Obituaries: January 2026

Anita Magdelena (Teekens) Bremmer
September 4, 1931-January 1, 2026

Anita M. Bremmer (Teekens), age 94, of Grand Haven, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in Grand Haven, Michigan.

She was born on September 4, 1931, to the late Hendrik and Barbara (Hendriksen) Teekens in Gouda the Netherlands.

Anita was born into perilous times of economic depression and war. Her hard-working and resourceful parents made life not only possible, but good for her and seven siblings. Anita grew up during Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. She personally contributed to the Dutch resistance by smuggling identification papers for Jews under her dress. Following the war, Anita's boyfriend, Bart Bremmer presented a two-part proposal: "Marry me and immigrate to America with me." She said yes and yes! They were married on December 2, 1953.

Newly married Bart and Anita set sail across the North Atlantic on a French freighter called the Black Tomae in February of 1953. Upon landing in New York City, they proclaimed, "Wonderful America!" America was indeed wonderful for Bart and Anita, offering opportunities to both. Bart thrived in his career as a chemist, and Anita as a homemaker, mother and volunteer Christian educator. She served diligently for Midland Reformed Church and Hopkinton, Massachusetts, Congregational. Anita launched the first CROP walk in Midland, Michigan, in 1973.

Anita gave birth to and raised three children, who survive her: Jackie (Russ) Bloem, Randy (Tracy) Bremmer, and Jeff (Carol) Bremmer. Bart and Anita participated actively in the lives of their grandchildren: Michael (Sarah), Mathew (Kristie), Jordan (Megan), and Rachel (Christian) Bloem-Verwys; Daniel, Anna, Natalie, and Grace Bremmer. She was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Andrew, Joanna, Peter Bloem; and Simon, Archie, and Felix Bloem. Anita is also survived by her sister, Toni Van Luinen; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Bart, on April 21, 2018; her grandson, Nicholas Bremmer; and three siblings.

Anita practiced home-making vigorously with two mottos: "Tummies must be full" and "Everything must be clean." Anita's home was often filled with family and friends, and her tablewas filled with food, producing lively gatherings where both Dutch and English were spoken simultaneously.

Anita was a prolific artist, recreating the beauty of nature on canvas, glass, porcelain, and wood. She even turned a rock into a pretty convincing replica of a bunny. Anita enjoyed the company and creativity of her art class held weekly in her basement.

Anita and Bart kept friendships all over the U.S. and Europe, making personal visits on their many travels. They fulfilled their immigrant dreams of exploring the United States with a station wagon, tent, and later, an Apache camping trailer, but never on horseback, as Anita's western movie-inspired imagination had hoped for.

The foundation of Anita's wonderful life was always that she was not her own, but belonged body and soul to her faithful savior, Jesus Christ. While she was richly blessed in this life and enjoyed her homes in Grand Haven, Midland, Michigan, and Ashland, Massachusetts, she is now at home in the presence of her heavenly Father and many she loved in this life.

The funeral service for Anita will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026, at First Reformed Church, Grand Haven. Visitation will take place 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, at Klaassen Funeral Home, Grand Haven. Interment will be at Midland Municipal Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Anita Magdelena (Teekens) Bremmer, please visit our floral store.

Lewis Dale DeYoung
September 29, 1940-January 3, 2026

Lewis "Dale" DeYoung, age 85, of Grand Haven, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

He was born on September 29, 1940, in Muskegon, Michigan, to the late Jay and Ruth (Lucas) DeYoung. On October 10, 1959, Dale married the love of his life, Kathryn Hoekstra, in Grand Haven, beginning a marriage that spanned 66 years.

Dale graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School and attended Muskegon Community College. He began his career at Gardner-Denver, later Cooper Tools, and went on to work for Jost International, where he spent the final 10 years of his career before retiring.

A man of deep faith, Dale loved to worship and was actively involved in many churches throughout his life, serving faithfully as a deacon and elder. Through his church ministry, he helped glean fruits and vegetables that were donated to Love in Action of the Tri-Cities. For 24 years, Dale also coordinated speakers and lay ministers for worship services at the RV park he and Kathryn cherished while wintering in Fort Myers, Florida. He was an active participant in the DeColores movement and found great joy in fellowship and service.

In addition to traveling in his RV, Dale was a devoted nature-lover. He treasured living on the river and enjoyed boating, fishing and hunting. Known for his green thumb, he took pride in gardening and harvesting a crop of vegetables each year. In his younger years, Dale was an avid athlete and especially loved playing softball.

Dale will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Kathryn; daughters, Suzan (Michael) Reenders, Kelli (Richard) Shanty; son, Scott (Pam) DeYoung; 11 grandchildren: Jennifer Black, Connor DeYoung, Lauren Dahms, Jessie Chittenden, Courtney Glavich, Audrey Reenders-Arens, Lindsey Dykstra, Codi D'Avignon, Ethan Reenders, Adam Shanty, and Brent Shanty; 26 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister, Sharon (Don) Zant, Jr.; brothers, Darwin (Donna) DeYoung and Gordon (Paula) DeYoung; brother-in-law, Al (Joyce) Hoekstra; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Judith Mischler, and four sisters-in-law.

The Funeral Service for Dale will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, at Harvest Church-Spring Lake Campus, with Pastor Chris Moeller officiating. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday, January 8, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Health at Home Hospice-Grand Haven or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lewis Dale DeYoung, please visit our floral store.

Raymond Griffin
October 24, 1944-December 30, 2025

Mr. Raymond Griffin, age 81, of Grand Haven, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

He was born on October 24, 1944, in Jamestown, North Dakota, to Maurice and Eva (Guthmiller) Griffin. On October 22, 1993, he married Rita Brown.
 
Ray owned and operated two Little Caesars franchises and retired in 2021. He enjoyed traveling, sports cars, gambling and spending time in his garden. Ray was also a former member of the Kiwanis Club of Holland and had a deep love for animals. Most of all, he loved his grandchildren and spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed.
 
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Rita; his three children: Tisha (Michael) Harris, Matthew (Shannon) Griffin, Melanie Griffin; four grandchildren: Alison (Kevin) Harris-Quinn, Jack Harris, Mackenzie (Isaac) Griffin-Smith, and Caleb Griffin; sister, Coreen Salamunec; and brother, Richard (Gena) Griffin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Eva, and his sister, Linda Pace.
 
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of Ray may be given to the Harbor Humane Society and Michigan Parkinson Foundation. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.

Brian Eliot Heyer
November 28, 1962-January 4, 2026

Brian Eliot Heyer, 63, of Grand Haven, a devoted husband, father, son, veteran, and lifelong outdoorsman, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

He was born on November 28, 1962, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Harvey and Mary (Sowerby) Heyer. Brian married Lorna Johnson on May 20, 1995, in Fennville, Michigan.

He leaves behind a legacy defined by his service to his country and his deep love for the quiet beauty of Michigan's woods and waters. A graduate of Spring Lake High School, Brian's journey of lifelong learning took him through Muskegon Community College, Northern Michigan University, and Central Michigan University.

Brian went on to honorably serve his country in the United States Air Force from 1987 to 1992, reaching the rank of Airman 1st Class. His military service shaped his professional life, as he spent many years as a laboratory technician and skilled phlebotomist, a career he learned in the Air Force. He worked for Holland Hospital and Spectrum Health before finishing his career in mechanical maintenance at U.S. Steel and Tyson Foods.

Brian's soul was most at home being outdoors. He cherished the time spent hunting with his son, Matt, and found a unique peace in "rock-hounding and polishing his findings." He was a regular on the shores of Lake Superior, where he spent hours searching for the glow of "Yooperlites." Closer to home, Brian could often be found with a line in the water at his favorite fishing spot: his mom's neighbor's dock along the Grand River. He was also a big fan of sci-fi and loved reading sci-fi novels and watching tv shows. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew his steady hand and kind spirit.

Brian is survived by his wife of 30 years, Lorna; his two sons, Matt and Josh; his mother, Mary; his brother, Chris (Sarah); his sister, Melissa (Mark Oza); two nieces and six grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harvey G. Heyer.

The celebration of life for Brian will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, with his best friend, David Miller, officiating. Full military honors will be performed by the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Historic Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Lymphoma Foundation of America.

In honor of Brian's final journey, his family remembers him through the Fisherman's Prayer:
"God grant that I may live to fish until my dying day.
And when it comes to my last cast,
I then most humbly pray:
When in the Lord's great landing net and peacefully asleep,
That in His mercy I be judged big enough to keep."

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brian Eliot Heyer, please visit our floral store.

Michael Frederick Kirby
January 3, 1947-December 28, 2025

Michael Frederick Kirby, age 78, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at home.

He was born on January 3, 1947, in Breckenridge, Michigan, to the late Fred and Helen (Overla) Kirby, and married Gertie Giddings on June 25, 1983. They cherished 42 years of marriage.

Mike graduated from Harrison High School and proudly went on to serve in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1970. He was a longtime attendee of Lakeshore Baptist Church and a member of American Legion Post #28. Michael was a sports fan, playing baseball in his younger years, and throughout his life, he enjoyed golfing and rooting for the Detroit Tigers. He also loved to travel to Gulf Shores, Alabama, with his wife, Gertie.

Mike is survived by his wife, Gertie; children, Sherry Mares, Heather (Tom) Genron, Tiffany Molter, Scott (Ellen) Rusco, Tony Rusco, Timothy (Lilly) Rusco, and Michael Rusco; several grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Phyllis.

A funeral service for Mike was held at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, with Pastor Doug Bytwerk officiating. Full Military honors were provided by the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Frederick Kirby, please visit our floral store.

Anje H. (Holtjer) Ploeg
December 6, 1932-December 29, 2025

Anje H. Ploeg, age 93, of Grand Haven, passed away on December 29, 2025, at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital.

Anje was born on December 6, 1932, in Groningen, the Netherlands, to the late Geert and Petronella (Vandorp) Holtjer. Anje married Wilhelmus Ploeg on May 28, 1954.

Anje and her family immigrated to America in 1967 from the Netherlands and settled in the Detroit area, where they opened a bakery and became members of First Reformed Church in Detroit. In later years, they moved to Georgia. Anje worked at a Best Western Hotel, where she became known as the "breakfast lady." She made many friends in Georgia, but in 2012, she moved back to Michigan, residing with her daughter and the family in Grand Haven.

Anje was very creative and artistic. She enjoyed needlepointing, sewing, acrylic painting, and doing many other kinds of crafts. Her greatest joy was blessing others with the things she made. Anje was involved in Lady's Groups, where she loved hosting European Tea Parties. She also became a member of Four Points Senior Center where she valued being a part of the knitting group and visiting with other Dutch-speaking members. Anje continued to read her Dutch Bible and the Psalms to the end of her life.

Anje is survived by her daughter, three sons, and all their spouses; 15 grandchildren and their spouses; 24 great-grandchildren.

Anje was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wilhelmus; daughter, Petronella Heppner; and son-in-law, Larry Hoogstra.

A visitation for Anje will be 5-7 p.m. Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, followed by a private graveside service at Central Baptist Church Memorial Garden in Douglasville, Georgia. Her family will honor her with a celebration of life in Grand Haven in the summer of 2026, with a date to be announced.

Memorial contributions may be made to Casa de Esperanza Ministries, P.O. Box 234, Grand Haven, MI 49417.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Anje H. (Holtjer) Ploeg, please visit our floral store.

Kathleen "Kate" Elizabeth (Ellis) Reau
March 17, 1929-January 1, 2026

Kathleen "Kate" Elizabeth Reau, age 96, of West Olive, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at home.

She was born on March 17, 1929, in Toledo, Ohio, to the late George and Gertrude (LaPointe) Ellis. Kate married Donald F. Reau on September 11, 1948, in Erie, Michigan. He preceded her in death on December 19, 2019, after 71 years of marriage.

Kate graduated from Toledo Catholic Central High School in 1946. Don and Kate moved to Grand Haven in 1962, where she worked as a library assistant for G.H.A.P.S. at Stone School and Grand Haven High School Library. Kate was a longtime member of St. Patrick-St. Anthony Catholic Parish.

Kate loved gardening and was a member of the Grand Haven Garden Club. She was also a talented quilter who loved to meet up weekly with her special group of friends from the Grand Haven Lighthouse Quilt Guild, "The Tuesday Morning Quilters." Kate served as a former 4-H leader and also enjoyed sewing, China painting, traveling, and going camping.

Kate will be lovingly remembered and missed by her two daughters, Danielle (Norm) Palmquist of Grand Haven and Michele (David) Kozicki of Ludington; her son, Michael (Mary) Reau of Grand Haven; six grandchildren: Adam (Beth Ann) Kozicki, Joshua Kozicki (significant other, Sarah), Laurie (Tony) Pease, Sara Wasson (significant other, Chris), Carson Reau and Parker Reau; five great-grandchildren: Haleigh, Cameron, Max, Emryee, and Gabe; and great-great-granddaughter, Evelyn.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don; and grandson, Micah Kozicki.

A private family memorial mass for Kate will take place at St. Patrick Church of St. Patrick -St. Anthony Catholic Parish. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Historic Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of donor's choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathleen "Kate" Elizabeth (Ellis) Reau, please visit our floral store.

Jon Lueldon Schlukebir
September 5, 1942-December 28, 2025

Jon L. Schlukebir, age 83, of Spring Lake, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and is now rejoicing with his Lord and Savior.
 
Jon was born on September 5, 1942, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to Russell and Doris (Blade) Schlukebir. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, stationed in Turkey and England, where he both respected and earned the respect of all those who served alongside him.
 
Following his military service, Jon worked at Brunswick in their air hockey, golf, and bowling divisions, contributing to a variety of projects. He later pursued a career in real estate with Clyde Hendrick Realtors. Known for his dedication, integrity, and friendly demeanor, Jon built lasting relationships and earned the trust of many throughout his career.
 
Jon enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping, but his greatest joy came from time spent with his family — especially watching his grandchildren grow and excel. He was famously resourceful and had a knack for fixing nearly anything. Family and friends often joked that if duct tape, zip ties, and silicone rubber couldn’t solve the problem, nothing could. His MacGyver-like skills were legendary, whether repairing a leaky faucet, silencing a squeaky door, or devising a clever solution when something simply needed fixing.
 
Jon also found peace in life’s quieter moments, feeding and watching birds, squirrels, and ducks while enjoying the serene views of Spring Lake from his childhood home.
 
Jon is survived by his children, Russell (Linda Havel) Schlukebir and Kelly (Josh) Lathwell; grandchildren, Ainsleigh Lathwell, Kylan Lathwell, and Louis Havel; sister, Laurel Wilson; brother, Glenn (Wendy) Schlukebir; sister-in-law, Diane Schlukebir; and many nieces and nephews whom he dearly cherished.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Doris Schlukebir; his brother, Joel Schlukebir; his brother-in-law, Stephen D. Wilson; and his great-nephew, Merrick L. Schlukebir.
 
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Robbinswood Assisted Living in Grand Haven, Michigan, and to Trinity Health at Home Hospice for the compassionate and attentive care they provided Jon.
 
Following Jon’s wishes, there will not be a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
 
Arrangements are entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Guests are invited to sign the family’s online guestbook and share memories at sytsemafh.com.

George "Ron" R. Wright
May 8, 1944-December 28, 2025

G.Ronald “Ron” Wright, age 81, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Norton Shores, Michigan.

He was born to George and Martha (Kramer) Wright on May 8, 1944, in Charlotte, Michigan. Ron married the love of his life, Sharron, on July 8, 1995, in Holland, Michigan.

During his career, he worked as the CFO at Bastian & Blessing, the VP of Finance for ODL of Zeeland, and finally took on the role of CFO for Johnston Supply Comfort Control of West Michigan (not to mention the company's official M.C. from 1998-2015). In his free time, he was an active board member of North Ottawa Community Hospital from 1982 to 1991.

Ron was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake, known for being a joyous voice in the church choir. For nearly 35 years, he was a member of the Friday morning Men’s Bible Study Group, making many special friends over the decades. Actively involved in sports, Ron spent time coaching his son in the Tri-Cities Little League Baseball program and tutored reading and math at Grand Haven Middle School. His lifelong fandom of the Detroit Tigers and Lions was inspired by his own father, yet his love of Purdue was sparked by his son Jamie who was a punter for the football team.

Henceforth, Ron joined the John Purdue Club, where he proudly sat on the 50-yard line for nearly 3 decades at all home Purdue games. Widely known throughout the community for his dry sense of humor, Ron delighted at making people laugh with his clever wordplay and cheeky demeanor. He had a way of uplifting and entertaining all who surrounded him.

Above all else, Ron loved his family and faith, as evident in the life he lived. He is survived in death by his beloved wife, Sharron Wright; children: James (Marianne) Wright, Steven (Amy) DeFouw, Stacey (Scott) Bromley, Kristyn (Dr. Simon) Brown; grandchildren: Kyle Wright, Abner Bromley, Elroy Bromley, Audrey Brown, Anna Brown; sister: Pat Peters.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Martha Wright, and best friend, Dr. Jim Davidson.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral Services, 213 W. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456, and again from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 406 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Memorial service will be Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with a luncheon to follow. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School of Spring Lake, Michigan. Please add memories and condolences to the family’s online guestbook at sytsemafh.com.