous outstanding pipe organs throughout the Kalamazoo area. Paul worked for Duramatalic and Flowserve Company for 40 years as their chief accountant and represented the company on several community boards including developing an entrepreneurial program for high school students who desired to acquire hands on knowledge of the business world. He served on the board of Children and Family services for at least two decades. After his retirement from Duramatalic and Flowserve, Paul worked for the Kalamazoo County Court as an accountant. Paul married Barbara Jane Chapman on May 14, 1966, and together he and Barbara dedicated their passion for Christian youth and college students. Both Paul and Barbara served on the Wesley Foundation Board at WMU for 50 years. In the spring of 2016, both were recognized for their commitment to the foundation. Paul served the Foundation as Treasurer, Vice President, and contributed much time to the developing of psychology and mission of the residential environment for the student living center. Another of Paul's passions centered around the elderly and the care of those who were physically or emotionally unable to care for their needs. He accepted the responsibility of leadership in the beginning of a Family Council at the Oceana County Medical Care Facility. He joined with a group of Michigan citizens for better care of nursing home residents serving as Treasurer. He also joined with the national care organization serving as Treasurer of the Board of Directors. Paul was a 50 year member of the First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo where he served on many committees including worship, kitchen, logos, and Tuesday morning study groups. Paul was always helping in any set-up or clean-up projects. Paul served his Country during the Cuban crisis and was able to use his music ability to comfort his comrades as an Assistant Chaplain while stationed in Germany. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry & Leone VanWestrienen, brother, John VanWestrienen, John's son, Tommy; and, in-laws Robert M. Chapman and Betty J. Chapman. Paul is survived by Barbara, his wife of 52 years; his sister-in-law, Robin R. Chapman; brother, James H. VanWestrienen of Paw Paw, and his daughter, Kathy and Steve McClouskey, and grandson, Nathaniel; Janice (John) VanWestrienen) family, Jayne and Derek Wirebaugh of Holland, Michigan and their family Wilson, Payton, Abigail, and Gabriel; James and Denae VanWestrienen and family Issac, Audrey, Asher, and Elliot; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Sharon Chapman, and family Steven Chapman, Dillon Chapman, and Lynn Batchelder. Visitation and interment services will be held in Hart, Michigan on Thursday, November 1, 2018. Visitation and refreshments will be served from 11 a.m. through 1 p.m. at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, in Hart, Michigan, followed by interment services at Hart Cemetery. A memorial service will be held in Kalamazoo on Saturday, November 10th beginning at 4 p.m., with a reception, followed by a memorial service from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 212 S. Park Street, downtown, Kalamazoo. Memorial gifts may be made to the Wesley Foundation at WMU, 2350 Ring Road North, Kalamazoo MI 49006; or, National Consumer Voice, 1001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Ste. 632, Washington, DC 20036. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com