Mr. Jack W. Southland's Obituary
Mr. Jack William Southland, age 75, passed away Saturday afternoon, August 10, 2013. He was born September 23, 1937 in Muskegon to William and Jennie (Noordhof) Southland. Jack was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam Era and a member of the Whitehall American Legion. He worked as a machinist for Muskegon Piston Ring for 30 years before retiring and had owned and operated the Windsong Christmas Tree Farm for many years. Jack was a devoted family man, was a huge supporter of his grandchildren’s sports and other activities, and also attended Dalton Baptist Church. He was a life-member of the NRA, the Seaway Gun Club, was an avid bird hunter, enjoyed reading and traveling with family, belonged to the American Motorcycle Association, and was a big Sprint Car Racing fan. On April 19, 1963 he married Ellen Wierengo in Muskegon and she survives him along with two daughters, Julie (Kevin) Sorenson and their children, Nate, Adam, and Kelsey of Whitehall, Amy (Adam) Glaser and their children, Jaitey and Lyric of Twin Lake; brothers and sisters, Jean (Max) Wierengo of Muskegon, William (Carla) Southland of Muskegon, Gloria (Keith) Shrum of Norton Shores; brother-in-law, Rev. Dr. Gordon Laman of Holland; two sisters-in-law, Joane Southland of Roosevelt Park and Beth (Philmore) Higginbotham of Georgia; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Philip and Daniel Southland; and one sister, Evon Laman. SERVICES will be 11:00 AM Thursday at The Sytsema Chapel, 737 Apple Ave., (231) 726-5210, with Rev. James Keck officiating. Burial will be in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. VISITATION with the family will be from 6-8 PM Wednesday. MEMORIALS to the American Diabetes Association will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
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