Clarence "Bud" Bekken

Bekken, Clarence "Bud" Clarence "Bud" James Bekken, age 96, passed away November 9, 2022. He was born December 10, 1925 in Kalamazoo to the late Joseph and Jennie (Mulder) Bekken. Bud served in the US Navy during World War II on the USS Bosque from 1944-1946. He was honorably discharged on May 20, 1946. Bud then served as a professional fire fighter for the city of Kalamazoo, eventually rising to the rank of lieutenant. On August 15, 1952, Bud married the former Marilyn Rootcelebrating 70 years of marriage this year. Marilyn recalls that Bud was always a gentleman with a nature to care for others. They were members of Westwood United Methodist Church for over 60 years and enjoyed playing cards and traveling together. Along with friends Jack and Ethlyn Brown, they played cards every Saturday night, and went on a 49-day adventure through Alaska. Bud also enjoyed golfing and fishing in his spare time. In 2015, he participated in an Honor Flight trip with son, Dennis, to Washington, DC. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, as well as two sisters and their husbands, Clara (William) Zuidema and Frances (Henry) Pieratt. He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn Bekken; sons, Dennis (Nancy) Bekken and Charles (Therese) Bekken; grandchildren, Gregory (Mallory) Bekken, Matthew (Kaitlin) Bekken, and Michael Bekken; great-grandchildren, Landon, Eli, Ezekiel, and Judah; and nephew, David (Diana) Zuidema. A memorial service will be held in the Spring of 2023 at Westwood United Methodist Church. Bud will then be laid to rest in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Westwood United Methodist Church or a charity of one's choosing. To share a memory or leave a condolence for family, visit https://www.langelands.com