Paul Edward Wistrom

Birth date: Jul 30, 1930 Death date: May 13, 2014

Paul E. Wistrom, health nut, World War II buff, passionate poker player, marathoner – and a generous, kind man - died Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at the age of 83. After giving up cigarettes and alcohol, Paul zealously eschewed trans f Read Obituary

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Grand Haven Chapel

620 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven MI 49417

6168426100

Bill Garrigan

620w ago

My name is Bill Garrigan. I taught Spanish at MCC from 1970-1998. Paul and I were colleagues in the English department for some years. Early on he and I had a major disagreement on smoking. He and Bob Ribesky insisted on smoking during our departmental meetings and I insisted on no one being allowed to smoke. I was very glad to learn from your wonderfully-written obituary that Paul eventually abandoned cigarettes. I was also glad to learn that Paul felt so strong about using correct grammar. Some of my students were annoyed with me because on exams and homework I took off for mistakes in English as well as mistakes in Spanish. (Kevin, I think that you were a student in my classes at one time. I remember you as a very good student, and I don't remember ever having a problem with your understanding of English.) I remember Paul after his retirement as a very kind man who went to great lengths to give money to poor people as he traveled about the country. May his memory be of great comfort to all of you. Bill Garrigan

Nancy Hindenach

620w ago

I remember Mr. Wistrom, my MCC intro to non-fiction instructor, with great respect and admiration. His great expectations, demand for excellence, energy and enthusiasm inspired and enriched thousands of students.

Thank you for sharing your family memories of him with us.

Nancy Dyer Hindenach
MCC 1967-1969

Carolyn M Sturrus

620w ago

Paul is fondly remembered as a colleague & friend at MCC. Years go by and paths go different directions. Memories linger and fond thoughts go out to Paul's family. May your memories bring you peace and love. Sincerely, Carolyn Iversen Sturrus

Roy Portenga

621w ago

Kevin, you have my deepest sympathy. As you may remember, your father was my English teacher at MCC. If I have any writing ability at all, I owe it all to him. When deciding themes to write on, he asked,"what are your passions? Decide what they are, write on them, and don't give me any flowery language, write from your gut." In a much larger sense, what a life lesson. There are a handful of teachers that I feel changed my life. Paul was one of them. May God be with you as you grieve his passing and celebrate his life. Roy Portenga

Joyce Scott

621w ago

I am saddened to read of Paul's death in this week's Beacon, and extend my sympathy to his family for their loss. His obituary was very interesting and well written. I am sorry however that by the time I read it his visitation had ended only hours before. I would have liked to have attended. We were classmates at WHS and friends as well. I can still picture how handsome Paul looked in his navy uniform. When my husband Jim died 11 yrs ago it was so kind of him to call and offer his condolences. I regret having lost touch with Paul in recent years. Annually it is my honor to place Poppies, on behalf of our local American Legion Auxiliary, on the graves of departed members. As I place one on his mother Blenda's this Memorial Weekend, I will also be remembering Paul with gratitude for his service to our country and his contribution to making our world a better place. Peace be with all of you at this difficult time.
- Joyce Scott

Ramona Femenias

621w ago

Created a new album - New Album Name.

Kelly Chapman

621w ago

Sending my deepest sympathy to you, Chris, for the loss of Paul. I hope it helps to know that others are holding you close in thought. May you feel God's presence especially near to you during this painful time.

Jan Cummins

621w ago

When I had my first exchange students from China "Vincent" was robbed at knifepoint of $30 at the bus transit center. While his host mother (me) bawled and sniffled for days at what might have happened, Paul sent $30 from MI here to Vincent in MN. Vincent was amazed that someone who did not know him would do that. But that was Paul's generous nature. My condolences to all of you. Chris, he could not have had better care than what you gave him as long as you could and then obtained for him. No more suffering for him now.

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Grand Haven Chapel

620 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven MI 49417

6168426100

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