Obituaries: July 14, 2026
Thomas Joseph Catania
January 14, 1948-July 12, 2026
Thomas Joseph Catania passed on July 12, 2026, at the age of 78.
Thomas Joseph Catania was a resident of Bridgman, Michigan, and no services are being planned at this time.
Kathy L. DeWitt
October 5, 1955-July 11, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kathy Lynn DeWitt, age 70, who peacefully passed away at home on July 11, 2026, after a courageous 1.5-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born on October 5, 1955, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kathy lived a life defined by love, devotion, strength, and selflessness.
Kathy was the beloved wife of Lee DeWitt, whom she married on September 27, 1974. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and lasting friendships. She was a devoted mother to Erika (Jade) Gillette and Lindsey (Kevin) Starken, and a proud grandmother to Henry, Julia, Jackson, Alice, and Ben, who brought immeasurable joy to her life.
Known for her vibrant personality, Kathy never met a stranger. Her infectious laughter, warm spirit, and unmistakable voice could light up any room. She loved gathering with family and friends, dancing, enjoying spirited games of poker, sharing stories, and creating memories that will be treasured for generations. She never missed a chance to enjoy a Bud Light with friends and loved ones, and those who knew her best will always remember the joy, laughter, and authenticity she brought to every gathering. Once you met Kathy, you never forgot her. She had a remarkable gift for making others feel loved, welcomed, and valued.
Above all, Kathy cherished her family. She loved fiercely and unconditionally, and her kindness, guidance, and support will remain a lasting legacy for all who knew her. Kathy's life was a beautiful example of love, generosity, resilience, and grace. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered. Her spirit will live on through the many lives she touched and the family she loved so deeply.
Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Lee; daughters, Erika (Jade) Gillette and Lindsey (Kevin) Starken; grandchildren, Henry, Julia, Jackson, Alice, and Ben; sisters, Bonnie (Dave) Wesorick and Patricia Meyer; sister-in-law, Judi Henry; brothers-in-law, John Nowak and Lanny (Carol) DeWitt; and many beloved nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Helen Henry; brother, Morris Henry; sister, Maureen Nowak; parents-in-law, Harold and Betty DeWitt; and brother-in-law, Robert Meyer.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at St. Patrick - St. Anthony Catholic Church, 920 Fulton St., Grand Haven. Family and friends are invited to continue celebrating Kathy's life at a celebration of life luncheon immediately following the Mass at VFW Post 2326, 20 N. First St., Grand Haven.
Visitation will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven. An additional visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, Kathy has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Bonnie Wesorick Center for Health Care Transformation at Grand Valley State University. Burial will take place at Lakeshore Cemetery at a later date.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at sytsemafh.com.
Floretta Mae Hanson
March 11, 1936-July 9, 2026
Floretta Mae Hanson, age 90, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Robert D. Hanson; parents, Cornelius and Mildred VanderZouwen; and brother and sister-in-law, Cornelius and Thelma VanderZouwen.
She will be missed by her four children, Robert (Kerri) Hanson, Sue (David) Morse, Amy (James) Braendle, and Darla DeKoster (John Petryk); nine grandchildren, Julie (Ryan) Backus, Tracie VandenBout, Tyler (Kat) Hanson, Tara (Jeremy) Strayer, David Morse II, Ben (Heidi) DeKoster, Sarah (Sam) Connell, Tim Morse, Don Braendle (Mark Breaux); 11 great-grandchildren; and a very special and loyal friend, Sandy Gezon.
Floretta lived in her home for 58 years and devoted her life to raising her four children. She was always there to support and help care for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was kind, loving, accepting, and a steady presence in the lives of all who knew her. After raising her family, Floretta worked at the Rainbow Grill for 26 years, forming many close friendships with her co-workers. She retired in 2004 and enjoyed spending her free time going on Bronson bus tours, attending concerts and ArtPrize with her friends. She also enjoyed gardening, crafting, going to estate sales, playing cards, and putting together puzzles.
A special thank you to her primary caregiver and daughter, Darla DeKoster, who cared for her with humor, grace, and kindness, allowing Floretta to remain in the comfort of her own home.
We love you, Mom, and will miss you until we meet again in heaven. We also know, “You love us more.”
Interment will be at Pine Hill Cemetery. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook.
Ngu Thi Ho
July 15, 1937-July 12, 2026
Ngu Thi Ho, 88, of Holland, Michigan, died July 12, 2026.
Ngu was born in Phan Thiet, Vietnam, on July 15, 1937. She married De Tanh Nguyen. De Tanh Nguyen became a university professor, and Ngu raised their seven children and was a businesswoman. In November of 1989, the entire family immigrated to West Michigan. De preceded Ngu in death in 2009.
She is survived by her children, Aitho, Thao, Aithuan, Thanh, Aithoa, Aithuy, and Aithanh, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members in Vietnam.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2026, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 480 152nd Ave., Holland, MI 49424. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland, MI 49464.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ngu Thi Ho, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Janet Ann Joiner
May 23, 1938-Friday, July 10, 2026
Janet Ann Joiner, age 88, of Spring Lake, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026, at home, surrounded by her family.
She was born on May 23, 1938, in Melvindale, Michigan, to the late Richard and Mary (Radak) Sutton. Jan married Thomas E. Joiner on November 9, 1985, in Freesoil, Michigan.
Jan was the owner and operator of Great Lakes Employment Services for many years before her retirement. She faithfully attended United Methodist Church of the Dunes, where she served as Missions Commission Chair, and was a member and past president of the Tri-Cities Garden Club, chairperson of the Beautification Commission in Ferrysburg, and member of the PTA.
She was passionate about government and politics, supporting various candidates and causes she cared deeply about. She spearheaded Ferrysburg's July 4 Party in the Park celebration and Monster's Ball at Halloween, both events being free to families. Jan loved nature, music, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jan will be lovingly remembered and missed by her husband of 40 years, Tom; daughter, Kim Nagy; her son, Dr. Frank (Janine) Nagy; step-daughters, Jacki Joiner, Joni (Scott) Westfield, and Jennifer (Kurt) Klaassen; nine grandchildren, Kathryn (Will) Hardaway, David (Aubree) Carlisle, Alexia and Julianna Nagy, Cody (Aly) Vela, Khailey (Michael) Rice, Jordan (Sydney) Klaassen, Lauren Klaassen (and Fiancé, Jacob Kammeraad), and Colton Whipple; and three-great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Lillian, and Casey.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Rick Sutton; step-son, Thomas C. Joiner; and great-grandson, Cailen Vela.
The memorial service for Jan will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at United Methodist Church of the Dunes, with Pastor Eldon Eldred officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Spring Lake Township Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to United Methodist Church of the Dunes, the Tri-Cities Garden Club, or the Cailen Loves Everybody Fund via Venmo.
Please visit klaassenfuneralhome.com to sign Jan’s online guestbook.
Jacquelyn Phillippi
October 11, 1927-July 5, 2026
Jacquelyn (nee Fruehauf) Phillippi passed away on July 5, 2026, in Holland, Michigan.
She was born on October 11, 1927, to Emil and Martha (Ertman) Fruehauf in Bainbridge Township, Michigan.
Jackie lived in Michigan most of her life, with the exception of a few years she spent in Milan, Ohio, to be close to her daughter, Mickey.
Jackie worked as a nurse for several decades, having obtained her nursing degree from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
She was humble, grounded, loving, playful and kind. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, a devout Jehovah's Witness, a loyal friend, and an avid fan of Michigan State and Detroit sports.
She will be missed immensely.
Jackie is preceded in death by her children, Robert Phillippi, Mickey Okasinski, and Dennis Phillippi; her brother, Roy; sister, Fran Konya; and baby sister, Lucille.
She is survived by Sandy (Randy) Buchalco, who was like a second daughter to Jackie; sisters, Cheryl (Dean) Layman and Jean (Dale) Kreitner, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Barbara Anne (Kunkle) Rose
November 13, 1962-July 12, 2026
Barbara A. (Kunkel) Rose, age 63, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 12, 2026, in Spring Lake, Michigan, after battling ALS for the last two years.
She was born to Kenneth and Judith (Wilson) Kunkel on November 13, 1962, in Grand Haven, Michigan, and is survived by her brothers, David (Jill) Kunkel, Michael (Rhonda) Kunkel; half-siblings, Christopher (Susan) Kunkel and Bethany (Kunkel) Maclemore.
Arrangements through the Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 213 W. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456.
Please consider signing the family’s online guestbook and sharing memories at sytsemafh.com.
John Alvin Ymker
May 12, 1933-July 11, 2026
John Alvin Ymker, age 93, of Jenison, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Nellie Ymker, and granddaughter, Rebecca Dryer.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Ruth; their children, Kim (Tom) Dryer and Jon (Colleen) Ymker; grandchildren, Katie (Jacob) Baker, Annie (Chuck) Burkey, Amie Dryer, Maggie Dryer, Derek Ymker, Abigail (Ben) Rankin, Josiah Ymker, Brady (Lacey) Ymker, Kayla (Sam) Martin, Elizabeth Ymker, Kelly Ymker; great-grandchildren, Rebecca, Leah, Elijah, Micah, Titus, John, Lucas, Bennett, Kacey; siblings, Lee (Carol) Ymker and Jean DeVries; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
John owned and operated Ymker Construction and built many homes and businesses in West Michigan. Building was his job and his hobby. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A celebration of John’s life service will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Seventh Reformed Church, 950 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI. A time to visit with family and friends will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, Michigan (East Building), and from 10:30-11:15 a.m. prior to services at the church on Wednesday.
The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinitarian Bible Society, 927 Alpine Commerce Park NW, Ste. 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49544.
