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Platte community comes together for Westerhuis funeral

Katie Nelson
knelson@argusleader.com

As the town of Platte continues to reel from the deaths of the Westerhuis family, the community gathered to remember the four children at a funeral service on Saturday.

Casket bearers Payton Foxley (11) and Trevor Sprik  (85) along with other members of the Platte-Geddes football team carry the casket of their friend, Michael Westerhuis, outside of the Platte-Geddes Elementary School on Sat., Sept., 26, 2015 after the funeral service held in memory of the four Westerhuis children that died last week.

The four Westerhuis children, Michael, Connor, Jaeci and Kailey, were remembered by their hometown at a joint service held at the Platte-Geddes Elementary School gym. Hundreds of relatives, friends and community members attended the service. Football teammates of Michael, 17, carried the caskets from the gym to the hearses outside.

Businesses around town shut down during the funeral. The Casey's General Store on West Seventh Street bore a sign on the front door, saying they were closed out of respect for the Westerhuis and Fish families.

Pastor Harry Koops spoke fondly of each child, remembering a note 9-year-old Kailey had written for him on a recent Sunday morning. He also spoke of the effect the family's deaths have had on Platte.

"Last Thursday, life as we know it in Platte changed," Koops said. "For many, you learned at an early age that this world is broken."

Relatives shared their memories of the children and their parents, Scott and Nicole, in obituaries published Friday. All of the children were involved in sports and their church youth groups, and were active in school activities.

Michael, 17, sang in the Junior Honor Choir and played football for Platte-Geddes High School. He also was active in First Reformed Church's youth group. Connor, 14, played numerous sports including basketball and baseball. He attended the junior high youth group and had a reputation as a bit of a prankster.

Jaeci, 10, enjoyed volleyball, cheerleading, Awana and other activities. She was known to be quiet and reserved and had an infectious laugh. Kailey, 9, was a joyful girl with the ability to light up a room. She enjoyed Awana and loved participating in T-ball, cheer and swim team.

A private service was going to be held for Nicole, while Scott’s funeral service was held Saturday morning at First Reformed Church in Platte.

All four Westerhuis children and their mother Nicole died Sept. 17 after authorities say Scott shot them and turned the gun on himself. As Koops spoke at the children's funeral, he expressed the sentiment that the residents of Platte have carried in the days since.

"When bad things happen, they happen in Detroit," Koops said. "When they happen here, we feel unsettled."

Platte grieves: 'All of the kids in our community are hurting'