Roger Westrate

Roger Jacob Westrate, 88, passed away peacefully October 30,2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, hard work, service, and devotion to his family and community.

Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1937, Roger grew up with a strong work ethic and a commitment to learning. During his school years, he delivered the Grand Rapids Press. He went on to attend Grand Rapids Junior College and Michigan State University, where he earned an engineering degree.

It was during his college years that Roger met Ruth, the love of his life. They married in 1959 and shared 66 wonderful years together, building a life grounded in love, partnership, and faith.

Roger began his professional career in the Ann Arbor area, where he worked for four years before returning to the Grand Rapids area to serve as a civil engineer for the City of Wyoming. During his years with the city, he earned his Professional Engineer (PE) license. He later joined his father in the garage door business, working alongside him for four years before moving on to the next chapter of his career.

Roger and Ruth subsequently moved to Wheaton, Illinois, where they lived for 14 years. During their time in Wheaton, Roger's commitment to faith and community extended well beyond his professional life. He served as an elder and as a board member at the Christian schools their children attended. Roger served on the boards of Elim and was the Founding Board President of Bethshan. His service reflected his deep commitment to Christian education and to helping provide a strong foundation of faith for the next generation. Roger also remained active in his profession as a member of the National Association of Garage Door Manufacturers.

In 1987, Roger and Ruth moved to Tucson, Arizona, where they opened a nursing agency together. Their shared business venture was another example of their ability to work as a team. In 1991, Ruth began working for another nursing agency, while Roger joined Intuit, where he continued working until his retirement.

Throughout their years in Tucson and Green Valley, Roger and Ruth remained actively involved in the churches they attended. Roger generously contributed his considerable skills with spreadsheets and financial management to help churches manage their budgets and organizational needs. He was always willing to put his talents to work in service to others.

In 2009, Roger and Ruth returned to Grand Rapids, where Roger continued to find meaningful ways to serve. He actively supported Family Assistance and New 2 You, volunteering his time each week. He also put his Excel expertise to practical use, developing numerous directories and apartment maps for residents at Holland Home. Roger had a gift for taking complicated information and organizing it into useful tools that made life easier for others.

Roger's life was defined not only by his professional accomplishments but also by his willingness to help wherever he was needed. Whether working as an engineer, contributing to a family business, serving in Christian education, supporting churches, or volunteering in his community, he approached each responsibility with dedication, thoughtfulness, and a desire to make a difference.

Above all, Roger treasured his family. What began as a family of two when he and Ruth married grew into a large and extended family. Together, they raised four children, welcomed four sons- and daughters-in-law, and celebrated the lives of ten grandchildren, many of whom married and provided 13 great grand children. The family they built stands as one of Roger's most enduring legacies.

Roger will be remembered for his steady presence, his practical intelligence, his generous spirit, his faith, and his devotion to Ruth and their family. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy of service that will continue through the many lives he touched.

His life was well lived, his work made a difference, and his love for his family will endure for generations to come.

The service to remember and celebrate Roger's life will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends are invited to visit with his family from 10 - 10:45 AM and for a time following the service. Roger's family would prefer that instead of flowers, please consider a donation to either Bethshan or Family Assistance at Calvin Church. (Links and addresses available under the contribution section on this page)