Paul H. Vlietstra
June 29, 1944 – July 29, 2026
A service in witness to Paul’s life and faith will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at The Bridge, 7200 Angling Rd. Portage. Friends may call on the family two hours prior to the service, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the church, and following the service for a luncheon. Memorial Contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries, who feed and serve many in the Kalamazoo area, in c/o of the funeral home.
Obituary
Paul Vlietstra, age 82, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on June 29, 1944 in Kalamazoo, Paul lived a life defined by faith, hard work, and devotion to those he loved. He married Phyllis Peterman, in 1965, and together they shared a marriage filled with travel, laughter, and unwavering love for more than six decades.
Paul’s strong work ethic was evident throughout his life, first during his time at Balkema Bros. and later as the co-owner of Peterman Greenhouses for 35 years. He took deep pride not only in his work, but in the lasting relationships he cultivated throughout his career.
Paul surrendered his life to Jesus at a young age. He quietly lived his beliefs through kindness, humility, and generosity. His faith served as his anchor, guiding the gentle way he cared for his family, friends, and community.
Nothing brought Paul greater joy than his family. He loved every moment spent with his children and grandchildren, and he felt uniquely blessed to welcome his great-granddaughter, Quinn, whose arrival brought a spark of happiness in this last year and a half. Outside of family life, Paul loved spending warm winters in Florida with Phyllis, summers at Sandy Pines, and a favorite - attending 25 Southern Gospel Quartet conventions.
Paul is remembered by his loving wife, Phyllis; his children, Kathy, Dan (Kerri), and Greg (Christine); his grandchildren, Evan (Emily), Camden (Cassidy), Anna, Zade, Abigail, Jenna, and great-granddaughter, Quinn; his sister, Janice (Dennis) VanDenBerg; his brother, Allen (Robin); and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jessie Vlietstra; his brothers, Harold, Glenn, Don, Raymond, and Clarence; and his sister, Betty Jean.
Paul will be remembered for his steadfast faith, strong work ethic, gentle spirit, and deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the values he passed on to those who knew and loved him.
Holland’s Evergreen Commons “Tiger Talk” group will miss Paul’s smile, his baseball knowledge and surely most of all his weekly comradship and enthusiastic participation in our conversations about baseball and life.
What a privilege to have known such a godly man for over 45 years. As a troubled youth I worked for the Peterman company and was able to watch in real time what it meant to live out the Christian faith day after day by observing and interacting with Paul. A calm, patient, organized and steady man who was not ashamed of the gospel. Paul had an positive impact on my life giving me confidence and encouragement over the years to walk by faith. He will be missed. May those of us who continue on carry the same torch he carried shinning the Love of Christ to all. May the peace of God comfort the family knowing beyond any doubt Paul is enjoying his new heavenly home with all those who have gone on before.
Our deepest sympathy Phyllis and family. Paul was a gentle kind man loved by his friends. He will be missed.