Paul E. Wabeke

Paul E. Wabeke, age 93, of Holland, was set free from the struggles of his life and received into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 16, 2014.

Paul was born on August 18, 1920, in Holland, to Cornelius and Catherine (Veltman) Wabeke. He attended Holland schools and graduated from Holland High School. After living in Detroit for a brief time, he returned to Holland to raise his family. He became a building contractor and built many homes in the Holland Heights area. He left the contracting business and started a small business in Graafschap called Wabeke Woodcraft. The company manufactured a patented bulletin board that was sold in stores across America.

Paul spent the last 40 years of his life as a self-appointed "watchdog" over the activities of local government and was often present at City Council meetings. He made one unsuccessful run for the office of mayor. For many years, Paul was well known locally for driving his Volkswagen bus with the smiley face hubcaps. He was an avid cyclist, riding his bicycle well into his 93rd year.

Paul is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Wabeke of Florida; son, Mark Wabeke and Kathy Stasko of Florida; and his son, Ross and Sally Wabeke of Colorado; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be at 12 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland, with Rev. Ralph Houston officiating. Visitation will be one hour (11-noon) prior to the service. Interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff at Wildwood Creek Manor and Heartland of Holland for the loving care they provided for Paul in his later years.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be given to Hospice of Holland or the charity of one's choice. An online condolence registry is available at www.langelandsterenberg.com.