Obituaries: August 2025

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

Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services

Robert Dale Hayes
August 20, 1968-August 6, 2025

Robert Dale Hayes, age 56, of Grand Haven, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at home. He was born on August 20, 1968, in Grand Haven to Robert Earl and Rose Mary (Stearns) Hayes.

Robert worked at Federal Mogul until a shoulder injury forced him to retire. He was a lifelong resident of Grand Haven. Robert loved tubing down the Muskegon River with family and friends. He prided himself on being able to repair cars, bikes, literally all things mechanical.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Desirae (Chaise) Hayes – Balcom; stepdaughter, Christina Potter; stepson, Robert Potter; two sisters, Peggy (Randy) Goodin and Mary Rose Rhineburger; his aunt, Celeste Engale – LaForest; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sue Ann Hayes.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be from 2-6 p.m. Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Grand Haven Community Center, Mackinaw Room, 422 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Bring a dish to pass. 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 guestbook at sytsemafh.com.

Sanford "Mark" Kelley
July 23, 1948-August 10, 2025

Sanford “Mark” Kelley, age 77, of Grand Haven and Tucson, Arizona, passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at home, surrounded by his family. He was born in Grand Haven to Charles and Ethel (Borchers) Kelley. 
 
Mark was a wanna be cowboy, an avid sailor, and enjoyed skiing. He was a founding member of Folds of Honor Michigan Chapter and an advocate for fellow veterans. Having proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, he was awarded the Purple Heart. Mark enjoyed success as an entrepreneur, having built his own communications technology firm.
 
He is survived by his wife of almost 43 years, Kristine; son, Jeffrey (Laurie) Kelley; grandsons: Matthew and Jonathan; siblings: Craig (Dawn) Kelley and Diane (Mark) Donselar.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ethel; brothers Rodney and Mikel Kelley.
 
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 14, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Grand Haven. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Mark’s name to Folds of Honor Michigan. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.

Marion McDonald
March 5, 1922-August 9, 2025

Marion McDonald, age 103, of Spring Lake, passed away Saturday, August 9, 2025, at a local care facility.

She was born March 5, 1922, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, to Arthur and Annie (Walwyn) Anderson. Marion married Ray Leonard Benjamin McDonald on September 12, 1942, in Hamilton, Ontario, and he preceded her in death on July 6, 2010.

As a skilled seamstress, Marion worked as a sewing instructor for the Singer Sewing Machine Co. at the Livonia Mall. Well past the age of 100, she was still tatting (lace-making), creating lovely doilies, tatting-art and beautiful intricate jewelry. Taking up painting as a centenarian, she proved that it was never too late to try something new, as you might just be really good at it. Marion also enjoyed all needlework projects, a competitive game of Euchre, and thoroughly enjoyed going to the casino to win!

Marion is lovingly remembered by two daughters, Carole (Joe) Cierlak and Phyllis (Frank) Yert; six grandchildren: Renee (Mike) Caliendo, Jodie (Brian) Gamm, Julie (Aaron) Krakow, Sheila (Alan) Strong, Adam (Laura) Cierlak and Keith (Carly) Yert; twelve great-grandchildren: Jade Kroening, Joseph “Joey” Kroening, John Caliendo, Lee Gamm, Claire Gamm, Kylie Krakow, Jacob Krakow, Aidan Krakow, Baileigh (Kyle) Strong – DeYoung, Brendan (Amanda) Strong, Alaina Cierlak, and Raelynn Cierlak; great-greatgrandchild, Aurellio DeYoung. Marion was preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy Austerberry.

A visitation from 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2025, will be at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Interment will be in Spring Lake Cemetery. Share memories with the family at their online guestbook at sytsemafh.com.

Margaret Kay "Marge" Freeman
July 15, 1941-August 6, 2025

Margaret Kay “Marge” Freeman, age 84, of Grand Haven, passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at home.

She was born July 15, 1941, in Dowagiac, Michigan, to Lyle Matthew and Eva Lenora (Draper) Webster. Marge married Alan E. Freeman on September 3, 1960, at Peace Temple United Methodist Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Alan preceded her in death on February 20, 2022.

Margaret graduated from Benton Harbor High School. She lived a life that was full of helping others through her volunteering, Hospice of North Ottawa Community for 31 years, the NOAH Project for seven years, and Love In Action for 12 years, just to name a few. Margaret was also a member of the Esther Circle at United Methodist Church of the Dunes.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Jodie (Ron Kurburski) Freeman; son, Shawn (Kimberly) Freeman; four grandchildren: Brandon (Angelica) Marecek, Andie (Cameron) Young, Harley Freeman, Sloan Freeman; two great-grandchildren, Maxx and Wren; and her stepsister, Sharon Frey.

According to Margaret’s wishes, no service will be held. Memorial contributions to Love In Action or the Noah’s Project 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.

Andrew Way
April 20, 1952-August 3, 2025

Andrew Way, age 73, of Grand Haven, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital. He was born April 20, 1952, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to Russell Warren and Yvonne (Gardner) Way.

Andrew graduated from Spring Lake High School and Western Michigan University. He worked in machine repair for Steelcase. In his heart, he knew he was able to fix anything and was a great mechanic. Andrew loved riding his motorcycle, boating, NASCAR, and watching the University of Michigan football, Detroit Lions, and Detroit Pistons. He enjoyed walks on the pier and boardwalk and stopping for a Pronto-Pup.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Katie (Ron) Carpenter; two sons, David Way and Phillip (Rob) Way; two grandchildren, Roderick Carpenter and Ryan Rodriguez; his sister, Susan Marris; his brother, Russell “Rusty” Way Jr.; his aunt, Gwen (Doug) Noren; and numerous nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Jennifer Way.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 9, 2025, at The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.

Martin C. Howard
July 24, 1969-July 28, 2025

Martin C. Howard, age 56, of Grand Haven, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 28, 2025, in an automobile accident.

He was born July 24, 1969, in Grand Haven to Duane Allen and Karen Louise (Hall) Howard.

Martin graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1987. He just retired from Herman Miller company as a quality specialist after 30 years there. Martin was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan and a shareholder in the team. He loved spending time at Lost Luck Tattoo and appreciated Matt Pike as his artist. Martin was an avid golfer, kayaker, perch fisherman, camper, and hiker. He enjoyed morel hunting.

Martin made others become better people. He was a light in this world. He is lovingly remembered by his mother, Karen Ralya; two daughters, Ashley Vance and Erica (Caleb VanDyke) Howard; and the love of his life, Jessica Hawley; his brother, Brad (Melanie) Howard; his “grandchildren” pets, Louie, Bob and Norman; niece, Ella (Shane Plouhar) Kamps; nephew, Thomas Howard; two aunts, Dianna Murray and Victoria (Louis) Johnson; and numerous cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, and grandparents, Martin (Pearl) Howard and Grant (Viola) Hall.

A celebration of life will be 3-6 p.m. Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Pottawatomie Park Shelter 2. Please dress in your Green Bay Packers swag. Memorials to St. Luke Lutheran Church Youth Group in Nunica are appreciated. Arrangements are 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.