Mr. Paul R. Sytsema's Obituary
Mr. Paul Robert Sytsema, 38, passed away Thursday, November 1, 2012 at Metro Hospital in Wyoming, MI after a sudden, unexpected health problem; and woke up in the arms of his faithful savior, Jesus Christ. Born December 17, 1973 to Bob and Mary (Heethuis) Sytsema, Paul grew up in Muskegon and graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School. He also was a graduate of Calvin College and Michigan State University, where he obtained a Masters Degree in English. Paul married the former Stephanie DeWitt on July 27, 1996, in Grand Haven. He worked at Calvin College in Grand Rapids as an administrative-assistant to the Provost. Paul was a member of Ridgewood Christian Reformed Church in Jenison, where he had served as an Elder and Clerk of the Church Council. Paul was a big man who loved his family, loved his friends, and loved to laugh. He was a man of Faith and Integrity. His SURVIVORS include his wife, Stephanie; daughters Ella and Maggie; his parents, Bob and Mary Sytsema of Norton Shores; brother, Marty (Heidi) Sytsema of Muskegon; sisters Sarah (Andy) Kanaar of Fruitport and Katie Sytsema currently with the Mennonite Central Committee in Mozambique, Africa; his grandmother, Helen Sytsema of Muskegon; and Stephanie’s parents, Charlie and Carol DeWitt of Ferrysburg; and sisters-in-law, Dawn (Eric) Rotman and Wendy (Greg) VanWoerkom and many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. The FUNERAL SERVICE for Paul will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at Ridgewood Christian Reformed Church (1571 Baldwin St., Jenison, MI 49428), with his friend and former-pastor, the Rev. Joel Boot, officiating. Interment will be in Grandville Cemetery. VISITATION with his family will be Tuesday, November 6th from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at The Lee Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444 231-798-1100. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS for the future education of Ella and Maggie would be appreciated; and may be made payable to Fifth-Third Bank. Please visit the family’s online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com to leave a message or find directions.
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