Wesley H. Willink

Wesley H. Willink, age 81, of Grand Haven, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. He was born on January 15, 1944, in Holland, MI, to the late Willard and Gertrude (Schrotenboer) Willink. Wes married his “matchless life partner,” Mary Ouwinga, on July 1, 1966, in Zeeland, MI.

Wes graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 1962; from Calvin College (University) in 1966 (B.S.), and from the University of Michigan in 1970 (M.S.). He taught Biology at Unity Christian High School (Hudsonville, MI), Yarmouth (ME) High School, Falmouth (ME) High School, Southern Maine Community College, and Grand Rapids Community College. He co-authored a K-12 teaching curriculum in environmental education for the state of Maine.

Wes was a man of deep faith. He was a member of Second Christian Reformed Church, Grand Haven, MI.

His interests were wide reading, cooking, lobster fishing, taxidermy, and woodworking. He also loved traveling in order to explore other cultures and environments. Wes was a remarkable storyteller, and he used that gift to share with his students “amazing scientific discoveries in God’s natural revelation.”

Wes is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary; his two sons, Philip (Jolynn) and Jonathan Willink; his grandchildren: Mary, Elizabeth, and Tolkien Willink; his siblings: Marlene (Burt) Braunius, Del (Judy) Willink, Diane (Jerry) Antoon, and Bill (Barb) Willink; his siblings-in-law: Carolyn Meppelink, Marvin Ouwinga, and John Ouwinga; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Service for Wes will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Second Christian Reformed Church, with Pastor Tim Blackmon officiating.

Visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Klaassen Family Funeral Home.

Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Historic Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Second Christian Reformed Church. 

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