Jack C. Van Artsen Sr. went to be with his Lord on Saturday, February 22, 2020. As a man who had a love for fast cars and speed, we’re pretty sure that he is racing around heaven with pipe smoke in his wake.
Jack was the son of the late John and Gertrude (Hespel) VanArtsen and was born March 2, 1938 in Grand Rapids, MI., where he grew up and attended Central High School. He competed in Golden Glove boxing tournaments and served in the US Army for 2 years, being trained as a paratrooper.
Jack then married the love of his life, Marilyn (Cox) VanArtsen on April 3, 1965. Together they resided and raised their two children on the northeast side of Grand Rapids while he worked for the City of Grand Rapids in the traffic department followed by 25+ years as a Parks Department Supervisor. Jack will be remembered for his “go with the flow” philosophy towards life and his love of spending time with his family, NASCAR, U of M football, Detroit Tigers and Lions, camping, bowling and attending the many sporting events for his grand kids.
Jack is survived by his wife Marilyn, his two children Jack (Soroya) Van Artsen, Colleen (Clare) Murphy; three grandchildren, Dylan, Logan and Elise; and numerous other friends and family who will miss him dearly.
Services for Jack will be held at Reyers North Valley Chapel (2815 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI) on Saturday, February 29 at 11am with Visitation on Friday, February 28 from 6-8pm and Saturday, 10-11am. Family and friends may gather afterwards for a celebration luncheon.
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