Edward J. Westerbeke, age 88, of Holland, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Edward J. Westerbeke, lovingly known as “Big Ed, Beke or Sonny” lived a full and joyful life defined by curiosity, kindness, and a healthy pursuit of the ever-elusive hole-in-one.
Ed was born in 1937 in West Sayville, Long Island, New York, to Edward and Jessie Westerbeke. He grew up on Brook Street in the home his father built, alongside his brother Richard and a loyal dog named Smudgie. His journey eventually brought him to Holland, Michigan, where he attended Hope College—and where he met the love of his life, Jane Klaasen. The two were married in 1960 at Third Reformed Church and celebrated their 65th Anniversary last summer.
While at Hope, Ed was a pre-med chemistry major and a proud member of the Knickerbocker fraternity, later earning the affectionate title among classmates as “the Knick who made good.” He went on to earn a degree in pharmacology from the University of Tennessee before attending medical school at Wayne State University. From 1967 to 1969, he served in the U.S. Navy as a medical officer assigned to the Marines on a ship in the Mediterranean Sea for several months.
After completing his training in Grand Rapids and Detroit, Ed and his family settled in Stevensville, Michigan. In 1973, he opened his orthopedic surgery practice in nearby St. Joseph, where he cared for patients with both skill and compassion for many years. He was also an active member of the Rotary Club and Point O’ Woods Country Club, where friendships flourished both on and off the golf course.
Ed retired from medicine in 2013 and returned to Holland. There, he could often be found cheering on Hope College basketball, tending to his garden, enjoying a good book, or watching Lake Michigan sunsets—always keeping an eye out for that rare and magical “green flash.”
He had a love for travel and treasured many adventures, including a meaningful visit to Westkapelle in The Netherlands, where he connected with distant relatives and explored his family’s roots. Closer to home, Ed was a devoted Chicago Cubs fan and never forgot the thrill (and disbelief) of witnessing the infamous Bartman Ball incident from just a few feet away.
Above all, Ed cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife Jane; his children Ann (Michael) Kyle, William Westerbeke, and Mark (Tonya) Westerbeke; seven treasured grandchildren—Jacob, Aidan, Mikko, Ella, Kollen, Mia, and Asa—each of whom brought him immense pride and joy; sibling Richard (Libby) Westerbeke, his niece and nephews Kim, Brian and Gregg and their children.
The family will receive visitors on Monday, April 13, from 11:15am to 11:45am, at the Dykstra Funeral Home – Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue, Holland. Everyone is invited to travel with the family in procession to Lakewood Cemetery, Lakewood Avenue & 168th Street, Park Township, for a graveside service at 12:00pm. The United States Navy Honor Guard and V.F.W. Post 2144 will bestow military honors.
A celebration of life will take place following the graveside service on Monday, April 13, at (2:30pm), at Freedom Village, 145 Columbia Avenue, Holland, in the 6th floor auditorium. Rev. Janelle López-Koolhaas officiating.
Ed’s life was rich with purpose, laughter, and love. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to Third Reformed Church or Hope College.
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