Judy Keizer, one of the pioneers as a paramedic for Wayland Area Emergency Services, and a clerk in the offices at Wayland City Hall, died Monday at an area hospital. She was 63.
Word on the street was that she died of meningitis.
A spokesperson for WAEMS said today on Facebook, “Judy was one of our earliest paramedics here at Wayland EMS and served in that position for 30 years. She was one of the best, able to balance professionalism and compassion effortlessly.
“She also served on the Wayland Area EMS Board of Directors, currently as secretary. She was committed to her community and served in many ways over her lifetime. She was a devoted Christian, mom, grandma, paramedic, MEI, board member and community member.”
Judy was a loving mother, wonderful grandmother and lived a life devoted to Jesus Christ. Her life impacted so many others through her work and service to the community and she wore many “hats,” sometimes all at once. Judy was a dedicated paramedic with Wayland Area EMS (30 years), a nurse aide at the Laurels of Sandy Creek (10 years), an Allegan County Medical Examiner Investigator (more than 20 years), and she spent time as a support member of the Wayland Fire Department.
Judy was an active member of Wayland Christian Reformed Church. She used the gifts God provided her and shared her talents with others by playing piano, singing on the worship team, attending Bible study, and helping out in many other various ways. Her faith carried her through to becoming a cancer survivor more than once.
She is survived by her children Lisa (Josh) Link, April Miller, Angie (Nate) Smith; granddaughters McKenzie and Lauren; siblings Jerry Keizer, Jackie Keizer, Lori (Randy) Jager, Larry (Jeannie) Keizer; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Howard and Kathleen Keizer, and sister, Linda Hibma.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 17, at Wayland Christian Reformed Church, 303 E. Elm St.and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at the church. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at the Christian Reformed Church.
She touched the lives of so many others and the family would like to give back any excess money as donations to Wayland Area Emergency Medical Services and Wayland Christian Reformed Church. Donations may be made at Judy Keizer’s Memorial Website on Ever Loved.
