Obituaries: April 3, 2026

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by ONN Staff
Obituaries: April 3, 2026
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Nancy Susanne Bussis

March 12, 1935-March 13, 2026

Nancy Susanne Bussis, age 91 of Jenison, Michigan, passed away Friday, March 13, 2026.

She was a bold and brilliant woman with a quick wit and no tolerance for nonsense. Her life was spent as a trailblazer, tackling adversity with determination and grace. Nancy was spontaneous and well-traveled, never letting anything slow her down. She was a fierce wife, mother, and matriarch spanning her 91 years. Often, you’d find someone pouring their heart out at her kitchen table over a cup of coffee, getting the best advice in return. Her warm hugs and open heart for people from every corner of society will be forever cherished and deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Anthony Bussis; children, Gary Bussis, Laurie Lacy, and Barbara Williams; son-in-law, Roger Spriggs; brothers Ronald Stowitts, Larry Stowitts, and Howard Chard; and great-great-grandson, Dante Green.

She is dearly remembered by her daughter, Karen Spriggs; grandchildren Nancy (Carl) Dexter, Lillian (Tom) Munguia, Aaron Bussis, Kassandra (Drew) Gray, Noelle Spriggs (Austin Hoekstra), Dalton Spriggs, Cody (Jessica) Lacy, Kyle (Emma) Lacy, Randy (Sarah) Hall, Kira (Matt) Caouette; many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and extended family; and best friend of 57 years, Kathy VerKerk.

Visitation will be at 3 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, with a memorial service at 4 p.m., at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville. Interment will take place at Rosedale Memorial Park Cemetery in Walker. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook.


Karen Marie Hirdes

December 1, 1946-March 30, 2026

Karen Marie Hirdes passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, after a fall in her home.

Karen loved to garden, read, sew and feed many birds. She enjoyed being outside with her flowers and spending time playing with her beloved dog Cooper.

Karen was born to James and Catherine (Geurink) Smith in Borculo, Michigan, and called Borculo home until retirement. Karen married Russ Hirdes in 1966, and they grew a family and a life in Borculo. Karen’s entrepreneurial spirit was well known in the community, from collectibles and gifts to flowers and wreaths; her creative spark came through in all she did. Together, Russ and Karen worked hard to build a good life together. In retirement, they left Borculo for their home on the lake in Rothbury, continuing to operate the BBT Bass R Us fishing tournament until Russ’ passing in 2019. Karen never lost her love for beauty in creation, her little Cooper by her side, watching and feeding countless birds and arranging beautiful flowers until the end.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Russell, with whom she spent 52 wonderful years; her son, Rodney, who passed away in 2022; her parents, James and Catherine (Geurink) Smith; several brothers and sisters-in-law, and her older brother, Larry Smith.

She is survived by her two daughters, Cathy (Lew) Verburg and Laurel (Steve) von Dobschutz; grandchildren, Zachary Verburg, Allie (Derek) Lampen, Gideon von Dobschutz and Cole von Dobschutz; great-grandsons, Will and Charlie Lampen, Brother Rick (Kathy) Smith, Randy (Diane) Smith, Donald Smith; sisters, Joanne (Eloy) Gonzales and Linda (Jan) Foreman; sister-in-law, Shirley Bordewyk, along with several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Faith Hospice or The Saint Mary’s Foundation.

A memorial visitation will be 2-4 p.m. April 12 at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland.


Oeke (Eunice) Jonkman

April 14, 1926-April 1, 2026

Oeke (Eunice) Jonkman, age 99, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Eunice was preceded in death by her husband, Jakob Jonkman; parents, Martin and Hattie Halma; brothers, George and Henry; and sister, Betty.

She will be remembered by her children, Melvin (Kathy) Jonkman, Kenneth (Joyce) Jonkman, and Joy (Terry) Lubben; sister, Ann Horstman; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Eunice was a dedicated wife and mother. She was also a faithful servant of her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was known as a diligent prayer warrior, praying daily for each member of her family and for anyone who asked her for prayer. She gave of her time to attend and lead Bible Study Fellowship. She spent time seeking the lost through evangelism programs offered through the church and mentored many individuals whom she met through these programs. Even when she could no longer volunteer through church programs, she would ask those who came to her room if they knew and loved the Lord. She had a heart for the lost and hurting.

A memorial celebration of Eunice’s life will commence at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville.

In honor of Eunice and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Gateway Mission, 661 East 24th St., Holland, or Crossroads Prison Ministry, P.O. Box 900, Grand Rapids, MI 40509.

Interment will be at Rosedale Memorial Park. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.


Larry (L.D.) David Monroe

November 6, 1942-April 2, 2026

Larry David Monroe, age 83, of Grand Haven, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids.

Mr. Monroe was also known as L.D. He was born on November 6, 1942, in Lansing, Michigan, to the late Melvin and Onalee (Vorhees) Monroe.

Larry graduated from J.W. Sexton High School in 1960, and he began a long career in law enforcement in 1962, when he entered the U.S. Army and served for three years as a Military Intelligence Coordinator. Following his military service, he served as a police officer in the City of Lansing for two years. He marched in the United States Coast Guard Festival Parade in 1967 as a member of the Lansing Police Department drill team.

Larry met Janie Cheers, his wife of 57 years, during that time period. They were married in Lansing on August 25, 1968, and he graduated from Michigan State University in 1971 with a degree in Journalism. They relocated to Mt. Clemens, Michigan, shortly thereafter.

Larry obtained employment as a reporter for The Macomb Daily News, where he covered the police and the courts. He accepted a Probation Agent position offered by one of his contacts shortly thereafter. Two transfers later, he found and fell in love with Grand Haven. He and his family have lived in the area for over 40 years.

L.D. supervised the Ottawa County Circuit Court Probation Department for 20 years before retiring in 1997. He worked as a Court Bailiff, a private investigator, and a journalist after retiring, while Janie finished her career as a Grand Haven Area Public School's teacher.

L.D. enjoyed bird watching, playing pickleball, and playing golf with the same friends for over 40 years. But most of all, he enjoyed traveling with Janie. Their trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Scotland, and Ireland were awesome. While in Scotland, they visited the Foulis Castle, home of the Munro Clan. Cruises to the Mediterranean and southern Caribbean were also enjoyed. They especially liked the time they spent in Italy.

L.D. is survived by his wife, Janie; and their two children: son, Jason (Abbei) Monroe, and their children, Maddie and Will; daughter, Lynnae (Geoffrey) Collard, and their children: Jackson, Caleigh, and Bristol. Also surviving is his sister, Sandra (Gerald) Kuhn; and several nieces and nephews. He would tell you that he absolutely adored his five grandchildren, and he knew that they adored him just as much. His extended family included 32 first cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Michael.

The memorial service for L.D. is being planned for family and close friends — to be held at a later date to be announced.

Memorial contributions to celebrate his life may be made to Folds of Honor or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Larry (L.D.) David Monroe, please visit our floral store.


Patricia "Pat" Ann (Hollis) Nienhouse

May 28, 1928-March 31, 2026

Patricia "Pat" Ann Nienhouse, age 97, of Spring Lake, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at a local care facility.

She was born on May 28, 1928, in Jamestown, Michigan, to the late Darl and Dorothy "Maxine" (Moyles) Hollis. Pat married Robert "Bob" J. Nienhouse on February 11, 1961, in Spring Lake. He preceded her in death on September 13, 2014, after 53 years of marriage.

Pat graduated from Hudsonville High School, Class of 1946. She started her working career doing office work and then left the workforce to raise her two boys while Robert worked. Years later, when the boys were older, Pat returned to the workforce, working as a nurse's aide at Shore Haven Nursing Home in Grand Haven (now, Sanctuary at the Shore) and in Lamont, MI. She also would babysit as needed for her family's and friends' children.

Summertime was one of Pat's favorite seasons, and in the early 1950's, she spent many summers camping in her camper at the Grand Haven State Park and Tanglefoot Campground in Spring Lake. Pat and Bob enjoyed going fishing together, and she was a talented knitter who loved to crochet and knit, and she often knitted afghan blankets for her family members. As a hobby, Pat loved drawing up house plans. In later years, Pat most enjoyed working on puzzles, crossword puzzles, reading books, doing word searches, and reading her monthly subscription of Birds & Blooms Magazine. She especially loved to watch her favorite show, "The Golden Girls" and play cards, especially Solitaire.

Pat is lovingly remembered and missed by her family, including her two sons, Dale Nienhouse of Spring Lake, Michael (Jaime) Nienhouse also of Spring Lake; as well as her granddaughter, Marissa Nienhouse; step-grandson, Cameron Baumgart (Danielle); her sister, Norma Creasy of Grand Haven; sisters-in-law, Lucy Nienhouse and Anita Barth; brother-in-law, Ken Nienhouse; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her sister, Alice Darlene Hollis, who passed away just six days prior to Pat on March 25, 2026; her brother, Daniel (Eleanor) Hollis; brothers-in-law: Russell Creasy, Rich Nienhouse, Paul (Kay) Nienhouse, Leon (Joan) Nienhouse, and William Barth; and sisters-in-law, Margaret (Bob) Purcell and Brenda Nienhouse.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Lakeshore Assisted Living (Seville Residence) for their compassionate care of Pat in her final years.

A graveside service will take place later this spring at Spring Lake Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association-Michigan Chapter or Lakeshore Assisted Living Homes.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia (Pat) Ann (Hollis) Nienhouse, please visit our floral store.


Elaine Mildred Teall

December 12, 1947-March 31, 2026

Elaine Teall died on March 31, 2026, of pancreatic cancer, and the world is a darker and emptier place without her.

After raising three children, teaching for 42 years, caring for her mother and then her husband as their health declined, she had earned the right to simply enjoy her life on her own terms for a few years — but, as it does for so many people, cancer stole that from her.

Elaine was born in Freeport, New York, on December 12, 1947, to Margaret and Edwin Carlin. She had an older brother, Eddie, who died of Hodgkin's Lymphoma at age 30, and two younger sisters, Cynthia and Dorothy. Her parents claimed that she started out as an impossibly stubborn child, but they managed to turn her into a perfect young lady.

As a teenager, Elaine attended Moravian Academy in Pennsylvania and then headed to Hope College (Class of 1969). Her parents hoped she would get her degree and return home to New York; Elaine dreamed of becoming an airline stewardess and traveling the world. Neither happened — instead, she met and married Gary Teall, the love of her life and her total opposite in almost every way, and settled down in Holland. She started teaching in Coopersville Area Public Schools, where she would remain for the next 42 years. Her fellow teachers became lifelong friends, and she became the favorite teacher of literal generations of middle school students. Elaine and Gary raised three children, Eric, Maggie, and Kathy. Elaine made teaching all day and parenting all night look so easy that her children all became teachers and parents as well — and only then did they realize how positively heroic their mom was.

At age 40, while her children were still very young, Elaine was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She suffered through a year of brutal treatments, which the doctors warned her would each take a year off of her life, but she persisted. Nonetheless, she was diagnosed with a relapse of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2004 and pancreatic cancer in the summer of 2025.

In her retirement, Elaine attended nearly every recital, concert, and athletic event her eight grandchildren (Alissa, Graham, Robbie, Lila, Grayson, Charlotte, Blake, and Kai) participated in, and swooped in to save the day any time her three adult children needed her. She volunteered in many capacities at First United Methodist Church of Holland, where she was a faithful and lifelong member, spent time with her Coopersville retiree friends, and kept fit and made wonderful new “Zumba friends” at Evergreen Commons. These friends rallied around her over the past year, driving her to treatments, rushing her to the emergency room, bringing her meals, and keeping her company until the very end.

Elaine loved waterparks, swimming in the ocean, Les Misérables, and mystery novels. She traveled to Japan, Alaska, Portugal, Austria, and England. She was calm and refined in a rowdy family — when it was her turn to choose what tape (yes, tape) to listen to on family road trips, she often chose thirty minutes of silence. She was Michigan Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2010. She gave great advice. She was fiercely loyal. Her patience and kindness were legendary. No obituary could adequately capture the life she led and the gaping hole that is now in the hearts of those who loved her.

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Edwin Carlin, her brother Eddie Carlin, and her husband, Gary Teall.

She is survived by her sisters, Cynthia Drake and Dorothy Carbone, her lifelong friend Mary Miller, her three children and their spouses: Eric Teall (Jenni), Maggie Teall (Mark Beaver), and Kathy Teall (Nick Vartanian), and eight grandchildren: Alissa and Robbie Teall, Graham, Lila, and Charlotte Beaver, and Grayson, Blake, and Kai Vartanian, and countless others whose lives she touched in her 78 years on Earth.

A memorial service will be at 4:30 p.m. on April 24 at First United Methodist Church in Holland. In lieu of flowers, donations to Faith Hospice or The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research are welcome.


Joann Elizabeth (Karsten) Tysman

November 26, 1947-March 30, 2026

Joann Elizabeth Tysman, age 78, of Grand Haven, went home to be with her Lord and savior on Monday, March 30, 2026.

She was born on November 26, 1947, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to the late W.J. "Bud" and Elizabeth (Oosse) Karsten.

Joann moved from Holland to the Tri-Cities area in 1966. She was a faithful member of First Christian Reformed Church and worked at Family Fare in Holland for more than 20 years. She left a lasting impression on her customers and all who knew her through her passion for life and her unmistakable sense of humor.

Joann was a talented needleworker who especially enjoyed quilting, sewing, knitting, and embroidery. She was known for pouring love and creativity into detailed, hand-sewn patterns that were personalized for each recipient. Crafting for others brought her great joy, and she was always making and sewing things to give to others, whether it be facemasks, washcloths, trivets, or king-sized quilts. Even in her final months, she made washcloths while at Christian Haven Home and loved giving them to the staff and residents.

Joann will be lovingly remembered and missed by her daughter, Janice (Paul) McDermott; two sons, Peter (Sara) Tysman and David (Jessica) Tysman; nine grandchildren: Owen, Elliot, Oliver, Emmett, Jonathan, Meredith, Addison, Magdalena, and Amelia; her brother, Jack (Joanne) Karsten; brothers-in-law, Andrew (Mary) Waid and Gary (Mary) Buttery; and many treasured nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Judith Buttery and Esther Waid.

The memorial service for Joann will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 12, 2026, at First Church Grand Haven, 516 S. Ferry St., Grand Haven, with Pastor Art Van Wolde officiating. Visitations will be at 3-5 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home (Grand Haven), as well as one hour prior to the service on Sunday, at the church. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the National Lymphedema Network (NLN) – Joann struggled with this condition for years. The NLN works tirelessly to bring hope, education, and advocacy to the millions affected by lymphedema worldwide.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joann Elizabeth (Karsten) Tysman, please visit our floral store.

ONN Staff profile image
by ONN Staff

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