• 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

NC Sewing Machines
Miami Corporation - Right Rail Ad 3
  • Keyston Bros
  • OEM+ Banner Ad - The Hog Ring
  • Albright's Supply
  • MasterTech Expo 2026
  • Hyde Leather
  • Douglass Interior Products

THR Favorites

The Hog Ring - Auto Upholstery Community - Rad Rides by Troy 1969 Ford Torino

Rad Rides by Troy’s 1969 Ford Torino

When Troy Trepanier of Rad Rides by Troy … [more] about Rad Rides by Troy’s 1969 Ford Torino

The Hog Ring - How To Wrap a Shift Knob in Leather

How To Wrap a Shift Knob in Leather

Often times, the smallest upholstery projects … [more] about How To Wrap a Shift Knob in Leather

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Ringbrothers

10 Questions for Ringbrothers’ Mike and Jim

Mike and Jim Ring of Ringbrothers are skilled … [more] about 10 Questions for Ringbrothers’ Mike and Jim

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Vinyl Top Bubble

Botched Jobs Give Trimmers a Bad Name

Customers come to me all the time inquiring … [more] about Botched Jobs Give Trimmers a Bad Name

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Molded Automotive Carpet

How Molded Vehicle Carpets are Made

Have you ever wondered how automotive carpet … [more] about How Molded Vehicle Carpets are Made

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - SideEffect Ltd - 1971 Pontiac Firebird

1971 Firebird Interior by SideEffect Ltd

In need of some inspiration? Check out this … [more] about 1971 Firebird Interior by SideEffect Ltd

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • Nexus Fastening Co. Introduces Solid Gold Hog Rings for Luxury Cars
  • Everything We Covered in March 2026
  • 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

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