Bart van Giessen

Bart van Giessen passed away peacefully Friday, October 15, 2021, in Bronson Hospital. He was born February 1, 1936, in Kalamazoo, Michigan a son of Dutch immigrants Eliza and Martha (Stryd) van Giessen. Following Eliza's early death in 1941, Bart and his brothers and sister were raised by their mother and stepfather, Albert Sikkema.

Bart graduated from Western Michigan University in 1957. He began his career as a chemist working for Swift and Co. in Chicago and IRDC in Mattawan. He then worked for The Upjohn Company for over 30 years before retiring.

Bart enjoyed classical music and was a supporter of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra for over 50 years. He enjoyed playing tennis and was also involved with the USTA Boys 16-18 Nationals Tournament at Kalamazoo College for many years. In his free time, Bart enjoyed working in his yard, crafting fine wines, working on his model trains, and collecting Corvettes.

On December 27, 1966, Bart married Dorothy Anne Schweizer, who survives. Bart was a loving, kind, and supportive father to his children, Robert van Giessen (Cassandra Nordenbrock) and Alan van Giessen (Elizabeth Eagleson). He loved his grandchildren with all his heart and is survived by Jackson, Delia, Lila, and Graham. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Garrett and Jacob van Giessen. Surviving are his sister, Mary VanBeck, brothers, Albert (Krys) Sikkema and James (Pamela) Sikkema, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be 4-7 pm on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. (Face masks are requested) A private graveside service will be held in Hope Cemetery, Texas Township. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra or the USTA Boys 16-18 Nationals Tournament. To view Bart's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com