Paul C. Wise, a devoted husband and father, faithful servant of God, lover of words, and compassionate friend, born July 22, 1945, in Greenville, South Carolina, passed away November 7, 2026, in Holland, Michigan, leaving behind a legacy of steadfast faith, creativity, and love.
Paul grew up in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Perrysburg, Ohio. He met his bride, Carol, at First Alliance Church in Toledo, and together they shared 58 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith and family. They raised their three children in Wheaton, Illinois, where Paul was an active member of Wheaton Christian Reformed Church. After retirement, Paul and Carol moved to Holland, Michigan, where they were members of First Reformed Church and made their home for the past 12 years.
Family was Paul’s greatest joy. He dearly loved Carol, his son and daughters, and his six grandchildren. He cherished talking, sharing stories, and simply being together. He took a genuine interest in their lives and was always concerned for their health and well-being. His encouragement, tenderness, and attentiveness made each of them feel deeply loved.
Paul was witty, expressive, and artistic, with a natural gift for making people feel connected and cared for. A lover of words, he enjoyed reading, writing, and crossword puzzles. He graduated from Houghton College in New York with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in French and minoring in Speech. He possessed a natural affinity for language, and also had a gift for teaching and a deep love of theology.
His faith was central to his life. Paul served his church in many capacities, including multiple terms as deacon and elder, membership on the worship committee, and writing liturgy and prayers. Music was another lifelong passion. He played saxophone as a young man and later sang in both church choirs and in the Singing Crusaders Male Chorus (West Michigan).
Paul also loved cooking and baking, sharing delicious meals and desserts with family and friends. He treasured camping trips with extended family throughout the Midwest. Professionally, he served Fermilab for 25 years as a key and ID clerk, communications center operator, and administrative assistant in the medical office.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents Roseanna and Leon Wise, and his sister, Martha Stone. He leaves behind his loving wife, Carol Wise; his children, Carey (Kris) Wise, Sarah (Kevin) Syswerda, and Aubrey (Rich Rivera) Wise; his sister, Janie Buffington; his nephews, Chad Stone and Steven Buffington; and his grandchildren, Josh (fiancée Jael) Wise, Ellie Wise, Kyra Syswerda, Katelyn Syswerda, Owen Wise, and Andrew Syswerda, who will carry forward his legacy of faith, compassion, and love.
A visitation will be held at First Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan, on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow. The memorial service will also be available via livestream HERE
Paul will be remembered for his expressive heart, his devotion to his family, his faithful service to God, and the genuine care he showed to others. He believed people mattered, relationships were to be treasured, and faith was best expressed through love and service. His legacy will live on in all those who knew and loved him.
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