Fred M. Westra

WESTRA, Fred M.
Of Kalamazoo Died on March 2, 2010 at Battle Creek Health Systems. Fred was born September 14, 1926 in Kalamazoo, MI, a son of Jacob and Louise Grams Westra and had lived in Kalamazoo for most of his life. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was employed for 23 years as a semi-driver for Spartan Stores until his retirement in 1980. Fred was a member of Bethany Reformed Church for 65 years. He enjoyed fishing and traveling. Fred was very patriotic and was a member of the D.A.V. and the American Legion. Surviving are his loving wife and mother of their children, Sylvia, to whom he was married on August 8, 1945. Also surviving are 6 children, Jay Linda Westra, Margaret Westra, Robert Westra, Daniel Sherry Westra, David Cindy Westra and Donald April Westra; 18 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson; 10 brothers and sisters, Jacob L. Nancy Westra, Henrietta A. Johnson, wife and sister Sylvia M. Westra, Martin H. Rose Westra, Connie L. Badham, Betty I. Pollard, Ruth A. Leon London, Lena M. Roberts, Mike Sue Westra and Margie J. Al Thomas; many nephews and nieces. Fred was preceded in death by 7 brothers and sisters, Albert Westra, Frederick Paul Westra, Gertrude J. Reinbold, Paul Frederick Westra, Jenny M. Roseboom, Annie W. Ritsema, and Gerry Lee. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 o'clock on Friday, March 5th at the Bethany Reformed Church, 1833 S. Burdick St. with the Rev. Dr. Robert Terwilliger officiating. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. Inurnment of cremated remains with military honors will be announced for a later date at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Fred's memory may be made to the Bethany Reformed Church Memorial Fund. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. 269 343-1508. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign the online register book and leave a condolence to the family.