Albert J. "Jack" Van Antwerp

Jack Van Antwerp always thought of others before himself. He was the type of person who would do anything for someone who needed his help. He regarded his family as his greatest accomplishment, and he was the happiest when he was in their warm company.

Following the victorious end of the Great War, the 1920's emerged as a decade of triumph. Industry boomed and the economy flourished. Amid this climate of celebration, George Van Antwerp and his wife Viola Ahlborg discovered a more personal reason to celebrate. They were expecting a child, and on January 6, 1926 they were blessed with the healthy birth of their son Albert "Jack."

The youngest of four children, Jack grew up in Comstock Park with the company of his sisters Frances, Marian, and Ruth. Jack attended Comstock Park High School, where he played Varsity football and served as class president. After his graduation in 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve during the Second World War and, later, the Korean Conflict.

During his years in the service, Jack visited his home in Michigan as frequently as possible. On one such occasion, he went on a double date with an attractive young woman named Ceil Polkowski. They fell in love, and Jack soon asked for her hand. They were married on November 29, 1952, marking the first chapter of a wonderful union that would last more than fifty years.

Jack and Ceil were blessed with four children. Chris was born in 1954, followed by Sheila in 1955, Gloria in 1956, and Jeffrey in 1958. To provide for his growing family, Jack worked as a die designer in the engineering department at GM Fisher Body Plant One where he remained until his retirement after thirty-four years. Jack's work ethic and devotion to his family made him a role model for his children.

Jack treasured all the time that he spent with his beloved wife and children. Every year the entire family would go on vacation together. They traveled through the Eastern United States to destinations including Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Florida, Kentucky, Niagara Falls and also toured sites in Michigan. Jack also enjoyed spending time with the kids at home. In the early years, every Sunday after church, the family would stop at Matthew's pharmacy for ice cream treats. Jack was the one who taught the kids how to ride a bicycle, swim, and ice skate.

Jack was a true engineer and handyman. The Van Antwerps were one of the first families in the neighborhood to own a stereo thanks to Jack's resourcefulness - he built the stereo from a Heath kit. He liked to keep busy around the house too. He finished the upstairs bedrooms and built household furniture, some of which remains in use today. Jack was a long time member of Holy Spirit Church where he was involved in the Ushers Club. While the kids were in school there he helped coach the football team. During his retirement, he dedicated his time to a variety of hobbies and activities including gardening, wine making, traveling and golfing.He was recognized by the Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan for his long service as a faithful volunteer.

In his later life, Jack was thrilled to see his family grow with the blessing of seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Family was at the center of Jack's heart, and a familiar smile always brimmed over his lips when he was in the company of his children and grandkids. His real love was truly spending time with them. He was especially pleased to walk his daughter Sheila down the aisle only a few months ago.

Jack made the most out of each day. He was known for his infectious humor, and he tried each day to share his good spirits with the many people he loved. He was a caring husband and family man, and among his family and friends, Jack will be greatly missed and frequently remembered by all whose lives he touched.

Jack passed into eternal life surrounded by his family on Thursday, November 16, 2006. He was preceded in death by his father George, mother Viola and sister Ruth Wasker. He is survived by his wife Cecile "Ceil" Van Antwerp; children Chris and Bev Van Antwerp, Sheila Van Antwerp-Lamont and Frank Lamont, Gloria and Mark Hoffman, Jeff and Lori Van Antwerp; grandchildren Lisa and Brad Henrich, Jonathan and Reagan Van Antwerp, Jenny, Ben and Klayton Van Antwerp, Savannah and Madeline Hoffman and great-grandson Alex Henrich; sisters Marian Carpenter and Frances De Voogd. Friends are invited to meet with Jack's family on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM, with a vigil service at 7 PM, at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday at 11 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2230 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Please visit Jack's personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or sign the guestbook.