Janice Geschwendt (Vanwestirenen) of Zeeland Mi, was peacefully received into heavenly arms in the early morning hours of 7/29/2023, with family by her side. Jan’s faith never waivered as she looked forward to the day she would finally meet Jesus and be healed.
Born 4/11/1939 in Kalamazoo MI, to Charles and Marie VanWestrienen, Jan was an only child until she was blessed in adolescent years to gain a “sister” and BFF when Diane Houtman (Jack) joined their family. Jan grew up in Kalamazoo where she attended school and met her husband Ron at a church youth function. High School sweethearts, the pair were to celebrate 64 years of marriage this August.
While Jan held positions over the years at the bank and funeral home, her most significant work was in the church and community. Following early years in Kalamazoo and Parchment MI, they settled in to raise their family in Zeeland Mi were they served the First Reformed Church for 17 years. Jan’s responsibilities ranged from teaching littles Sunday School, to keeping a lively tempo on the organ, typing up sermons every Saturday afternoon, and encouraging other Pastor’s wives to have a little fun along the way. Jan spent many years as the chief proof reader for the Sunday School Guide, reaching countless people with lessons about the gospel.
After their children were grown, Ron and Jan spent several years serving Zion Reformed Church in Grandville, followed by First Reformed Church in Grand Haven MI before retiring with more than 35 years in ministry.
Jan was thrilled to call Traverse City her retirement home for many years. Sunrises on the bay, drives up Mission Peninsula, and watching her grandkids building sandcastles brought her great joy. Not much got Jan as excited as a good bridge game! She had skills not many could rival, She enjoyed knitting and needlework and loved a good novel.
It has often been said that “Jan never met a stranger”. She had a knack for making people feel valued and appreciated. Her quick wit and humor, along with a real “gift for gab” is why so many call her the best friend they ever had.
Jan’s greatest joy in life was found raising her family and celebrating her grandchildren. She gave to them unconditional love, endless mugs of hot chocolate, and the best hugs around. From attending sporting events to concerts or reading countless stories and playing card games, Jan was a proud Grandma and always in their corner. While they will miss her deeply, they will carry with them so many memories of love and laughter.
In 2014, Jan returned, with Ron, to Zeeland where they could be close to their dearest friends once again. Those friends held her close and held her up when she needed them the most and she was very grateful for all the love and care she and Ron received.
Jan is survived by Husband Ronald Geschwendt (Zeeland MI), Son Mark(Carla) Geschwendt of Bonita Springs FL and Mark’s daughter Marisa Geschwendt, Son David (Cami) Geschwendt of Zeeland Michigan and their Sons Joshua (Kate) (great grandchildren Lila and Linc Lee), Zachary, Cameron, and Tristan, Daughter Amy Farnsley of Louisville KY and her Children Paige, Nicole, Griffen, and Meredith.
Sister Diane Houtman (Jack) of Carmel IN, Sister-n-Laws Marlene Reed, Janet McKnee, and Bonnie Dykehouse (Dick) of Parchment MI, Dear Cousin Jayne VanWestrienen Wirebaugh (Derek), and many beloved friends who will miss her dearly.
God saw her getting tired, a cure not meant to be, so He put his arm around her, and whispered…”Come with Me”
In Lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions may be given to “Words of Hope” ministry.
Please direct expressions of sympathy to Ron Geschwendt c/o The Atrium at Royal Park
400 Parkside Dr #205 Zeeland MI 49464
