Obituaries: Aug. 25, 2026

Chester "Chet" Haveman

October 10, 1942-August 23, 2026

Chester Haveman, 83, of Hudsonville, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

Chester "Chet" was born October 10, 1942, in Blendon Township, to Arnold and Hattie (Holstege) Haveman. Chet graduated from Unity Christian High School and served his country in the U.S. Army. After his military service, Chet worked in concrete construction at Ted Miedema Concrete for 50 years until he retired. On June 19, 1969, Chet married Sharon Prince. Chet and Sharon raised their children in Hudsonville, and Chet was a lifelong member of Hudsonville Protestant Reformed Church.

Chet is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon; their children, Janna and Joel Huisken of Grandville, Michael and Heidi Haveman of Jenison; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Trevor and Kaitlin Huisken (Elise), Mitchell and Leah Huisken (expecting in February), Kelly Huisken, Emily Huisken, Ethan and Olivia Haveman (Edison), Darcie and Carson Lehmann; siblings, Will and Sue Haveman, Vern and Mary Haveman, Ruth and Dale Kraker; in-laws, Douglas and Mary Jane Prince, and many extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Haveman.

A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, August 28, 2026, at Hudsonville Protestant Reformed Church, 5101 Beechtree Ave., Hudsonville, MI 49426. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday, also at Hudsonville Protestant Reformed Church. Private interment will be in Blendon Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Protestant Reformed Special Education.

Arrangements are by the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland, MI 49464.

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Crystal Mae Lyons

November 13, 1930-August 23, 2026

Crystal Mae Lyons, age 95, of Grand Haven, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Lakeshore Assisted Living in Grand Haven.

She was born on November 13, 1930, in Grand Haven to John and Avis (Morse) Roossien. She married Charles Frank “Chuck” Lyons on May 1, 1948, in Grand Haven.

Crystal was a lifelong resident of Grand Haven and a member of St. Patrick Parish. Playing the organ since age 13, she went on to be the church organist for many years and was a seasoned volunteer for St. Anthony Food Pantry. She was a marvelous cook, enjoyed gardening, and took great pride in maintaining her lawn. Crystal also loved her cat, “Gidget.”

She is lovingly remembered by her four daughters, Sandra (Stephan) Barrett, Janet (Daniel) MacKeller, Vicki Reyes, and Nancy (Charles) Zukowski; 11 grandchildren, Scott (LeighAnne) MacKeller, Joseph (Mary) MacKeller, Gregory (Courtney) MacKeller, Christopher (Kenita) Barrett, Stephanie (Daniel) Yentsch, Neal (Rachel) Mason, Elizabeth (David) Groenewoud, Rachel McAndrews, Mark Pietrusza, Jessica (Merritt) Lucas, and Jason MacKay; 25 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren (plus one more on the way); two sisters, Delores (Dan) Deal, and Shirley Haubrich.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Chuck” Lyons, on November 2, 2006, and her sister, Barbara Comancho.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 28, 2026, at St. Patrick Parish in Grand Haven, with Rev. Dan Schumaker officiating. Friends may meet the family from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services in Grand Haven, with the Rosary at 7 p.m. Interment will be in Lakeshore Cemetery.

Those desiring to make a contribution are encouraged to consider St. Anthony Food Pantry or Ottawa County Humane Society. 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.

James Taylor McCormick II

January 20, 1943-August 22, 2026

James Taylor McCormick II, age 83, of Holland, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

Jim was born and raised in Canandaigua, New York. Jim was a proud graduate of the University of Georgia, where he earned his bachelor's degree in psychology, and he dedicated eight remarkable years to serving in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a captain. His firm faith inspired him to care deeply for his family and those in need, which was evident in every aspect of his life.

A devoted husband to his wife, Pam McCormick, Jim cherished the life they built together. He was an extraordinary stepfather to Brian, Mark, and David, creating countless memories and modeling what it meant to be a man of character. He was also a doting grandfather.

For many years, Jim served as a substance abuse counselor, providing support and guidance to families. His kind heart and compassionate nature made a significant impact on the lives of many. Later, Jim discovered his passion for landscaping, where he took immense pride in both his work and the relationships he built with clients.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Pam McCormick; sons, Brian and Kathleen Linder, Mark Linder, and David and Abbie Linder; six grandchildren; sister, Sara Beasley; in-laws, Martin & Cheryl DeHaan, as well as nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by brothers-in-law, William DeHaan and Cliff Beasley.

Jim will be dearly missed by his family and friends, they cherish the memories they shared. And they take great comfort knowing he is with his savior, and they will see him again.

No services are planned. Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland. Arrangements are by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home. Condolences may be left online at langelandsterenberg.com.

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Ellen Sue Steinke

April 12, 1945-August 13, 2026

Ellen Sue Loewy Steinke, born on April 12, 1945, in the vibrant city of Baltimore, Maryland, peacefully departed this world on August 13, 2026, enveloped in the comfort of her home with her children by her side. Her presence was a beacon of warmth and kindness, leaving a lasting imprint on all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Ellen was the beloved daughter of the late Samuel and Annette Loewy. She was also predeceased by her dear sister, Nancy Polen.

Her legacy is carried on by her devoted family: her daughter, Connie Steinke, and her son, Clark Keefer, along with his wife, Michelle Keefer. Ellen's joy and pride were her grandchildren, Taylor and Hudson Keefer, who brought light into her life with their laughter and love. She is also fondly remembered by her brother-in-law, Bob Polen; niece, Kim O’Connell; and her husband, Dan, as well as her nephew, David Polen, and his wife, Deann.

Ellen's life was a testament to the power of a warm smile and a gentle hug. Her kindness and compassion knew no bounds, and she was cherished deeply by her family and friends. Her light, though now absent, will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those she touched.

A private ceremony will be held to honor Ellen's remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ellen's memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, an organization close to her heart, based in Washington, D.C.

As we bid farewell to Ellen, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and unwavering grace. Her spirit will forever remain a guiding light for her family and all who knew her.

Arrangements are by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home. To leave condolences online, please visit langelandsterenberg.com.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ellen Sue Steinke, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Robert J. "Bob" Tosterud

July 21, 1946-August 20, 2026

Dr. Robert J. “Bob” Tosterud, age 80, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 20, 2026. 

He was born on July 21, 1946, to Orval and Dorothy (Christianson) Tosterud in Des Plaines, Illinois. Bob was a man of remarkable intellect, determination, generosity, and charisma, but above all, he was a devoted husband, faithful servant of the Lord, and a man who believed deeply in the value of people and the communities around him.

Bob married the love of his life, Karen Lechner, on June 22, 1968. Together, they shared 52 years filled with love, laughter, adventure, and an entrepreneurial spirit that seemed to make every challenge an opportunity. Karen was truly Bob’s world, and the life they created together was one of his greatest accomplishments. 

Whether they were moving into one of Karen’s new “non-tornado” homes, building their candle business, or buying and selling antiques, Bob and Karen approached life side-by-side, always ready for their next adventure. Karen preceded him in death on August 6, 2020, and Bob carried her memory and the love they shared with him throughout the remainder of his life.

Bob’s professional life was one of extraordinary accomplishment and service.  He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business economics from North Dakota State University and went on to receive his Ph.D. in agricultural economics from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. He began his academic career at North Dakota State University, where he served as director of the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute and as an assistant professor of agricultural economics.

His career later took him to Washington, D.C., where he served for seven years as Senior Economist and Staff Director of the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress and spent four years in various positions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He subsequently served as an Economics Program Officer for the Ford Foundation in New York City before beginning what would become an especially meaningful chapter of his career at the University of South Dakota in 1991.

For 18 years, Bob served the University of South Dakota as a professor of economics and the Freeman Chair of Entrepreneurial Studies.  He was passionate about teaching and even more passionate about his students. He was twice named the University of South Dakota Student Association’s “Teacher of the Year” in 1993 and 2000, an honor that reflected his ability to make every student feel valued and capable. One student described his classes as an “esteem boost,” noting that Bob cared about who his students were both inside and outside the classroom.

Bob’s influence extended far beyond the classroom. He founded the National Council of Entrepreneurship Chairs, helped establish the South Dakota Family Business Initiative, founded CAFE (Community and Family Enterprise), and developed an entrepreneurship partnership between the University of South Dakota and Sitting Bull Tribal College. His dedication to rural and small-town development took him around the world, including to South Africa, Australia, and Germany, where he worked to encourage entrepreneurship and business development.

His many accomplishments earned him numerous honors, including the Freedom Foundation Leavey Award for “Excellence in Private Enterprise Education,” recognition as one of the nation’s Top 10 Entrepreneurship Educators by Inc. Magazine, Merrill Lynch, and the Kauffman Foundation, and the University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business Outstanding Research Award. He also served as a Visiting Scholar in Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth at the Library of Congress.

In June 2009, South Dakota honored Bob by proclaiming June 30 as “Dr. Robert J. Tosterud Day” in recognition of his many accomplishments and his service to the state. Though he had retired from the University of South Dakota that May, Bob remained deeply grateful for the people and experiences that had shaped his life. He once reflected that every encounter with a South Dakotan — whether a student, colleague, or citizen — had added value to his career and his life.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bob will be remembered for the way he made people feel. He possessed a larger-than-life personality and a natural charisma that could fill a room with laughter. He had an incredible ability to bring a smile to someone’s face and make those around him feel welcome. Bob was generous to his core and kind beyond measure. His determination and ambitious spirit helped him achieve great success, but it was his genuine care for others that made his accomplishments truly meaningful.

Bob was also a devoted fan of the Minnesota Vikings, a passion inspired by Karen, and a loyal Detroit Tigers fan.  He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, such as watching the Game Show Network (GSN) to escape the constant sports channel and treasured the adventures he shared with Karen, his family, and the many people fortunate enough to call him a friend.

Bob’s legacy will live on not only through the accomplishments that earned him professional recognition, but through the countless lives he influenced as a teacher, mentor, entrepreneur, husband, friend, and servant of the Lord.  He leaves behind a life that was full of purpose, adventure, laughter, and love—and a lasting reminder that success is measured not only by what we accomplish, but by what we give to others along the way.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Bob is survived by his three beloved grandchildren, Izzy Tosterud, Eli Tosterud and Emmy Tosterud; daughter-in-law, Marissa Tosterud; sisters-in-law, Judy Tosterud, Paula Walinski and Nancy Moore; numerous nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Karen Tosterud; two sons, Robert J. “Bobby” Tosterud Jr. and Jonathan J. Tosterud; brother, Anton Tosterud Sr.; two sisters, Ruth Ann Egge and Kris Tosterud; and brother-in-law, Cleve Moore. 

A celebration of Bob’s life will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Lakeshore Lutheran Fellowship, 16790 Van Wagoner Road, Spring Lake, MI 49456, with visitation one hour prior. Memorial contributions in his honor can be directed to Lakeshore Lutheran Fellowship. Arrangements entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Share memories with the family at sytsemafh.com.