Obituaries: February 2026
Linda Ann (Start) Alsteen
June 20, 1950-February 8, 2026
Linda Ann (Start) Alsteen, age 75, passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026, at University of Michigan Hospital in Byron Center, Michigan.
She was born in Grand Haven, Michigan, to Robert and Patricia (Michael) Start.
Linda graduated from Grand Haven High School. She worked for Herman Miller as a CNC programmer until her retirement in 2013. Linda was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Lakeside Eagles. She loved NASCAR and attending races, rooting for the Detroit Tigers, listening to Elvis music, traveling to warmer climates, sitting by the pool, and getting dressed up. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is lovingly remembered by two sons, John (Sarah) Phelps, and Michael (Kari) Fetterhoff; six grandchildren: Jessica Phelps, Renee (Wes) Bird, Shana Phelps, John Phelps, Jr., Kaylie Fetterhoff, and Kellie (“Dom”) Perry; nine great-grandchildren (and one more on the way); her sister, Kathleen (Edward) Kruizenga; her brother, Timothy Start; her sister-in-law, Rebecca Start; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Raelynn Spinner, and two brothers, Robert Start and Martin Start.
A mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake. Friends may meet the family 2-4 p.m. Sunday, February 15, at The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake. Memorials in Linda’s name may be given to St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.
Maryellen (VanOordt) Bramer
September 28, 1944-January 29, 2026
Maryellen "Mary" Bramer, age 81, of Robinson Township, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 29, 2026, surrounded by love.
She was born on September 28, 1944, in Grand Haven, to the late Gerrit and Genevieve (Wabeke) VanOordt.
Mary lived a life defined by generosity, compassion, and unwavering devotion to others. A natural caretaker, she spent her life putting the needs of those around her before her own. Whether caring for family, friends, or anyone who needed a helping hand, Mary gave freely of her time, strength and heart. She had a quiet way of making people feel safe, seen, and deeply loved.
Mary found joy in the simple but meaningful moments of life — caring for her family, sharing meals with neighbors, knitting endlessly, sitting down for a puzzle, listening without judgment and offering comfort through both words and actions. She always had a "good deed for the day" she wanted to accomplish. Her kindness was steady and unassuming, yet profoundly impactful. Guided by her faith in God, Mary lived with humility, grace, and a deep sense of purpose, touching countless lives through her example.
Mary is survived by her two daughters, Amy (Doug) Lake of Holland and Jennifer (Brian) Lubben of West Olive; her two sons, Todd (Tammy) Bramer of Hudsonville and Matthew (Tonya) Bramer of West Ottawa; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; her sister, Edna Rogers; and her brother, Loren VanOordt; all of whom carry forward her legacy of love, service and faith.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Ken and Gerald VanOordt, and sister-in-law, Virginia VanOordt.
Though her hands are now at rest, the care she gave and the love she shared will live on in the countless lives she touched. Mary will be remembered not only for what she did, but for who she was — a giver, a nurturer, and a woman whose life was a gift to others.
The funeral service for Maryellen will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2026, at Hope Church with Pastor Tim Taylor officiating. Visitation will take place 3-5 p.m. Sunday, February 15, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Interment will be at Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maryellen (VanOordt) Bramer, please visit our floral store.
Cynthia Ann (Hempel) Brink
November 15, 1967-February 6, 2026
Cynthia "Cindy" Ann Brink, age 58, of Robinson Township, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at home.
She was born on November 15, 1967, in Muskegon, Michigan, to the late Carl and Barbara (Panka) Hempel. Cindy married Scott Brink on March 11, 2023.
Cindy graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central High School, where she proudly participated in the marching band. Following graduation, she began working at McDonald’s, where her strong work ethic and leadership skills led her into management. She later served as a sales representative for Jenny Craig before discovering her true calling with the American Cancer Society. As a dedicated fundraiser, Cindy was passionate about serving others and found great fulfillment in her work within the nonprofit community.
In her free time, Cindy cherished visits to Pere Marquette Beach and enjoyed playing board games, dice games, and cards with those she loved. Above all, she had a deep and abiding love for her family. Cindy touched countless lives through her kindness and generosity, dedicating herself to causes that uplifted and supported others.
Cindy is survived by her loving husband, Scott; her mother-in-law, Elaine Brink; and sisters-in-law, Tricia (Thom) Bartels, Tammy (Chad) Berghorst, and Rachelle (Matt) VandeBunte.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Kurt Mackey; and her father-in-law, James Brink.
The memorial service for Cindy will take place at noon Monday, February 16, 2026, at LifeTree Community Church (10933 Lake Michigan Drive, West Olive, with Pastor Jeff Elzinga officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to her husband, Scott Brink (Mail to: 13461 128th Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417), to assist with unexpected expenses.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cynthia Ann (Hempel) Brink, please visit our floral store.
Bette Jane Carpenter
August 20, 1925-January 31, 2026
Bette J. Carpenter, age 100, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in Grand Haven, Michigan.
Born to Emmet and Thelma Faye (Overhiser) Ridley on August 20, 1925, Bette spent her early years on their farm in Casco Township, Michigan.
After graduating from South Haven High School in 1942, Bette spent a year majoring in Home Economics at Western Michigan University, then returned home during the war years to work: first on the farm, followed by a short “Rosie Riveter” airplane factory stint, then with the South Haven telephone company, later known as GTE, where her future husband Allan W. Carpenter would spend his career. Upon Allan’s return from World War II, Bette and he were married at West Casco United Brethren Church on December 16, 1945, going on to spend 62 wonderful years together, raising a family, living in the Michigan communities of Allegan, Adrian, South Haven, before moving to Spring Lake in 1979.
Bette was indeed a skilled homemaker, but once the children were all in school, she worked outside the home as well, serving as secretary for Allegan Public Schools, then as secretary for ScienTemp of Adrian, Michigan, along with pre-retirement secretarial and bookkeeping positions in South Haven and Spring Lake, loving all the details and precision of office work. In all these positions, Bette proudly exemplified professional competence in managing the business organizational needs of her employers, whether as office manager, bookkeeper or secretary.
Bette also loved the details and precision of traditional home arts, including baking pies, putting up preserves, and especially knitting, quilting, sewing garments, and making alterations. She made countless holiday outfits, suits, and dresses for her children; she made her own wedding dress as well as one for each of her daughters; and she made beautiful quilts for her children and grandchildren.
With Allan, Bette enjoyed traveling, including trips to western American National Parks, to the British Isles, to Western Europe, to the Caribbean, and to the Middle East; their final trip together was to India, re-visiting where Allan had served during WWII. During retirement, they made annual treks to Florida to spend the winter months. Favorite local Michigan adventures included tours and parade routes, driving in their restored 1946 Ford, as well as boating and fishing in the Tri-Cities area. Bette’s undaunted spirit included a Panama Canal cruise at age 90 with daughter Jewel and at age 95, a Columbia River cruise in Washington and Oregon, accompanied by daughters Jewel and Jane.
Locally, Bette loved and supported her community, as an active member at Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church since 1980, an early supporter of Young Life in the Tri-Cities area, and as a member of Lighthouse Quilt Guild, making baby quilts for single mothers.
Bette is survived in death by her sister, Carole Wyers-Randall; by her children: Jane Sneeringer, Joel (Janis) Carpenter, Jeffrey (Ginny) Carpenter, Jewel (Dan) Brink; grandchildren: Sarah Canter Duncan, Marielle Canter Weikel, Nathan Carpenter, Rebecca Carpenter Bistrow, Andrew Carpenter, Kate Carpenter van den Brink, Aaron Carpenter, Luke Brink, and Emma Brink; and 16 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Emmet and Thelma Faye Ridley; siblings, Wayne Ridley, Charles Ridley, Eldon Ridley, Bonnie Dreksler-Bradstreet, Emmett Ridley, and son-in-law Bill Sneeringer.
Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Friday, February 13, 2026, at Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church, 364 S. Lake Ave., Spring Lake. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, with Rev. Brent Pollema officiating. Arrangements via The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake.
Please consider signing the family’s online guestbook and share memories at sytsemafh.com.
Roger Alan Crain
November 4, 1959-January 30, 2026
Roger Alan Crain, age 66, of Grand Haven, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Robbinswood Assisted Living.
Roger was born on November 4, 1959, in Muskegon, Michigan, to the late Kenneth and Mary (Klobucher) Crain.
Roger graduated from Spring Lake High School in 1978 and began his working career at Star Industries. He later earned his associate degree from Baker College and went on to spend more than 25 years with Snook Inc. In his free time, Roger greatly enjoyed deer hunting and cheering on the University of Michigan Wolverines and the Detroit Lions.
Roger is survived by his children, Alecia Devereaux, Casey (Spencer) Fuller, Jessie (Josh) Tomes, and Rachel (Rey) De Leon; the mother of his children, Kelly; nine grandchildren; sisters, Rose Budde and Vicki (John) Koster; and three nieces and one great-nephew.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Bill Budde.
A celebration of life for Roger will be at 3 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2026, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be 2-3 p.m. prior to the service.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roger Alan Crain, please visit our floral store.
Ruth Ann (Wyma) DeKoekkoek
July 10, 1936-February 11, 2026
Ruth Ann DeKoekkoek, age 89, of Grand Haven, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital.
She was born on July 10, 1936, in Wayne, Michigan, to the late Ben and Ruth (Parker) Wyma. Ruth Ann married Edward A. DeKoekkoek on January 3, 1958, in Moddersville, Michigan. Ruth Ann and Edward were residents of Kalamazoo for many years, until they relocated to Grand Haven in 1979. Edward preceded her in death on July 6, 2023, after 65 years of marriage.
Ruth Ann absolutely loved and had a special ministry of music. She began playing the piano at the age of 10 at Moddersville Church and continued to play and teach piano and organ lessons for over 70 years. She also volunteered as pianist for Heartwood Lodge, playing music for the patients who were there for rehabilitation or end-of-life care.
For many years, Ruth Ann was an active member of Trinity Church Grand Haven, where she served as organist and pianist for church services and various choirs, including the Senior, Children's, and Sonshine Choirs. She also served on the Worship Ministry Team and volunteered many hours at the keyboard for other various church ministries.
Ruth Ann was a member of the WestShore DeColores and the American Legion Charles A. Conklin American Post 28 Auxiliary. She was also an avid reader who enjoyed walking.
Ruth Ann is lovingly remembered and missed by her three daughters: Deborah (Charles) Smith of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Mary (Chris) Smith of Schoolcraft, Michigan, and Faith (Mark) Engel of Grand Haven; her daughter-in-law, Kristin DeKoekkoek; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; her sister, Dorothy Everett; her brother, Wayne (Marcia) Wyma; sister-in-law, Karen Wyma; and many other brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Dekoekkoek; her son, Mark DeKoekkoek; her daughter, Lois Andrakowicz; sister, Florence Wyma; brother, Alden Wyma; and her stepbrothers, Henry and Harvey Wyma.
The memorial service for Ruth Ann will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Trinity Church Grand Haven with Pastor Emmett Brown officiating. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday, February 16, 2026, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Church Missionary Jason Musgrave.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth Ann (Wyma) DeKoekkoek, please visit our floral store.
Wesley C. DeWitt
July 14, 1929-February 6, 2026
Mr. Wesley C. DeWitt, age 96, of Spring Lake, passed away February 6, 2026, at Lakeshore Assisted Living in Grand Haven, Michigan.
He was born July 14, 1929, in Spring Lake, to Claus J. and Ruby Marian (Simons) DeWitt, and has been a life-long resident.
Wesley was a former member of the Protestant Reformed Church of Grand Haven, where he served as deacon and treasurer, and was a current member of Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church, where he taught Sunday School. A board member of Christian Haven Home since 1980, serving as chairman of the Building & Grounds, spending countless hours on the addition and repairs. He was also a volunteer for the nearly new Love Inc. store.
Wesley retired after 39 years of service at Bastian Blessing Co. as an engineering instructor and shop supervisor. His other interests included vacationing in Texas, Tennessee, and Florida. He also enjoyed photography, fishing, tinkering with cars, and was an avid golfer.
Wesley proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, 45th Thunderbird Division, in both Japan and Korea during the war.
On June 25, 1953, he married the love of his life, Helen Peterson, in Spring Lake, and she preceded him in death on September 8, 2001.
On May 31, 2003, Wesley married Agnes Nummerdor and she survives him with his four daughters: Barbara (Robert) Vanderwall, Jayne Wallace, Gale (Andy) DeVos, and Pamela (Chris) Bosse; nine grandchildren: Jamie (Jim) Groesbeck, Brenden Wallace, Jessica (Steve) Hartman, Jason DeVos, Aaron DeVos, Michelle (Doug) Redder, Kyle (Sabrina) DeVos, Zackary (Sherri) Weavers, Brooke Bosse, and Jake Anderson; and 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Karen Liefer, and Diane Roels; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Gwendolyn Bierman; her husband, Paul Bierman; son-in-law, Timothy Wallace; two sisters, Irene Peterson and Shirley Buitendorp; four brothers-in-law, Owen Peterson, John Peterson, Fred Peterson, and Bill Liefer; and sisters-in-law, Mary (Peterson) Veurink and Muriel Peterson.
A funeral for Wesley will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church with the Rev. Brent Pollema officiating. Friends may meet the family 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Military honors will be provided by the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post # 28 Honor Guard.
Interment will be in Spring Lake Cemetery. Memorials in honor of Wesley may be given to Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church or Optimal Care Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.
James Richard Fegley
December 16, 1930-February 1, 2026
James "Jim" R. Fegley, age 95, of Grand Haven, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Harbor Hospice-Poppen Residence.
He was born on December 16, 1930, in Newark, N.J., to the late James and Katherine (Yeager) Fegley. Jim married Shirley Hershey on December 18, 1971, in Grand Haven.
Jim grew up in Catawissa, Pennsylvania, graduating from high school there in 1948. In 1959, Jim moved to Grand Haven and spent the next 28 years working for Michigan Plastics; ten of which were spent working as a salesman in the Detroit area, and then retiring from Grand Haven Plastic as a quality control director in 1992.
Jim was a member of the Sons of the American Legion (SAL), as well as the Grand Haven Elks Lodge #1200. He loved golfing, bowling, and camping, and especially enjoyed traveling to Florida for the winter months, which he and Shirley did for many years.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Shirley; two sons, Tom (Sally) Fegley of Utah and John Fegley of Grand Haven; stepchildren: Pamela Leach, William (Cindy) Hershey, and Charles (Julie) Hershey; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; his sister, Patricia Dendler; brother, Morten Fegley; siblings-in-law, Sandy Fegley and Douglas Ensley; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Fegley, and two sisters, Alice Linn and Sandra Ensley.
In accordance with Jim's final wishes, no public service will be held. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Lakeshore Cemetery at a later date.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Richard Fegley, please visit our floral store.
Martha Jean (Blough) Fuhst
February 26, 1957-February 7, 2026
Martha Jean Fuhst (Blough), age 68, of Grand Haven, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Holland Hospital.
She was born on February 26, 1957, in Saranac, Michigan, to the late Louis and Mollie (FitzSimmons) Blough.
As the youngest of nine children in a farming family, Martha cultivated a love for animals and nature from an early age. On top of her chores, she kept horses and rabbits to show in 4-H, competed in barrel racing, and was a leader in Saranac High School's chapter of Future Farmers of America.
She later moved to Grand Rapids, where she applied her considerable work ethic in a variety of administrative positions, including as a legal secretary and a medical filer. In 1989, Martha married Robert Fuhst, with whom she raised four children. In addition, she continuously sought new opportunities to grow professionally and earned several certifications while also making the Dean's List at Davenport University. Eventually, Martha started her own medical billing company, where she acted as a consultant to help medical offices catch up on billing statements and graciously assisted patients in navigating their health insurance.
After work and faithfully attending her children's myriad of after-school activities, Martha made the time to volunteer as a middle school girls' basketball coach for several seasons, where she helped young girls find confidence and competence on the court.
At home, Martha cared for a variety of pets, including: dogs, cats, birds, snakes, lizards, turtles, fish, and, at one time, pet hissing cockroaches. Her garden was full of flowers, and her snack cupboard was always open to the neighborhood kids. In 2000, they moved to the shores of Crockery Lake, where she ensured there were many family gatherings. Family was very important to Martha, whether it was spontaneous family barbecues, holiday gatherings, or making their house a second home for grandchildren.
Martha and Rob relocated to Grand Haven shortly before retiring, and she quickly found hobbies to fill her time. She enjoyed traveling to Michigan beaches hunting Petoskey stones, which evolved into rock collecting, polishing, and shaping. Martha and Rob took frequent trips to Northern Michigan in search of rocks and lighthouses. One of her goals was to see every lighthouse in Michigan. They wanted to explore further horizons, which then led to the purchase of their camper so they could take their adventures even further. She took several local classes in jewelry making, and she would incorporate metal work with her cut and polished stones.
More recently, Martha also started pyrography to further extend her skills. She maintained a large vegetable garden, and her family enjoyed her canned tomatoes and pickles through the winter.
Martha was a lifelong catholic, most recently, a parishioner at St. Patrick Church of St. Patrick- St. Anthony Parish in Grand Haven. She often found solace and strength in the rosary and was an active participant in a Prayer Warrior Group through her church.
Martha was a member of the Grand Haven Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie # 925, which is where she first heard of Women With Knives (WWK), a West Michigan-based all-female knife-throwing league. After a couple of sessions, she knew she'd found her latest passion and threw herself into the sport. Martha converted a part of the pole barn into a practice range and competed under the moniker Molly Hatchet with a local team. She traveled to DangerFest in Indiana twice and once to Blades Out or Bust in Texas to compete with knife and hatchet throwers from around the world. She found an outlet for her competitive spirit in WWK and a diverse community of women who uplifted her and challenged her to be her best.
Martha will be lovingly remembered and missed by her husband of 36 years, Robert Fuhst; her four children: Jeremy Cain, Sarah (Mitchell) Grohowski, Jacob (Rebecca) Cain, and Mallory (Luis) Fuhst; her eight grandchildren: Dakota, Olivia, Jacson, Asher, Charlotte, Annabel, Orion, and Scarlett; her two great-granddaughters: Shandiin and Sakari; her four siblings: Joan (Denny) Sison, Ruth Ann (Roger) Rowley, Phyllis (Jerry) Huver, Angela (Scott) Slaght; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Mollie Blough; and siblings: Arthur, Carmine, Roger and Dale.
The Mass of Christian burial for Martha will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, February 20, 2026, at St. Patrick Church of St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish, 920 Fulton St., Grand Haven, with Fr. Norm Droski officiating. Visitations will be 6-8 p.m. (with rosary service beginning at 7:30 p.m.) on Wednesday, Feb. 18, and 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, all at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, 1500 Robbins Road, Grand Haven.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Gift of Life-Michigan.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martha Jean (Blough) Fuhst, please visit our floral store.
Joan Marie (Vinje) Hoffman
April 12, 1932-February 6, 2026
Joan Hoffman, a pioneer of educational publishing and a committed wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away surrounded by her children on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Grand Haven, at the age of 93.
She was born in 1932 in Depression-era Chicago, to Elizabeth "Lucy" Swanson and Louis Vinje.
A disciplined and practical soul, Joan overcame the early loss of her father and an austere childhood moving between shelters and foster homes to become a lifelong leader in early childhood learning. She married James "Jim" Hoffman in 1950. Joan and Jim later attended graduate and postgraduate programs in education at Western Michigan and Michigan State universities, an experience that led them to found School Zone in 1972.
Under Joan's leadership as president, School Zone Publishing grew to be a national leader in educational publishing, developing curriculum and publishing books for parents and teachers alike. In addition to her executive role, Joan authored children's books that are beloved by millions of young readers and remain staples of School Zone's extensive library.
Joan and Jim channeled the success of School Zone into support for the Grand Haven Library, Frederik Meijer Gardens, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, and community foundations in Grand Rapids and Grand Haven. She showed her love in cooking and welcoming grandchildren and great-grandchildren into the world.
Joan is survived by her daughters, Deborah and Jennifer; and sons, Jonathan and Geoffrey (Wakako); as well as her grandchildren: Haley, Peter (Gabriella), Hanna (Alex), Maisy, Anna, Jonathan, Keagan, and Christopher; and great-grandchildren: Dresden, Lena, Olivia, Brooklyn, Frederik, Mackinac, and Franklyn.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, in 2001; daughter, Kristina Marie, in 1960; and son, Christoper James, in 1991.
The memorial service for Joan will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, February 13, 2026, at Hope Church, 14932 Mercury Drive, Grand Haven, with Pastor Tim Taylor officiating. Reception to follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chris-Tina Fund c/o the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan Marie (Vinje) Hoffman, please visit our floral store.
Gail Klukos
January 7, 1952-January 30, 2026
Gail Klukos, age 74, of Grand Haven, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 30, 2026, after a brief stay in the hospital.
She was born January 7, 1952, in Meriden, Connecticut, to Harmon and Mary (VanHall) Smith. In her teen years, her family relocated to Grand Haven, Michigan. On November 2, 1984, she married her beloved husband, Gerald Klukos.
Gail worked as a Certified Nurse’s Aide at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans until March 2013. She was a strong advocate for veteran care and deeply enjoyed her time at the VA, NOCH and home health care.
Family was of utmost importance to Gail. She was the proud mother of an athlete, giving generously of her time. She made certain her son was where he needed to be when he needed to be there and never missed a meet. As an avid supporter of public safety and law enforcement, it was her honor to be the mother of a local police officer. She boasted of Dave’s accomplishments both in and outside of the line of duty. Her grandkids were her heart, her everything. She attended every graduation, recital, concert, and sporting event. Doting on her grandchildren brought her deep joy and a sense of purpose.
Gail loved camping and traveling, especially to visit Jill and her out-of-state family. Second to her family was her love of the beach. Gail’s favorite pastimes were reading, home improvement projects, hobby crafting, and mastering new recipes in the kitchen. If she wasn’t nose-deep in a book or prepping meals and desserts to bring the family together, she was working on a home project or a special craft. She enjoyed making gifts for her family — her latest undertaking being custom piggy banks for her grandchildren. Gail will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
Gail is survived by her husband of 41 years, Gerald; three children: Dave (Tina) Scott, Dena (Jeff) Dunn, and Gerald, Jr. (Karyn) Klukos; four grandchildren: Jude, Cees, Teia, and Eden; two siblings: Kathy (Jerry) Comstock, and Peter (Nance) Smith; in-laws: Dan Klukos, Warren (Debbie) Klukos, Sam (Stacey) Klukos, Sandy (Bob) Huff, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brother- and sister-in-law, Hank and Robbie Klukos, and her parents, Harmon and Mary (VanHall) Smith and Henry and Evelyn (Kelava) Klukos.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 19, 2026, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of Gail may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Please sign the family’s online guestbook at Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.
James "Jim" Arden Mathews
October 12, 1947-February 5, 2026
On October 12, 1947, James Arden Mathews was born to Charles and Ardean (Seaton) Mathews.
He grew up on the west side of Grand Rapids, Michigan, playing all sorts of sports and instruments with his brother, Scott. He graduated from Union High School and went to Ferris State University, where he earned a degree in pharmacy and was captain of the tennis team. He was the third generation to become a pharmacist and worked in his father's drug store, Mathews Pharmacy.
Before he went off to college, he met Cathleen O'Brien. She walked into his drug store one day, holding two of her many little brothers, one by each hand, and with her jaw wired shut after surgery. He was smitten with her immediately, convinced her to date him, then spent the next five years learning to love the ways of a big family.
On August 9, 1969, they were married at St. James Church in Grand Rapids and embarked on a 56-year journey of raising their own large family. They had three daughters in Grand Rapids, then moved to a 100-year-old cottage in Highland Park, Grand Haven, which he spent the rest of his life fixing up. There, they had three more children, and Jim was received into the Catholic Church at St. Patrick, thereby gaining an even larger family in faith.
Jim was known in town for his music at St. Patrick Church, his involvement in sports at the YMCA and Norton Pines, and his participation on city boards. He was definitively known for his work as a pharmacist in the area. Jim started out as the manager of pharmacy at North Ottawa Community Hospital and went on to start Dunewood Pharmacy, and later, franchise OptionCare Home Infusion. After OptionCare, Jim spent a brief time working for FFF in California before he landed his final pharmacy job as COO at HomeTown Pharmacy in New Era.
Jim was diagnosed with inclusion body myositis 12 years ago, a disease that slowly robbed him of his own muscles. No one ever heard him complain as he slowly went from being an avid tennis player to being confined to a wheelchair, eventually dependent on his wife for all his needs. His faith and love grew as his body diminished, and he helped many people navigate this rare disease and accept the sorrows it brings. He was proud to have served as the chair of the Myositis Foundation.
On Thursday, February 5, 2026, Jim died peacefully in the arms of the church with all his children and his wife surrounding him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Cathleen; his children, Shannon (Craig) Leidel, Meghan (Kerry) Noonan, Kaitrin (Michael) Drost, Ian (Lynn) Mathews, Peter (Kelli) Mathews, Brigid (Aaron) van Baal; and 36 grandchildren: Fr. Samuel, Anne (Ryan) Teves, Deacon Charlie, Mary Claire, Kathleen, John, Virginia, Evelyn, and Tommy, Liam (Katya), Seamus, Maire, Bronagh, Sinead, Kieran, Fiona, Sean, Patrick, Malachy, Emilia, Josef, Helen, George, Leo, Eleanor, Adelaide, Catherine, Ida, Vivian, Lucy, Harper, Frances, Albertus, Josephine, Arden, Zelie; one great- grandchild, Anna; his brother, Scott (Lee) Mathews; and several nieces, nephews, and brothers and sisters in-law.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Jim will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026, at St. Patrick Church of St. Patrick – St. Anthony Parish, 920 Fulton St., Grand Haven. Visitation will be 5-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, at the church, followed by the vigil service and eulogy. A visitation will also be held one hour prior to the funeral on Thursday at the church.
Interment will take place at Lake Forest Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to: The Myositis Association (TMA), The Community of St. John: Attention Fr. Samuel Mary, or offer masses to be said for Jim.
Kody Jaymes Mayse
November 11, 1986-February 8, 2026
Kody Jaymes Mayse, age 39, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at home.
He was born on November 11, 1986, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to Kenneth Charles and Donna (Smith) Mayse. He married Anna Manuela Perez on May 14, 2016, in Grand Haven, Michigan.
Kody graduated from Grand Haven High School in 2005. He was a proud Union Carpenter in the Michigan Carpenters Union Local #100. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, taking the kids for a drive, walking in the woods, and being outside. Kody was an avid Green Bay Packers fan.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Anna Mayse; three children: Hunter Palen, Kody Mayse II, and Audrey Mayse; his mother, Donna (Dennis) Hussey; his father, Kenneth Charles Mayse; father and mother-in-law, Randy (Julie) Cross; his sister, Kristi (Tim) Mondro; sister-in-law, Samantha Yahne; and four nieces and three nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Charles Mayse II, on January 14, 2016.
A visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Monday, February 16, 2026, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven. Memorials to the Tri-Cities Alano Club, 419 Fulton St., Grand Haven, are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.
Donald Swanson Milton
October 2, 1936-February 5, 2026
Donald Swanson Milton, of Spring Lake, Michigan (formerly Nunica, Michigan), died February 5, 2026, at the age of 89.
Don was born on October 2, 1936, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to Rev. John P. and Euphamia E. Milton. He graduated from Murray High School, where he played hockey and baseball. Don went on to graduate from Gustavus Adolphus College, where he majored in American studies, philosophy, and Greek. He continued to play hockey and was named all-state.
On August 13, 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Susan Louise Myers, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Don finished out his education at the University of Minnesota, where he earned a master’s degree in philosophy. He remained an avid reader and collector of books his whole life. In 1965, Don and Sue moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where Don taught at Western Michigan University, participated in the civic theater, and took up golf, a sport he enjoyed for many years. In 1974, they moved to a farm in Nunica, Michigan, where they raised two children along with a host of farm animals.
Don shifted gears and became a furniture maker, first with The Shaker Shop in Spring Lake, Michigan, and then with Baker Furniture, where he worked his way up from Trim Room Supervisor, to Plant Manager (Holland, Michigan), and finally to Vice President of Manufacturing. His employment with Baker gave him numerous opportunities for travel to the Far East, which he enjoyed immensely. Don retired in 2000 from Baker and set up his own woodshop to continue making furniture. Don and Sue also enjoyed retirement years, caring for the many ever-changing gardens on their property and traveling to the Oregon coast.
Don is survived by his two children, Stephanie (Jim) Scrivens of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Timothy (Cindy) Milton of Muskegon, Michigan, and grandchildren, Alexis Jackel, Nathan (Sierra) Scrivens, and Rebekah Scrivens.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Sue, and his four siblings.
In lieu of a funeral service, the family would enjoy visiting individually with friends and extended family in the near future. Arrangements entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.
Jean L. (Kennedy) Picking
December 24, 1937-January 27, 2026
Jean L. Picking, age 88, of West Olive, passed away at home on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
She was born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1937, in Freeport, Illinois, to the late Malcolm and Evelyn (Murray) Kennedy Sr. Jean married her high school sweetheart, Robert E. Picking, on June 25, 1960, in Freeport, Illinois. Together they shared 63 years of marriage until Robert's passing on September 11, 2023.
Jean graduated from Freeport High School and went on to Beloit College in Wisconsin, where she earned her bachelor's degree in education. Jean and Robert built a life together throughout the Midwest, living in Madison, Wisconsin; Davenport, Iowa; Grand Haven, Michigan; and Hastings, Michigan. Jean taught school in each of these communities, spending the majority of her career at Hastings Public Schools. There, she taught kindergarten at Central School for 20 years and became a beloved institution, touching the lives of more than 1,000 children.
Jean and Bob retired to West Olive, Michigan, where they embraced life on "The Lake." Jean loved walking and often joined neighbors for the cherished ritual of watching the Lake Michigan sunset. Always active, she enjoyed tennis, walking, traveling both domestically and internationally, and sharing her love of music — both in the classroom and by attending concerts.
Jean was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Grand Haven, where she served on the altar guild in the 1970s. She especially loved volunteering at the Pennock Hospital gift shop in Hastings. Jean enjoyed social gatherings and was a member of local book clubs, bridge clubs in both Hastings and Grand Haven, and the "Birthday Club" in Grand Haven. She was known for her quick wit, sense of humor, love of fun, gracious spirit, joyfulness, and her genuine, contagious smile.
Jean will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her son, David Picking of West Olive; her daughter, Susan Picking (Michael Wheeler) of Grand Haven; her grandchildren, Robert Picking II and Anne (Chris) Stephan, both of Ypsilanti, Michigan; and her sister and brother-in-law, Judie and Jerry Lang of Bloomington, Illinois.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and her brothers, Malcolm and Robert Kennedy.
A celebration of life for Jean will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026, at St. John's Episcopal Church, with Rev. Dr. Jared C. Cramer officiating. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation Fund c/o Barry Community Foundation, 231 S. Broadway St., Hastings, MI, 49058.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jean L. (Kennedy) Picking, please visit our floral store.
Janice Grace Woirol
July 20, 1937-February 2, 2026
Janice Grace Woirol, age 88, passed away Monday, February 2, 2026, at home.
She was born July 20, 1937, in Boston, Massachusetts, to James Reginald and Evelyn Dorothy (Sullivan) Keats. She married Fred Arnold Woirol in December 1961. Fred preceded her in death on November 4, 1986.
Janice attended St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish and was a life member of the Sgt. Alvin Jonker VFW Post #2326 Auxiliary, and previously served as president of the auxiliary. She enjoyed volunteering at the Loutit District Library, helping folks with their genealogy. She loved playing solitaire, was a voracious reader, and enjoyed watching British mysteries on TV.
She is lovingly remembered by her two daughters, Karen (Steve Stedman) Woirol, and Kathy Woirol; son, Kevin Woirol; nine grandchildren, Sarah McFee, Taylor McFee, Brandi ( Travis) Gillette, William (Joanna) Goetz, III, Jared Tubbs, Jordan Tubbs, Samantha (Josh) Saldivar, Griffin Woirol and Grady Woirol; thirteen great-grandchildren; her sister, Joan (Ed) Conley; and her brother, James (Doris) Keats. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kerry Woirol on January 25, 2017.
A service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.
