Richard L. VanWestrienen's Obituary
Richard Leslie "Dick" VanWestrienen, 83, of Rodney passed away Friday, April 27, 2012. He was born June 11, 1928 in Martiny Township, the son of Leslie and Florence (Smith)VanWestrienen. Dick graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1946. He served for three years in the United States Air Force Military Police, Motorcycle Division. Dick had an interesting career beginning as a Mail Carrier with the United States Postal Service, then a building contractor and for his last 40 years, an electrical contractor. During retirement he enjoyed winters in Texas, cooking, gardening and games with his grandchildren. He is survived by Stella, his wife of 60 years, four children, Mary Lou Chidester of Fairborn, OH, Larry (Jen) VanWestrienen of Phoenix, AZ, Bette Belic of Marquette, MI, Sue Ann (Harvey) Adamczak of Lake Ann, MI, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Also surviving, are two brothers, David (Ruthann) VanWestrienen of Phoenix, AZ, Dale (Kathy) VanWestrienen of Spring, TX, one sister, Dolores (Linn) Westover of Evansville, IN plus several nephews and nieces. Dick was preceded in death by his parents and one son-in-law, Paul Belic. A memorial service for Dick will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 11, 2012 at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Big Rapids with Pastor John Bookshaw officiating. His family will greet friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. prior to services. Burial will follow at Martiny Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
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