• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Forum
  • Design Studio
  • Upholstery Jobs
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsors

The Hog Ring

Auto Upholstery Community

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Trimmer Paul Spoelman Dies at 73

March 15, 2022 By Nadeem Muaddi

The Hog Ring - Trimmer Paul Spoelman Dies at 73

Trimmer Paul “Opa” Spoelman of Muskegon, Michigan, has died at age 73.

Paul was born in Muskegon on October 29, 1948. After finishing his schooling and serving in the United States Air Force, Paul operated Bakker Auto Trim, a craft he learned from his father Neil.

The Spoelman family ran Bakker Auto Trim for 50 years before selling it in the 2000’s, according to Todd and Patty Carmichael, current owners of Bakker Auto & Marine Trim.

Paul was renowned for being a GM scissor top specialist and for his great skills behind the sewing machine, Todd told The Hog Ring. Paul later founded Great Lakes Aircraft Interiors, which is also still in operation.

“Throughout his career, Paul strived to create success in business, however his focus always remained on the people and the relationships created,” his obituary says.

When Paul wasn’t in the shop working, he enjoyed hunting, cooking, traveling and participating in church activities.

“Paul attended Christ Church, was a man of strong faith, and lived his life with eternity in mind. Throughout Paul’s life, he, along with [wife] Judy, lived life generously and never missed an opportunity to help others,” according to his obituary.

Paul passed away on March 8, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Judy; daughters, Stacy Roossien, Amanda Morse, and Jenny Eichorst; grandchildren, Tyler Roossien, Kathryn Roossien, Rebecca Roossien, Anna Eichorst, and Alex Eichorst; great-granddaughter, Brinley Roossien; his mom; Desi Spoelman; brothers, Roger Spoelman and Bruce Spoelman; and sister-in-law, Barbara Kooi.

May he Rest In Peace.

Filed Under: Archive, Obituary Tagged With: Auto Trim, Auto Upholstery, Bakker Auto Trim, Car Interior, Great Lakes Aircraft Interiors

Primary Sidebar

THR Sponsors

[the_ad id="15589"]
[the_ad id="27915"]
[the_ad_group id="1581"]

THR Favorites

The Hog Ring - Meet Sean Scott of Inspire Automotive

Meet Sean Scott of Inspire Automotive

Sean Scott of Inspire Automotive has only … [more] about Meet Sean Scott of Inspire Automotive

The Hog Ring - Roxan Jane of Range Needlework

Meet Roxan Jane of Range Needlework

Thanks to her beautifully crafted motorcycle … [more] about Meet Roxan Jane of Range Needlework

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Red Neck Seat Cover Repair

Redneck Auto Upholstery Repair

Check out these ridiculous videos by YouTuber … [more] about Redneck Auto Upholstery Repair

Auto Trimmers Sharing Lessons

Wisdom often comes from experience, and a lot … [more] about Auto Trimmers Sharing Lessons

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Seat Airbag

Should We Not Resew Backseats Either?

Seat airbags have complicated the work of … [more] about Should We Not Resew Backseats Either?

The Hog Ring - Sewing Machine Troubleshooting Guide

Sewing Machine Troubleshooting Guide

There's nothing more annoying than sitting … [more] about Sewing Machine Troubleshooting Guide

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • WyoTech Taps Dominic Olson for Upholstery Program, Installs New NC Machines
  • MasterTech Expo 2026 Draws Global Crowd and Raises the Bar Again
  • Free SEMA Webinar: How to Start Your Own Auto Shop
  • NC Carpet Binding Teases New Bespoke Carpet Edgings Line
  • Register for SEMA’s 2026 Professional Development Program

Recent Comments

  • Edward Munday on Hidden Mouse Nest? How to Charge for the Extra Dirty Work
  • Jack on Keyston Bros. Acquires DLT Corporation
  • Brodie Smith on Aston Martin Just Introduced a New Convertible DB12
  • THE CAPTAIN on 6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers
  • Dmei on Star Wars Seat Covers are ‘So Wizard’

Advertise With Us!

We're always looking for companies to collaborate with. Watch this short video about the benefits of sponsorship and then email us to say hi.

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in