Diane Paauwe

When reflecting on the life of Diane Paauwe, words such as selfless, kindhearted, and fun-loving are some of the most common threads that are woven throughout her tapestry of time. She was a devoted wife and mother whose greatest joy was found in watching her family tree blossom to include the grandchildren and great-grandchildren she treasured. The way before her was not always an easy one, but Diane faced every challenge that came her way with a graceful and courageous spirit that provides us all with much to aspire for. The memories she leaves behind will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of many.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as countless young servicemen and women were engaged in the throes of WWII, fighting for the preservation of the freedoms we still enjoy today. Those who remained stateside gathered around radios for news from the front lines while rationing on common goods like sugar, coffee, and paper became familiar occurrences. Amidst this unprecedented time was the year 1944 that was filled with great promise for one bustling family from Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby. Their wait was over on April 20th of that year when their baby girl named Diane made her arrival. She was the fourth of five children born to her parents, Bernard “Ben” and Thelma (Misner) Duthler, and she was raised in the family home alongside her older siblings, Jackie, Tom, and Judy, and her younger brother, Tim.

For the most part Diane experienced an upbringing that was reflective of the times. Her father worked as a grocer while her mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. Diane attended West Side Christian School and graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 1962. As a young woman she also worked at her father’s store, Duthler Foods. Actually, 1962 was a big year for Diane as she also married a young man named Evert Jelsma.

Life truly began for Diane when she became a mother to two extraordinary children, Curt and Jodi. Although her marriage to Evert ended in 1984, Diane was forever grateful for the children they shared.

A new beginning was in store for Diane when she married Cornie Paauwe in 1985, but her happiness would prove to be short-lived. It was in 1986 that Diane mourned the loss of her beloved son, Curt, after begin involved in a tragic motorcycle accident.

Although her family was always her primary focus, Diane’s life was enriched in other ways as well. In 1975 she began working as a bank teller for Union Bank where she remained until the mid-nineties. As a young woman there were numerous fun-filled days spent at the family cottage on Hess Lake near Newaygo. Throughout her life Diane was quite a fashionista who loved shopping and adding new things to her wardrobe. Her shopping excursions were only made better when she was accompanied by her girlfriends or her daughter, Jodi. Beginning in the mid-eighties, Diane and Cornie frequently took their Carver motor yacht boating all over the Great Lakes, making such great memories together. She also loved traveling. Australia, Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean being among some of her favorite destinations. Diane and Cornie enjoyed golfing and snow skiing together, and she was known to make a contribution to the local Indian tribe as well. When it came to music, Diane’s favorite artists were Neil Diamond and Elvis.

Vacations and ski trips were a big part of family life. Some special places were Grand Haven, skiing at Sugar Loaf and Schuss, Burt Lake, and for the last 13 years, good times at the Sand Castle at Ft. Myers Beach, Florida.

As her family and friends can attest, Diane was an extraordinary woman in so many ways. She was generous to a fault, often giving gifts to others. Family gatherings were an opportunity for Diane to make everyone’s favorite dishes, and she always brought so much more than could ever be eaten. One of her most requested dishes was her apple pie as it has been described as "the world’s best". Diane was a good friend to many and a best friend to her daughter, Jodi.

Later in life Diane experienced both peaks and valleys along her life’s journey. She was overjoyed to become a grandmother, and she loved spoiling her grandchildren every chance she got. Sandy’s Donuts was one of her favorite places to take her grandchildren, and she also loved just playing games and fishing together. She and her family were given a tough pill to swallow when she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma four years ago. She underwent bone marrow transplants and a stem cell transplant, which were anything but easy, but her attitude always remained optimistic and positive.

Described as the life of the party wherever she went, Diane Paauwe brought such happiness to the world around her in ways both great and small. She was known as the “fun mom” who always made everyone feel welcome. Diane was genuine, the sort of person who truly cared for others with unending amounts of compassion and understanding. Life will never be the same without her here, but the legacy she leaves behind will be carried on by those who follow her.

PAAUWE, Mrs. Diane R. Paauwe, age 68, peacefully went to her Savior, April 3, 2013 at Trillium Woods. She was preceded in death by her son Curt Jelsma; granddaughter, Jenna Alvesteffer and sister, Jackie Carroll. Surviving are her husband, Cornie, daughter and son-in-law, Jodi and Ron Alvesteffer, step-children, Roy and Joan Visser, Barb and Oli Olafsson, Cory and Becky Paauwe; grandchildren, Curt, Noah, Hope, Brooke, Gerrit, Jake, Lyndsey, Alex, Agust, Bjargey, Olafur, Maddie, Evie, Callie, Lucas and Gabe. Also surviving are her five great grandchildren; her siblings, Tom and Mary Duthler, Judy and John Mulder, Tim and Cherie Duthler, Jack Carroll, many nieces and nephews and her aunt, Grace Kooistra. Funeral services will be held Monday at 2PM at Remembrance Reformed Church, 4575 Remembrance NW with interment in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. Friends may meet the family on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 at the Heritage Lifestory Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. and at the church on Monday for one hour prior to the service Memorial contributions may be made to West Side Christian School, 955 Westend NW, 49504 or Grace On Wings, PO Box 455, Plainfield, IN, 46168. You may read more of Diane’s life, sign the guestbook or make a contribution by visiting www.lifestorynet.com