Paul Bekker

Paul Herman Bekker, age 89, passed away in Illinois from complications of COVID-19 on January 17, 2021.

He had Alzheimer’s, but was able to enjoy life in an assisted living facility near family the past few years.

Paul was born and lived most of his life in Holland, MI. He married his high school sweetheart and was married for 66 years before Millie’s passing in 2019. After graduation from Holland High School he attended Hope and Davenport colleges. He joined the Air Force during the Korean War, serving as a crew chief on B-29 bombers in Tucson, Arizona. Paul retired from Thermatron after 28 years in purchasing.

Paul will be remembered for his humor, dancing, and volunteering at church, with music groups, and at his condo complex. He loved God, music, singing, tennis, golf, (he even had a hole-in-one once), watching all sports, and his family. He was a member of Holland Barbershop Chorus for 42 years, sang with Evergreen chorus, and directed and sang in groups while wintering in Texas and Florida. He was charter member of Fellowship Reformed Church, having served as their first treasurer. He remained active in the church for many years.

After retiring, Paul and Millie took a big trip every year visiting many countries outside the U.S. and most states in the U.S. They often travelled to Des Moines, IA, Glen Ellyn, IL and Farmington, MI to see their kids and grandkids and watch them participate in their various activities.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Millie, his parents Herman and Minnie Bekker, brother Dale, and sister Margie.

Paul is survived by: his children Karen (Dr. Michael) Warner of Glen Ellyn; Tom (Tricia) Bekker of Farmington Hills; and Kris Bekker of Waukee IA; his grandchildren Pastor Kevin (Adrianne) Warner of Des Moines; Sean (Whitney) Warner of Hoffman Estates; Trent and Leah Bekker of Farmington Hills; and great grandchildren Mitchell, Phoebe, James, Lucia, and twins expected in April. He is also survived by sister-in-law Gari Bekker, brother-in-laws Wally (Karen) Rooks and Paul (Molly) Breuker, along with his special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, May 28, 2021 at Fellowship Reformed Church, 2165 W. Lakewood Blvd in Holland. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Immediately after the service everyone is welcome to stay for coffee, lemonade and cookies. Following the time of sharing memories family and friends are invited to the graveside service with military honors at the Pilgrim Home Cemetery, 370 East 16th Street, Holland, MI 49423 (on the southside of 16th street and at the far west end of the cemetery). The service will be livestreamed http://www.fellowshipreformed.org/livestream at 1:00 pm.

Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Homes-Downtown Chapel.