Herman Menno Weststrate passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 1, 2018, at the age of 94. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Mildred (Eves). He is survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Carl (Terri) Eves; children, Herman (Bonnie) Weststrate, Jill (Alex) Jazey, Janice (Joel) Gargagliano, Linda (George) Ignatoski; 11 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Herman proudly served in the US Army during WWII, enlisting at Camp Custer, MI. He served as a bow gunner in the 11th Armored Division at Camp Polk, LA, and with the 713th Tank Battalion during the Okinawa Campaign in 1945. After returning home from WWII, he began his career at General Motors Fisher Body Plant in Wyoming, MI. He retired in 1982 after 32 years of service. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, horseshoe and bowling leagues, and attending WWII reunions with the 713th Tank Battalion. He was devoted to caring for his wife, Mildred, until she passed away in 2000. Visitation will be held Sunday, April 8, 3-6:00 p.m. at Roth-Gerst Chapel, 305 N. Hudson, Lowell, MI 49331. Funeral will be held Monday, April 9, 11:00 a.m. at Evergreen Missionary Church, 10501 Settlewood, Lowell, MI 49331. Rev. Bill Hossler officiating. Military honors will be held under the auspices of the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard and the US Army National Guard at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Flat River VFW Post 8303, 3116 Alden Nash SE, Lowell, MI 49331; or Lowell Senior Neighbors, 314 S. Hudson, Lowell, MI 49331.
