At peace in Christ's promise that "I go to prepare a place for you...that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:1-3), Eugene Dewey Westra (Gene) passed away on September 19, 2020, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Preceded by his parents Dewey and Nellie (Koetje) Westra and his brothers Doré and James Westra, he is survived by his wife, Helen Petter Westra; daughter Marie and son-in-law Scott Vander Linde, daughter Rachel Mary Westra, son Arend and daughter-in-law Magdalena (Bonnin) Westra; grandchildren Annica (Vander Linde) and Peter Quakenbush, Kristin Vander Linde, Alexander and Helena Westra; and great grandchildren Linden Louise and Little John Quakenbush.
Born on December 18, 1933, in Detroit, Gene grew up in the fold of the Dutch Christian Reformed community there. The youngest of three brothers, he developed an early fondness for plants, animals, and agriculture during summer stays on family farms near Randolph,
Wisconsin, and Falmouth, Michigan. As a young man, Gene served in the Army on active duty and in the reserves. Following his military service, Gene studied at Calvin College and did his graduate work in History and Latin American Studies at the University of
Wisconsin and Michigan State University. While at Calvin, Gene met and courted fellow student Helen Petter, and the two wed on June 14, 1958, launching a steadfast 62-year marriage.
A master teacher, Gene had a lifelong commitment to Christian education, initially at West Side Christian School, Holland, Michigan; then Central Wisconsin Christian High School, Waupun, Wisconsin; Eastern Christian High School, North Haledon, New Jersey; Dordt
Collège, Sioux Center, Iowa; and in the last decades of his career, Holland Christian Middle School. Throughout he was beloved by faculty and students alike. With his interest in plants, conservation and the environment, he served as a botanist and naturalist for the City of Holland's Windmill Island and for a number of years in the Hope College greenhouses. Known for his advocacy for social justice and environmentalism, Gene held
that God's Kingdom is alive and evident on earth as well as in heaven. Gene's teaching and service were inspired by his faith and hope in the coming of shalom:
the peace, harmony and wholeness God intended for all of his creation.
While in Holland, Gene also served as director of the Hope College Upward Bound Program, providing tutoring, counseling and mentoring for students aspiring to attend college. With a deep compassion for the hurting, lonely, and troubled, Gene rarely passed a homeless
person without stopping to offer a word of encouragement along with some food or money. Gene was an active member of various church congregations over the years, attending 14th Street Christian Reformed Church in Holland during the latter years of life. Well-known
for his love of choral music, Gene put his heart into directing church choirs. He sang regularly in the Holland Community Chorale and Evergreen Chorale, and frequently performed as a tenor soloist.
In summer and holiday breaks, Gene painted houses, tended his beloved gardens, cottaged near Interlochen with lifelong friends, and spent quality time "up north" at the family cabin. Gene loved the intimacy of small boats -- canoeing the Clam River, sailing on
Lake Macatawa, or water skiing on Long Lake.
Above all, Gene loved and cherished family, and together with Helen he went to great lengths to provide opportunities for family time and togetherness. There is nothing Gene loved more than quietly experiencing and sharing the natural world with his children, grandchildren
and great-grandchild. He is also remembered fondly for his loving visits to aunts, uncles, and distant relatives, and for the time spent with nephews, nieces and their children. He loved so many and so loyally. We will miss him profoundly. But we live in the
comfort and trust that he has passed on into the arms of his Lord.
Gene's Memorial Service will be held online via Zoom on 24 October 2020 at 3:00 pm Eastern Time. Please join the Westra family for the service by following the link to the Eugene Westra Memorial Service - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86151649530 - on your computer, tablet or smartphone. Visitors are invited to join the Zoom meeting before the service, between 2:30 and 3:00 pm. Those attendees wishing to listen to the service by telephone can do so by calling (312) 626-6799 and entering the Meeting ID 861 5164 9530. The service will last for approximately 45 minutes, followed by time for live remarks from friends and loved ones.
To request a calendar invitation to the service, and for email reminders and updates regarding the upcoming event, please send your name and email to [email protected]">[email protected]">[email protected]">[email protected].
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Resonate Global Mission. You may also wish to plant
a tree in Gene's memory at the Tribute Center Store. Online condolences and memories can be shared on Gene's family memorial at simplycremationservice.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Holland Sentinel on Sep. 27, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Westra

10 Entries

Amy Hertel Piersma

June 23, 2021

Gene was my beloved homeroom teacher in the eighth grade. Our classroom was on the second level of the very old and creeky middle school building in Holland. He and my father Jerry sang together in the Holland Choral. Years later, he was a dear friend to my husband and myself, and a loving mentor to our son. At my husband´s funeral, he informed me that Jim was now "safe"; the most blessed assurance! I am very grateful to have had you in my life, Gene. And I know that you are now safe. With Love, Amy

Rosemarie Reardon

November 22, 2020

As a clinical psychologist in Sioux Falls I worked for many years on one client we shared, Richard Kingston. It was a mission for Gene of love and deep commitment. We kept in touch every few years and he was a main of stellar character I will never forget.

Lucie Commeret Marsden

October 20, 2020

Gene was my high school history teacher at Eastern Christian high in 1966. He was a great teacher, fully dedicated, and really listened to students. He was a model of kindness and intellectual engagement. It was during the Vietnam War, which was of great concern to the young men approaching the age of the draft. He was open to debate and one of our classmates, Nola Opperwall challenge him with research and argument, and changed his mind. Really an open mind. His class was also great fun--very lively. He will be missed by all.

Paula & Bob Ter Haar

October 12, 2020

Bob and I were honored to be Gene (& Helen’s) neighbors for 11 years. He would come by w a rose or so to have me plant. Gave me advice on the birdhouses i was about to put up, making sure all for good for our bird friends! Always a wave across the field and let me know when his apples were ripe for picking! Loved that gentle man. PraiseOmg our Lord with Helen as he now sings in the Lord’s choir!

Trinie and Margaret Kleis

October 5, 2020

Our sympathy to the whole family. Gene was a special guy who lived what he taught. He stimulated my faith to a new level when I had him.always a deep and heartfelt smile. I’ve thought of him often as I drive by his previous home on 24 th street. We were blessed by Gene. Sorry for your loss

Nancy Leesman Eardley

October 4, 2020

Mr. Westra was my high school teacher at Eastern Christian High School in NJ. He made an immense impact on me with his teaching - such that I still have a copy of the statement that we, without "authority" placed on seats at our graduation. Pretty bold back in 1970. I would be happy to share a copy with any family members if you would like to contact me. But the statement said..."In Christian love and joy we praise God for our growing openness and awareness of our life in Him through the efforts and teachings of Mr. Westra, who not only speaks of the Christian life, but also lives it. We join with Mr. Westra in saying: 'The most important thing a person can do is work with hope, hold on to purpose with unyielding joy, and seek healing and forgiveness for all offenses. Keep the faith!'"
I know Mr. Westra was an incredible influence in many lives and I'm sure that was true until the day he passed away. I was very sorry to learn of that. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten!

Dan Van Kampen

October 3, 2020

Gene was the most influential and inspiring teacher I have ever had. I was blessed to have experienced his guidance and support.

Christi (Broersma) Caughey

September 30, 2020

A long time ago, I use to come to Gene and Helen's house for Bible study after services at Faith CRC. We alway had good teachings but also had good discussions. I am so pained at the loss of such a loving Christian man. Prayers for Helen and the family.

Keith Smith

September 28, 2020

I was very found of Mr. Westra. I was a student of his in 8th grade in 82'-83'. He was a great teacher and a wonderful man. My condolences to the family.

jorge embil Embil

September 26, 2020

As a teen ager in the early 70's I met him in Upward Bound at Hope College ,he was a very compassioned man always a very sincere smile followed by a good Christian advise . I find myself now in my mid 60's with the regret of never had thanked him for his time and effort that he gave us but with the reassurance that he is with our Lord Jesus Christ .Thank Gene

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