Deacon Wesley J. Hewitt

Deacon Wesley J. Hewitt, affectionately known as "Deacon Wes," entered his eternal reward on October 10, 2008 at the age of 85, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 13, 1923 in Shelby, MI to Joseph and Gladys (Adams) Hewitt and lived in the Muskegon area most of his life. On October 17, 1942, he married the former Agnes Alvesteffer in Hart, MI, and she preceded him in death on July 9, 2003. Deacon Wes worked as a machinist at Teledyne Continental Motors for 42 years and retired in 1982. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force having been stationed in England during WWII. On January 11, 1976, he was ordained a Permanent Deacon at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Grand Rapids by Most Rev. Joseph M. Breitenbeck and served the people of Prince of Peace Catholic Church for 32 years. Deacon Wes was extremely proud to preside over the marriages of six out of nine of his children and baptize 18 out of 21 of his grandchildren. Deacon Wes took great delight in spending time with his family, doing woodworking - with many of the pieces in the homes of his children and grandchildren, and cooking. Deacon Wes served in so many capacities over his 32 year ministry, but especially enjoyed his visits with people who were hospitalized or home-bound with illness. He brought to them a special sense of peace in their time of need. SURVIVORS include 9 children, Rev. Fr. Dennis (Ruth) Hewitt of Linthicum, MD, Sharon (Bob) Scanlan of Muskegon, Kathy (William) Wahl of Muskegon, Lois (Michael) Greene of Muskegon, Carolyn (George) Zietlow of Muskegon, Joseph (Gayle) Hewitt of Twin Lake, David (Angie) Hewitt of Fremont, James (Marsha) Hewitt of Palm Harbor, FL, and Pam (Bob) Waybill of Muskegon; 21 grandchildren, 15 great- grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and Alvesteffer in-laws. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert Hewitt; his sister, Betty Heistand; and 1 great-granddaughter, Emma Scanlan. THE MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Tuesday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church with Most Rev. Walter A. Hurley presiding and Deacon James J. Schiltz as homilist. VISITATION with Deacon Wes' family will be 3-8 PM Monday at Prince of Peace where the Vigil for the Deceased will be held at 8:00 PM. INTERMENT will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be directed to Harbor Hospice Poppen Residence or Wings of Mercy.