Paul Alan Betten

BETTEN, PAUL Paul Alan Betten, age 48, of Spring Lake, passed away after a brief illness surrounded by his devoted family on Tuesday, December 24, 2013 at Mercy Hospital in Muskegon, MI. Paul was born March 8, 1965, the youngest child of Henry and Esther (Lucas) Betten in Grand Rapids, MI. He graduated from West Michigan Christian High School and attended Northwood University, Grand Valley State University and Calvin College. He married Amy Vander Molen on October 17, 1992 in Grand Rapids. Paul was the owner of Southtown Car Wash and Oil Change in Grand Haven. A longtime resident of Spring Lake, Paul was a former deacon of Ferrysburg Community Church. He also served on the school board for Grand Haven Christian School. Paul had a generous heart and loved to help people. He enjoyed his time as a Kid's Hope Mentor. In his life, Paul's knowledge of God's unconditional love for him was the anchor that gave comfort in his life. Paul's primary love and devotion was to his family. He was also an active person who lived life with passion enjoying - sailing, boating, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, playing tennis and photography. Paul inspired those who knew him with his positive attitude and uplifting sense of humor. He is survived by his cherished wife, Amy; and his three children, whom he loved dearly and was extremely proud of: Collin, Emily and Elise Betten. He is also survived by his much loved mother, Esther Betten of Norton Shores; siblings: Joe and (Michele) Betten of Grand Haven, Sandy and (Marv) Te Velde of Fort Lupton, CO, Henry and (Debbie) Betten of Rockford; Carol and (Roger) Bouwkamp of Ada; parents-in-law, Harold and Helen Bode of Grand Rapids; brothers-in-law, David (Leigh) Vander Molen, Dean Vander Molen and friend, Carrie Ferguson, Bill and (Liz) Bode, Dan and (Judy) Bode, Deborah Bode all of Grand Rapids; many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry J. Betten, brother, Daniel Lee Betten, and sister-in-law, Marcella J. Betten. The family would like to especially thank the exceptional staff of Mercy Hospital CCU for their compassionate and professional care. The funeral service for Paul will be held 11 AM on Monday, December 30, 2013 at Ferrysburg Community Church with Reverend Nathan Visker officiating. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery. The family will meet with relatives and friends from 1-3 and 6-8 PM Sunday, December 29, 2013 at the Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made in Paul's name to Love, Inc. Please visit www.klaassenfuneralhome.com to sign Paul's on-line guestbook or share a memory with his family. Arrangements by: