EDITOR'S NOTE: This file will be updated throughout the month as new notices become available.

Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services

Karen Kristin Fischer
November 4, 1968-April 17, 2025

Karen Kristin Fischer, age 56, of Grand Haven, passed away Thursday, April 17, 2025, at home.

She was born November 4, 1968, in Traverse City, MI to James Vincent and Maureen Ann (Brady) Schram. Karen married Roy Fischer on June 24, 1989, after meeting where they both were employed at the time. Karen graduated from Traverse City St. Francis High School in 1987. She worked as a supervisor for Ottawa Area Schools and later at Herman Miller. Karen was a member of St. Patrick Church of St. Patrick – St. Anthony Parish. She loved Legos, doing puzzles, and playing Animal Crossing.

Karen is lovingly remembered by her husband, Roy Fischer; son, Aaron (Katie) Fischer; her sister, Kathy Schram; and father-in-law, John Howard “Jack” Fischer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law, Joyce Fischer, and her aunt, Katy Brady. A private family service will be held. Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.

John J. Hoekstra
January 18, 1929-April 13, 2025

Following a day filled with worship, music, and family, John J Hoekstra, of Norton Shores, Michigan, passed away on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025.

Born at home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to John and Jeannette (née Goudberg) Hoekstra on January 18, 1929, John was blessed to live a meaningful and beautiful life for over 96 years.

John graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High, Calvin College, and earned his Ph.D. degree in Chemistry from Wayne State University. While in graduate school, he drove to New Jersey in search of the memorable smile of another Calvin Alum, Teresa Mae Holtrop. They were married on June 15, 1957, at the Calvin College Franklin Street Campus Chapel. The newlyweds moved to Midland, Michigan, where John was a researcher for Dow Chemical Co., where he worked with ‘high-energy molecules’ (aka rocket fuels -one might say he truly was a rocket scientist!). In Midland, they started their family, were active in their church and instrumental in starting Midland Christian school.

Next, John followed his passion for teaching and landed teaching jobs first at Central College in Pella, Iowa, and later joined the University of Dubuque, in Dubuque, Iowa, where he taught Chemistry and physics for 25 years as well as serving stints as Dean of Students, Department Chairman, and Faculty Chairman. John and his wife were also active members of Third Presbyterian Church, where John served as elder and Clerk of Session and enjoyed teaching adult Sunday School for many years.

After formally retiring in 1995 as a Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, John jumped right into volunteer work. He and Terry made several trips with World Renew Disaster Response teams and worked for a semester at Faith Academy Missionary School in the Philippines. In 2003, they moved to Muskegon, Michigan to be closer to their children, and served at Calvin Christian Reformed Church in various ministries, including the food truck program, SERVE, Life Groups, hospitality, and church leadership.

Perhaps John’s most impactful work was with the International Aid ministry (I.A.), where over the next 15 years he clocked over 8,000 hours as a dedicated volunteer. His first contribution to IA was reconditioning medical equipment for use in mission fields. This eventually led to the development of the “Lab-In-A-Suitcase” project, creating portable medical laboratories used in remote areas of developing countries. His work was vital to ensure the reliability of life-saving diagnostic medical equipment to people worldwide. John was greatly appreciated for his scientific and technical expertise alongside his positive willingness to serve. It was for this tireless work with International Aid that John was named a Point of Light Honoree, earned a President’s Volunteer Service Award under the Obama Administration, and was officially recognized by the State of Michigan.

John Hoekstra was innately curious and loved to learn. His additional interests included sailing, woodworking, Ham Radio operating (callsign WØMZA), book clubs spending time with his family, backpacking, traveling, and attending programs at Maranatha Bible Conference Grounds. He was a deeply committed Christian and devoted father and grandfather. He loved and encouraged his grandchildren in their educational pursuits and attended many sports, musical, and theatrical events. He always made time for heartfelt and contemplative conversations. John’s gentle, humble personality, clever humor, deep knowledge, and sincere interest in and kindness to others made him a favorite wherever he went. He will truly be missed by all who had the benefit of knowing him.

John is survived by his wife of almost 68 years, Terry Holtrop; his three children, Eric (Margaret) Hoekstra; Faith (Brian) Hinken, and Bethany (David) DeHaan; eight grandchildren Elise (Sarah) Hinken, Hope (Ezekiel) Ayers, Brea Hinken, Calvin Hinken, Riley DeHaan, Caleb DeHaan, Alden DeHaan, and Graham DeHaan; and one great-grandchild, Gabi Lupi.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm, Friday, April 25, at the Spring Lake Sytsema Funeral Chapel, (213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI).

A memorial service of celebration will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, preceded by a viewing starting at 10 a.m. at Calvin Christian Reformed Church (973 W. Norton Ave., Muskegon, MI).

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to World Renew (formerly CRWRC) or the Maranatha Bible Missionary Conference & Retreat Center.

“Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant.”

Emil David Warber
July 26, 1939-April 15, 2025

Emil David Warber, age 85, passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2025, peacefully at his home, with his wife holding his hand.

Emil proudly served his country in the Army National Guard. He was a master plumber, owning and operating Plumbing by Warber, until his retirement.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Phyllis Warber; son, Todd (Stacey) Warber; daughter, Caroline (J.R.) Murrell; and several grandchildren.

A private celebration of life will be held. Arrangements entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.

Donna Jean Clark
May 9, 1936-April 8, 2025

Donna Jean Clark, age 88, of Spring Lake, passed away Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at American House Spring Lake.

She was born May 9, 1936, in Escanaba, MI, to Clarence and Lillian (Mattson) Carlson. She married the love of her life, Phillip Arthur Clark, on November 26, 1960. They met while living in Seattle.

Donna graduated from Escanaba High School. She then attended Presbyterian School of Nursing, became a Registered Nurse, and later worked 20-plus years for the American Red Cross. Donna loved going to the family cottage in Baldwin, attending grandkids’ athletic events and the occasional trip to the casino.

She is lovingly remembered by her two sons, Russ (Jamie) Clark, and Doug (Jackie) Clark; four grandchildren: Jason Clark, Madison (Tanner) Yergens, Abigail Clark, and Aaron Clark; and her sister, Kay (Kenneth) Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip Clark, on July 12, 2023.

A memorial visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2025, at The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Memorials to Trinity Health at Home Hospice are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.

Ronald F. "Ron" Jonio
June 29, 1956-April 4, 2025

Ronald F. “Ron” Jonio, age 68, passed away Friday, April 4, 2025, at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

He was born June 29, 1956, in Muskegon to John and Margaret (Courtade) Jonio. Ron graduated from Spring Lake High School. He worked for Grand Haven Steel, until health forced him to retire.

Ron was a baptized member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Coopersville. He enjoyed rebuilding cars, stock car racing, and was a NASCAR fan.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Stacey; four grandchildren; two sisters, Theresa Ketner and Karen Jonio; his brother, Kevin (Erlinda) Jonio; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Kenneth and Steven Jonio, and his sister-in-law Candy Jonio. A graveside service will be held 11:15 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2025, at St. Michael’s Cemetery. Memorials to American Juvenile Diabetes Association are appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.

Deborah Ann Lamers
May 24, 1951-March 28, 2025

Deborah Ann (Stinson) Lamers, born May 24, 1951, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones following a long, courageous battle with cancer on March 28, 2025.

Debbie will be remembered for her fun and mostly inappropriate sense of humor, the love she had for her children, and as a season ticket holder for over 30 years - her love of Grand Valley State Football - especially her favorite Grand Valley player of all time, #86, split end, Michael Lamers.

Debbie started dating the love of her life, Mike, while she was in her "long black hair down to her butt era" when she was working at Meijer, or as us Midwesterners like to call it, Meijers. She worked at the company for over 36 years.

They wed in an epic Michigan blizzard on Dec. 8, 1972, and were happily married for the past 52 years. They started their life together in Standale, and then moved to Grand Haven, had a couple of kids, and moved from the little yellow house on North Cedar Drive to the blue house on Osborn Street and then added one more kid. They raised their family on ten little acres in the woods and they were happy. Over the years, they added an endless parade of cats, a handful of dogs, mostly beagles, and a pool. Their kids went off into the world to be hard-working people with happy lives and there isn't anything else a mother really wants for her children.

In her younger years, Debbie enjoyed playing softball and doing ceramics, but her clumsy kids broke most of her pieces. Debbie liked playing B-I-N-G-O, but she REALLY loved yelling “B-I-N-G-O!” She also loved Margarita Mondays at El Aztecas in Allendale and a good medium rare prime rib from The Crazy Horse in Holland.

She was an avid reader of trashy romance novels, and a dedicated watcher of "Law & Order" [In the criminal justice system, the people are represented by two separate, yet equally important groups. The police who investigate crime and the district attorneys who prosecute the offenders. These are their stories. DUN DUN.]

She enjoyed traveling, especially to Las Vegas to visit Josh and road trips to Okoboji, Iowa the past few years to celebrate the Fourth of July, as well as special vacations over the years with Mike to Aruba, and to the exotic destinations of Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong and in 2004, a Mediterranean cruise with Mike and Josh to Barcelona, Nice, Monaco, Rome, and Naples.

In recent years, Nana enjoyed nothing more than watching her grandsons in their endless choir, theater and sporting events. And she was at them all; on the bleachers, in the auditorium, at the stadium, on the sidelines, in the rain, or the scorching heat and all while recovering from chemo treatments. She was there cheering and funding trips to the concession stands with endless dollar bills for snacks and slushies.

When she was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in February 2024, she didn't know if she would see that spring season of baseball, or soccer, or the school play or spring choir concerts. She wasn't expecting to see any GVSU or Allendale football that fall, but she was there for all of it. And as the cherry on top, she got the entire winter season of wrestling. Everyone was grateful for the extra seasons. The extra days. The extra hours.

Debbie loved her family, her country, the veterans who sacrificed so much for all of us, the police officers who protect us, and the greatest president of all time, Donald J. Trump. Debbie was so happy to have lived long enough to cast her vote in the 2024 presidential election and then thrilled to make it to inauguration day! If you didn't smile then be sure to think of Debbie when you see those winning "Barron 2044!" signs in your future.

Debbie is survived by her faithful husband, Mike; her children, Joshua (Corlie) Lamers of Henderson, NV, Morgan (Kevin) Cisler of Allendale, MI, and Katie (Steven) TerMolen of Grand Haven, MI; grandchildren, Thomas, William, Michael and Jameson Cisler and Ava and Alice TerMolen. She leaves behind her best friends of more than 50 years, Doris Damaska, Mary Michalski and Janis Van Bennekom.

She is also survived by siblings: Mary McMillan, Sharon Weber, Walter (Brenda) Stinson, Theresa Lahring, Edward (Margie) Stinson, Tina (Franz) Blattner, and brother-in-law Del (Ann) Lamers.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Reinhold (Edith) Weidner, and her niece, Jennifer McConnon.

She will be warmly remembered as Aunt Wonderful by her nieces and nephews: Meghan Hershberger, Allison Watson, Matt, Aaron, and Anna Stinson, Carli England, Victoria Mense, Andrew Stinson, Christian, Andreas, and Thorsten Weidner.

We are certain that Mom was greeted at the pearly gates by "that damn dog" Libby and welcomed home to heaven by her very beloved grandmother, Catherine and of course, Jesus.

Please join Debbie's wonderful and somewhat Catholic family for an up-and-down, up-and-down, up-and-down funeral mass at St Luke's University Parish near the campus of GVSU in Allendale at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

Visitation with family and friends will be held one hour prior to the mass at 10 a.m.

Luncheon will follow the mass.

St. Luke’s University Parish, 10144 42nd Ave., Jenison, MI 49428

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Debbie's honor to her faves: The Tunnel to Towers Foundation and GVSU Athletics.

Arrangements through The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI. 49417. Please consider signing the family’s online guestbook and share memories at sytsemafh.com.