Ronald Westendorp

Ronald Lee Westendorp, born to Ed and Alice (VandenBerg) Westendorp on December 23, 1944, breathed his last and ran into the arms of Jesus on September 28, 2020. He is survived by Jan and their seven children Vince (Sandy) Westendorp, Geri (Phil) Witt, Gina (Dave) Mast, Ed (Onawa Terburg) Westendorp, Greg (Michelle) Westendorp, Wendy (Brian) Tillema, and Rose (John) Rakers; 21 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Senetta Welker; sisters-in-law Ida Westendorp, Nancee Westendorp, and Cindy Mejeur; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Don, Ruth, Jake, Ed, Gary, and Al.

Ron spent his life in and around Martin where he was raised on his dad’s farm and found his love for the land and country. After graduating from East Martin Christian School and Kalamazoo Christian High School, he then bought his own farm in 1965 (with a “little help” from his dad).

Ron met Jan at Woodland Roller Rink in 1966, and both were smitten after the first skate. They married in 1967, and had hot rods for cars – Dad’s Tempest and Mom’s 1965 Mustang. The family grew fast as well, in 1968, 1969, 1972, 1975, and 1977 when Vince, Geri, Gina, Ed, and Greg were born. The family was blessed again in the 80s and 90s when Wendy and Rose were grafted into the family.

The kids learned about waking up on time, as well as working hard. Baling hay in July was hot and hard work, as the elevator was sometimes loaded in such a way that it looked like there was only one long hay bale coming up, but those days always ended with a cool swim – often at Fenner Lake where Uncle Gary and Aunt Nancee had a summer home.

The family farm became known as the Come Again Dairy Farm. It grew over the years in herd and acreage with the Kimmel farm becoming part of the property in 1974. The Holstein herd grew to 150 head. During these years, Ron met many great folks and recognized the importance of reliable farm animal transportation. By the late 80s, Ron and Jan choose to exit the dairy business and sold the herd in October 1989.

Ron and Jan had worked with Bert Schipper for Come Again’s cattle hauling needs, and God’s timing and plan were revealed as they acquired Bert’s business due to his retirement. Renaming the business Come Again Trucking, Ron enjoyed this work. He was able to continue working with and meeting others in the ag world as they worked the land and provided for their families and communities. The long drives provided another chance to see the normal, everyday beauty of our world – and the chance to have ride-alongs from family and friends.

By the early 2000s, since many grandkids had joined the family, Ron and Jan decided to build a more accessible home that worked for large gatherings. The house was finished in 2003, and Ron proudly returned to working the earth in the more personal scale of their garden. Huge amounts of vegetables and sweet corn became the norm, much to the delight of family and neighbors.

Ron especially enjoyed making and sharing root beer floats with grandkids and guests. In recent years, Ron picked up a golf cart for garden use, although its real use was revealed when the grandkids wanted rides. He also used this cart for rides to the Come Again farmhouses, to see Ed’s family or Greg’s family, often finding recyclables or collectibles along the way, some of which caused great amusement for the family and visitors.

In 2015, Ron and Jan sold the livestock hauling business and said they were retired. But this was just a shift, as they focused they energy to other good things. Ron became the chief expediter for Ed’s Truck Repair and often had grandkids and others riding shotgun. Ron and Jan both spent many hours helping at the Martin Resource Center. Ron and Jan also spent more and more time facing the challenges of certain heart and lung issues.

Ron knew that he was loved by our God and saved by grace through his Savior Jesus Christ. In turn, he cared deeply for the church and school, enjoyed serving as a deacon, elder, and board member through the years. His abiding desire was that every person he met would grow to know our creator God as their personal Lord and Savior.

Over the past weeks, Ron’s physical health declined too quickly, and yet, he remained sharp, willing to enjoy the company of family and friends. He remained in good spirits and was primarily concerned with Jan’s health and care. There were good days where our hopes would bounce up, and challenging days where he spoke in ways to prepare us for when he would leave us to go to his Eternal Home.

On one of these good days, Ron decided to hop on the golf cart for another drive around the block. On this ride – like so many other times when driving around on tractors, trucks, and this cart – he found friends and family to talk with and took 60 minutes to make a 20 minute trip.

So, the family is sad that Ron has left us for now and excited that he will be waiting for us in heaven. Everyone will someday depart this imperfect earth, and may each hear His master reply, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21)

As we grieve and celebrate together, please respect and utilize the current guidance with respect to COVID. We are grateful for the travel and other sacrifices being made during this time of remembrance. If you or a loved one is showing symptoms, please consider joining us via live streaming during the service of remembrance (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLob99x9FcM&feature=youtu.be).

Visitation will be held Friday, October 2 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Martin Reformed Church, 1073 W. Allegan St., Martin, MI. Funeral services begin at noon on Saturday, October 3 at Martin Reformed Church, with one hour of visitation prior to the service. A luncheon will immediately follow the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Martin Resource Center, Martin Reformed Church, or East Martin Christian Schools. The family welcomes memories and messages in their online guestbook at www.kubiakcookwayland.com.

To view the Keepsake Video please click on the link below.

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/342MWKNFLM8HLRTX