Peter George Van Hoesen's Obituary
Mr. Peter George Van Hoesen, age 76, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at his home. He was born on January 13, 1944 to Homer and Dorothy (Thurston) Van Hoesen in Muskegon. A lifelong resident of the area, Pete graduated from North Muskegon High School in 1962. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1967, where he was a member of the Alpha Chi Sigma professional fraternity. While a student, Pete met the love of his life, Laura Sue Silverston, in a biochemistry class. They were married on August 9, 1969 in Dearborn, MI. Continuing his educational career, Pete attended Grand Valley State University and earned his MBA in 1982. As a child of two educators, helping others achieve their own educational goals was a lifelong passion for Pete. He worked at S. D. Warren in a number of different positions for 37 years before retiring in 2004. He was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church and a former member of Central United Methodist Church. Pete lived a life of service to his community and was a member of Muskegon Y’s Men’s Club, Muskegon Vikings Linne Lodge No. 57, Muskegon Power Squadron and several other volunteer organizations. For over 40 years, Pete was a member of the Hook & Horn Club. Pete enjoyed woodworking, gardening, hunting, fishing, canoeing, hiking and anything else where he could enjoy the outdoors. Pete will be lovingly missed by his wife of 50 years, Laura Sue; daughter, Laura (Eric) Effken and grandchildren: Jacob and Thomas Van Hoesen, and Abigail, Sophia, Elliot and Chase Effken; daughter Marian (Jeffrey) Plymale and grandchildren: Walter, George, and Esther Plymale; sister, Shirley (David) Colby; brothers-in-law, Alan Silverston and Martin Rayl; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters-in-law, Neva Rayl and Monica Silverston. Due to the current health situation concerning the COVID-19 virus, a private family burial will take place with a public funeral service to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Land Conservancy of West Michigan (https://naturenearby.org/get-involved/donate/) in Pete’s name. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Please share a memory with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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