Ronald Lee Westendorp of Martin died Sept. 28. He was 75.
Ron started life on 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 bought his own farm in 1965,
Ron met Jan at Woodland Roller Rink in 1966, and 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 1980s and ’90s when Wendy and Rose were grafted into the family.
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. By the late ’80s, Ron and Jan choose to exit the dairy business and sold the herd in October 1989.
The couple acquired Bert Schipper’s trucking business due to his retirement to launch Come Again Trucking
Ron and Jan decided to build a more accessible home that worked for large gatherings. The house was finished in 2003, and Ron 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.
In 2015, Ron and Jan sold the livestock hauling business and said they were retired. But he 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.
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.
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, Ed and Alice (VandenBerg) Westendorp, and his siblings Don, Ruth, Jake, Ed, Gary, and Al.
A family spokesperson said, “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 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 at Martin Reformed Church, 1073 W. Allegan St., Martin. The funeral will be at noon on Saturdayat 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.
