Jack van Becelaere, 92, of Grosse Pointe Woods, passed away peacefully Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, at his home, surrounded by family and friends during his brief home hospice stay.
He was a Father Solanus miracle baby, born Feb. 20, 1929, in the family home in Grosse Pointe to Adiel and Marie van Becelaere (née Warnez), both now deceased.
He grew up in Grosse Pointe, graduated from Grosse Pointe High School in the December class and went to work at a Chevrolet plant, as well as entered the U.S. Naval Reserves. He went on active duty on a destroyer escort along the East Coast and after his honorable discharge, used the GI Bill to attend the University of Detroit, University of Texas and University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he met the love of his life, Shirley Clark, whom he married shortly after graduating.
After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, Jack joined Chrysler Defense, earning his Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering through the Chrysler Institute. He then moved to General Motors where he had a 30-year career in various engineering and administrative positions, finally retiring to keep up with his commitments to family and church.
Jack was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend who treated everyone he met with much respect. He was a longtime member of Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church and served in nearly every capacity available to lay members. After Shirley’s death, Jack reinvented himself, revealing previously unknown musical talents, playing guitar and singing in worship and at special events.
Jack is survived by his son, Charlie (Heidi); daughter, Jacki Rumpp (Gary); grandson, Christian van Becelaere (Mariam Aoraha); and granddaughters, Alecia Ward (J.T.), and Kayla and Faith Rumpp. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Shirley, his parents and his younger sister, Joan.
A memorial celebration of Jack's life will be held at a later date at Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church's memorial fund.
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