Paul Urban

There are some people who are always willing to help others, and then there a few who additionally go the extra mile. Paul Urban was just this kind of man as his tender heart and spirit of compassion extended to all those within his reach. He never hesitated to do what needed to be done in order to nurture the girls in his life, and when grandchildren came along, nothing could have thrilled Paul more. He was never one to sit around, but always had some sort of project in the works as puttering around the house was one of his favorite hobbies. Paul was a man of faith with a gentle spirit who leaves behind a legacy rich in devotion, quiet strength, and unconditional love that will surely withstand the test of time.

The early forties were a time when our nation was deeply entrenched in fighting for the preservation of freedom for our nation and for nations around the world. Countless numbers of American men were serving overseas, while their families back home awaited their return. This was the case in the family of Lester and Charlotte (Reinhart) Urban. It was while Lester was serving his country that they welcomed the birth of their first child, Paul Joseph, on July 31, 1943. Paul was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and when he was just four months old, his father sadly became one of the soldiers who were killed in the line of duty, without ever having seen his newborn son. Paul soon moved to Holland, Michigan with his mother. During his younger years, Paul and his mother lived next door to Dykstra Funeral Home. Young Paul would often try to join in the funeral procession with his wagon – until his mother came to retrieve him. His mother often said that she needed to have eyes in the back of her head to keep up with him! As a young boy, Paul enjoyed many things that young boys often do such as hunting and playing both basketball and softball. Charlotte met, and eventually married John Hindert. She and John welcomed a son, Tom, creating a family of four where there had once been only two.

During his high school years, life turned in an exciting direction for Paul. He attended Holland High School where he met the young girl with whom he would later create the family he treasured. Her name was Betty Southern, and they met in typing class. They dated for four years during which time Paul graduated from high school in 1961. After their relationship blossomed into true love, Paul and Betty became husband and wife on August 29, 1964. Initially, Paul took a job with Vandenberg Motor in order to support his new bride. He later became involved in the construction industry pouring walls for both Van Loo and Ken Wiersma Poured Walls. Eventually, Paul worked for West Michigan Fleet Parts where he remained until he retired in 2000.

Work was certainly a necessary part of Paul’s life, but his true heartbeat was for his family. He and Betty were blessed with two wonderful daughters, Michelle and Tracy. Paul was an attentive father who viewed this role as both his greatest responsibility and his greatest blessing. While their girls were in grade school, Betty volunteered to work on an event and decorate at school, but when something came up, she was unable to do so. Paul stepped in to take her place, becoming “one of the ladies.” Although this was a bit out of his normal area of expertise, his girls were pretty sure he loved the experience.

Throughout his life, Paul enjoyed a variety of activities. He loved playing sports of all kinds and was a true competitor at heart, especially when it came to tennis and golf. After retirement, Paul and Betty wintered in a senior park in Mesa, Arizona, where they had great fun and met numerous great friends. While there, he loved to golf, and he and Betty played tennis in senior leagues. Paul additionally enjoyed fishing and working on home improvement projects around the house. In fact, he always had a project of some kind going on. When his family grew to include grandchildren, spending time with this younger generation became one of Paul’s favorite hobbies. He loved having all of his grandchildren at Tyler Creek Golf Club & Campground while they were growing up. Together, they did lots of golfing and fishing, and Paul gave them endless golf cart rides, too. They always had campfires at night where the laughter and family times continued to unfold. Paul and Betty also spent a lot of time at Sandy Pines with their children and their families.

Life became more of a challenge for Paul when he began suffering from multiple myeloma, a cancer of the white blood cells. During this time, shared moments became even more precious to their family, and the words they so often said took on new meaning. “Hug someone you love - keep looking up!” was a family favorite and as Paul was battling cancer, Betty remarked that it is always easy to take the simple act of hugging someone for granted until you can’t anymore since this had become their reality during various times throughout Paul’s treatments.

Paul Urban was a man who greatly impacted the lives of those around him through his kindness, compassion, and sacrificial acts. He was an extraordinary husband, father, and grandfather who never tired of making sure his family knew how deeply they were loved. Paul was a man of many interests throughout his life, yet the times he treasured most were the times spent with his family. Whether around a roaring campfire, on the tennis court, or just in the everyday moments of life. Paul and his family often said things to each other such as “nothing dies that is remembered,” “you will always be remembered.” These have now become so much more than words as they are now pieces of the memories they have of the beloved man they will forever cherish. As his family now says goodbye, they will hold fast to each and every time they told Paul “we love you.”

Paul Joseph Urban of Holland died on Sunday, February 21, 2010 in Arkansas. Paul’s family includes his wife of 45 years, Betty, of Holland; daughters, Michelle (Curt) DenUyl, and Tracy (Kurt Knapp) Ende, both of Holland; grandchildren, Andrew Rathbun (Molly Downer), Corey DenUyl, Cameron DenUyl, and Aubrey Ende; brother, Tom Hindert (Pam Barnaby); in-laws, James (Evie) Southern, Carol (Dan) Klemple, Keith (Denise) Bryan; father-in-law, Marshall Bryan; step sister, Sharon Saur; very special friends, Bob and Linda Davis, of Sand Point, Idaho; nieces, nephews, and cousins. Paul was preceded in death by his parents Charlotte and John. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, 11:00am, at the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 295 Douglas Ave., Holland. Officiating will be the Rev. Bill Doubblestein. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, from 5-8 p.m. at funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial contribution to Little Rock Church, 10701 West Baseline Rd., Little Rock, Ark. 72209. Memo: H.A.F.H. (Home Away From Home). The Home Away From Home program is a ministry that helps myeloma patients by leasing furnished apartments to their families. They also help by paying utility bills and are there to support them as needed. It is truly a ministry God has his hand on!