Cover photo for Clarence "Bud" James Bekken's Obituary
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Clarence "Bud" James Bekken

December 10, 1925 — November 9, 2022

Kalamazoo

Clarence “Bud” James Bekken, age 96, passed away November 9, 2022. He was born December 10, 1925 in Kalamazoo to the late Joseph and Jennie (Mulder) Bekken.

Bud served in the US Navy during World War II on the USS Bosque from 1944-1946. He was honorably discharged on May 20, 1946. Bud then served as a professional fire fighter for the city of Kalamazoo, eventually rising to the rank of lieutenant. On August 15, 1952, Bud married the former Marilyn Root—celebrating 70 years of marriage this year. Marilyn recalls that Bud was always a gentleman with a nature to care for others. They were members of Westwood United Methodist Church for over 60 years and enjoyed playing cards and traveling together. Along with friends Jack and Ethlyn Brown, they played cards every Saturday night, and went on a 49-day adventure through Alaska. Bud also enjoyed golfing and fishing in his spare time. In 2015, he participated in an Honor Flight trip with son, Dennis, to Washington, DC.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, as well as two sisters and their husbands, Clara (William) Zuidema and Frances (Henry) Pieratt.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn Bekken; sons, Dennis (Nancy) Bekken and Charles (Therese) Bekken; grandchildren, Gregory (Mallory) Bekken, Matthew (Kaitlin) Bekken, and Michael Bekken; great-grandchildren, Landon, Eli, Ezekiel, and Judah; and nephew, David (Diana) Zuidema.

A memorial service will be held Monday, May 8 at 11:00am at Westwood United Methodist Church, 538 Nichols Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49006, where the family will greet friends from 10-11:00am. A luncheon will immediately follow, and Bud will then be laid to rest in Ft. Custer National Cemetery at 2:30pm. Those wishing to attend are asked to arrive by 2:15pm.

Memorial donations may be made to Westwood United Methodist Church or a charity of one’s choosing.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for family, visit https://www.langelands.com

To order memorial trees in memory of Clarence "Bud" James Bekken, please visit our tree store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Memorial Visitation

Monday, May 8, 2023

10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Westwood United Methodist Church

538 Nichols Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49006

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Memorial Service

Monday, May 8, 2023

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Westwood United Methodist Church

538 Nichols Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49006

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Graveside Service

Monday, May 8, 2023

Starts at 2:30 pm (Eastern time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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