Roger Allen Westrate's Obituary
Mr. Roger Allen Westrate, age 82, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, August 28, 2021. He was committed to his Savior, Christ Jesus, and was a dedicated and caring husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Roger was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on August 5, 1939 to Gare and Alberta (Sportel) Westrate. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served in Korea. Roger was employed by the State of Michigan Department of Labor as a Field Investigator for 20 years prior to his retirement in 1991. He served as a board member at New Era Christian School and was a member of New Era CRC where he served as elder and deacon. Roger served on the Whitehall City Council for 10 years and served on the committee to plan and construct the White Lake Library. He served as a volunteer in several capacities for the American Red Cross for approximately 15 years. He also served with his wife Bonnie for many years leading Bible studies and mentoring young people at the Muskegon County Youth Home under Youth for Christ. He enjoyed fishing particularly for salmon in Lake Michigan. He enjoyed camping and looked forward to the annual family campout at Ludington State Park. On July 1, 1963, Roger married the former Bonnie K. Sipsma in Kalamazoo, she survives him along with four children, Jacquelyn (Bruce) Lownds, Douglas (Lori) Westrate, Deryl (Jennifer) Westrate, and Jill (Rev. Randy) Smit, eight grandchildren, Bonny (Randy) Doctor, Schuyler (Catherine) Lownds, Daniel (Alyssa) Westrate, Luke (Samantha) Westrate, Jamie Westrate, Jillian (Travis) Winters, Samantha (Ryan) Justian, and Erin (Andrew) Hill; 13 great-grandchildren, William “Liam”, Molly, Julliette, Lucy, Jude, Jacob, Zoe, Avalyne, Calleigh, Payson, Ailah, Nora, and Jack; brothers, Duane (Marge) Westrate and Rev. Kenneth (Ruth) Westrate; sister, Sally Worden; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mom, Mary Eleanor Price; and brother-in-law, Mike Worden. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held at 12:00 PM Saturday, September 11, 2021 at New Era CRC (1820 Ray Ave, New Era, MI 49446). VISITATION with his family will be one hour prior to the service. A PRIVATE graveside service with military honors will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery. MEMORIALS in memory of Roger may be directed to New Era Christian School, 1901 Oak Ave, New Era, MI 49446, newerachristian.org . You may sign his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442.
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