Paul Schieringa

Paul Schieringa was a Christian, and a man who had several careers, some of which included accountant, professional actor and singer. He volunteered in many community theatre’s and communities. He was surprised to be asked to teach in Guam, while he was picking his wife Patti up from her teaching job there. He became certified as a teacher in Guam. He was also a father, husband, grandfather and friend who always strove to make things better at home and at the workplace.

Born March 28, 1934 in Holland, Michigan to Peter and Mary (Van Kampen) Schieringa, Paul was an only child. Peter and Mary worked hard to raise their son during the Depression years and the World War II years that followed. Paul grew up in the Holland area and attended Holland Public Schools. He was active in the Boy Scouts and cherished the time he spent with his grandparents. The Schieringa family attended the Fourth Reformed Church. Paul and Patti returned to Fourth Reformed Church until the stairs were too much for him and transferred to 14th St. C.R.C.

While in high school, he was involved in band, operating the sound at the Civic Center. After high school, Paul enrolled at Hope College where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 1957. While at Hope, he was on call for emergency blood transfusions for Blue Babies at Holland Hospital. He was even called out of class to give vein to vein blood transfusions from a special blood type. He also received a Master’s of Divinity from Founding Church, Washington D.C. in 1963. He started choirs and/or directed choirs in many churches the rest of his life.

At the thirty-year reunion of Hope College, Paul met a special lady named Patti Poling Knoll. Once Paul met her, he couldn’t stay away, and kept showing up to talk, discuss and debate. These weren’t exactly dates, and many of their meetings ended up in heated discussions; but through these talks they realized that they were “of like minds”. While Patti was teaching at Vacation Bible School on July 14, 1987, Paul left a message on her bulletin board that read, “What are you doing for the rest of your life?” Patti called Paul telling him about how the class was. She had not seen the bulletin board. He told her where the note was, and she answered yes knowing that he never held grudges and they always had settled every discussion, setting the tone for their future relationship! A friend asked Patti, “do you love him”, and she responded, “No, but I will”, and she did. The two were married at Peace Lutheran Church on December 27, 1987.

Paul was the director of the Croswell Opera House in Adrian, MI, for a time, and then went to a job in Toledo, OH. In June, 1991, Paul found a job advertisement for Patti to teach in Guam. He told her to apply and that “she could always turn it down”. She called, got an appointment in Bowling Green, OH. She returned home with a temporary contract, depending on police clearance and her health.

They had one month clear everything in two states, Michigan and Ohio in order to move to Guam.

Paul became the ultimate stepfather, welcoming Patti’s children with warmth and love. They in turn, along with their children, reciprocated with warmth and love as well.

For his selfless volunteer efforts in Guam, Paul was awarded the Ancient Order of Chamorri by the Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez, and was made an honorary citizen of Guam. Paul felt very honored.

His stage name was Paul Shearing, and he belonged to American Federation of T.V. and Radio Artists (AFTRA). Patti jokingly said that Paul “got the girl many times” (on stage and her in real life). One of the roles that brought Paul the greatest joy was the role of Santa Clause at Christmas time. He brightened Christmas for many children who still cherish the memories of these special times.

After retirement, Paul continued to enjoy acting, crossword puzzles, and sports on T.V. He also watched musicals, organ programs and shows featuring Perry Como and Tony Bennet. He loved “overseeing” the gardening and watching the antics of the squirrels at the bird feeder, from the comfort of his recliner.

Paul was a loving, thoughtful man, who in his quiet way touched the lives of many. He gave of his time, in every community he lived in. His volunteer service in theatre, with children and in church brought joy to many. He will be remembered with love by his stepchildren, wife and friends, as well as all who were blessed to know him.

Paul Kenneth Schieringa, age 74, of Holland, died Friday, February 27, 2009, at Holland Hospital.

Preceding him in death were two children, Kerry Knoll and Kurt Knoll.

Surviving are his wife of 21 years, Patti; children, Paul and Barb Knoll, of Berrien Springs, Rochelle Knoll, of Holland, and David H. Knoll, of Holland; grandchildren, Deanna Knoll, Dan Ridlington, and Darryl Knoll; and many cousins.

A memorial service will be Sunday, March 8, 2009, (approximately 1:00p.m.) at 14th Street Christian Reformed Church following a noon lunch at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to any area rescue mission or food pantry.

Arrangements are by the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, Holland.

Please visit www.lifestorynet.com for further information.