Obituaries: March 1-7, 2026
Vera A. Bouwhuis
December 6, 1934-February 25, 2026
Vera A. Bouwhuis, age 91, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in Holland, Michigan.
Born on December 6, 1934, in Suttons Bay, Michigan, to Lawrence and Lois (Eddleman) Walters, Vera enjoyed the farm life with her five brothers and two sisters. Her favorite farm animal was her pony, Binky Bo Bo. She was part of the last class to graduate from the old stone schoolhouse in Suttons Bay in 1952. In June 1959, she married her husband, Thomas Bouwhuis, with whom she shared 55 beautiful years until his passing in 2014.
Tom and Vera moved to Houghton, Michigan, where Tom attended Michigan Technological University and Vera cared for three of their five children. They settled in Midland, Michigan, where they raised their family as devout Catholics at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, listening to polka music every Sunday after Mass.
Her children always looked forward to her delicious, homemade after-school snacks and hearty dinners, always accompanied by dessert. She also enjoyed laughing and playing cards and bingo with friends, neighbors, and family while listening to her favorite country singer, George Strait. Tom and Vera supported the Midland County Food Pantry for many years, strategically filling their car full of donations every week. She was a devoted wife, mom, grandma, sister and friend and touched many lives at her assisted living home. She will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her five children: son, Tom (Colette) Bouwhuis; daughters, Cheryl (Jim) Cahill, Michelle (Fred) Corrion, Jean (Paul) Jablonski, Mary (Paul) Fraley; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters Kathryn Flohe, and Mary L. (Edward) Rothgarber; brothers-in-law, Dick (Bonnie) Bouwhuis, Jerry Bouwhuis; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, five brothers and their spouses, and five brothers-in-law and their spouses.
A memorial mass will be held at a future time. A private funeral interment will take place at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Midland, Michigan. Those considering an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to the Midland County Food Pantry or Faith Hospice. Please sign the family's online guestbook at Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.
Phillip E. Carper
February 5, 1962-March 3, 2026
Phillip Edward Carper of Fennville, Michigan, went on to be with his Lord and Savior on March 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Phil was born on February 5, 1962, in Grayson, Kentucky, to Howard and Leona Faye Carper. In 1967, his family moved to Douglas, Michigan, where he was raised and later graduated from Saugatuck High School in 1981.
Following high school, Phil worked as a materials manager at Haworth in Holland, Michigan and went on to earn his associate degree from Davenport College.
Phil was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1994 and was given six months to live, but He fought courageously and beat it, demonstrating his strength and determination, and leaving no doubt that God had more in store for his life.
On September 26, 1998, Phil married Annette Marsh. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work and country living, creating a home they were proud of. Their door was always open, and they played an important role in the lives of many who were blessed to call them family. Phil loved sports, especially football and basketball, and proudly cheered on the University of Kentucky Wildcats. He felt most at peace outdoors, whether hunting, fishing, or simply soaking in the quiet beauty of nature. He had a lifelong love for Jeeps, his love for motorcycles, classic westerns, Southern rock, and country music. Horses held a special place in his heart, reflecting the calm, steady way he lived and his love for life’s simple pleasures.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Leona Faye Carper.
He is survived by his wife, Annette; daughter, Amanda (Nick) Quinn; his grandson, Kaiden Bierhalter; and his granddaughters, Mallory and Maddie Quinn. He is also survived by his siblings, Sheila (Mike) Doucette, Keith (Linda) Carper, and Jeff (Mary) Carper, as well as his nieces and nephews, who brought great joy to his life. He was a cherished presence in the lives of Annette’s grandchildren, Zach and his wife Alyssa, Ashley, Michael, and Rachel. He also cared deeply for Annette’s sons, Andrew (Michelle) and Aaron (Beth).
A private graveside service will be held for close family and friends.
To leave a memory, visit dykstrafuneralhome.com.
Betty Ruth Ann Dalman
October 12, 1939-February 26, 2026
Betty Ruth Ann Dalman, age 86, of Grand Haven, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Elmbrook Village Assisted Living in Connecticut, where she lived the last three years to be near her daughter, Jennifer and family.
She was born on October 12, 1939, in Grand Haven to the late Clyde and Virginia (Gallagher) Peel. She married Melvyn Dean Dalman on September 30, 1961, in Spring Lake.
Betty co-managed the St. Mary’s School Hot Lunch Program for many years with her dear friend, Jane Mierle. She later worked for a few years as a realtor, guiding new home buyers to find their first home. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church Choir for over 40 years, developing many wonderful friendships throughout that time, and dedicated many years serving with the Funeral Luncheon Committee. She loved planning and participating in many group events with lifelong friends over the years, including CLUB, Hungry Munchers, Brown Baggers, Monday Girls’ Breakfast Group, and Lunch Bunchers.
She was a happy, loving woman who adored her entire family, enjoyed participating in all the activities around the Tri City area, traveling with family and friends, cooking, baking, dancing with her sister, Marcia and singing. While at Elmbrook Village, Betty’s love of music, dancing, and playing games was shared with staff and fellow residents and was a true testament to her genuine love for life.
She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Mike) Lopez of Oakdale, Connecticut; her daughter-in-law, Susan Dalman of Spring Lake; her beloved grandchildren: Meagan and Michael Lopez, and Maria and AJ Dalman; one sister, Marcia (Bill) Braunschneider of Grand Haven; one brother, Tom (Diane) Peel of Grand Haven; sister-in-law Liz Peel, and many nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Mel; sons, Peter and Dean Dalman; parents, Clyde and Virginia Peel; brothers, Don and Dick Peel; sister, Dolores Heyblom; brother-in-law, Gil Heyblom; niece, Brenda Heyblom; and nephew, Scott Peel.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Interment will be in Spring Lake Cemetery.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be sent to St. Mary’s Catholic Church Choir or Alzheimer’s Association. 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.
Jeffrey Michael Gannon
October 12, 1980-February 20, 2026
Jeffrey Michael Gannon, age 45, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 20, 2026, at home.
He was born on October 12, 1980, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to Joseph Raymond and Kathie Ann (Fett) Gannon.
He graduated from Grand Haven High School. Jeffrey was a hard-working guy. Most recently, he worked as a machinist for Port City Roll Form. He loved playing cards, cribbage, disc golf, bowling, and fishing. Jeffrey enjoyed listening to music (except country music), especially the Dave Matthews Band and Led Zeppelin. Most of all, he cherished spending time with his family and friends.
He is lovingly remembered by his two sons, Peter Gannon and Alex Gannon; his father, Joe (Brenda Cooper) Gannon; his grandmother, Joan Fett; his sister, Jenny (Brian) Goosen; his brother, Joe (Michelle) Gannon; and his former wife, Kelly Gannon; and a large, loving extended family.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Kathie Gannon.
A visitation will be noon-2 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven. Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery. Memorials may be made out to the family. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.
Maribeth Ann Harmon
April 3, 1967-February 26, 2026
Maribeth Ann Harmon, born April 3, 1967, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, after a short and unexpected illness.
Maribeth was born in Detroit to Kathleen and Frank Harmon.
She was preceded in death by her treasured mother, Kathleen, whom she lovingly described as her beautiful, devoted, and irreplaceable mom.
She was a beloved and devoted mother to her only child, Ryan, who was the light of her life. Maribeth’s love for him never wavered — she was proud, strong-willed, and fiercely dedicated, and he was truly her everything.
Her grandchildren, Xavier Harmon, Elleanna Harmon, and Izekiel Harmon, were among her greatest joys and most cherished blessings. They filled her life with love and light, and she adored being their grandma. Whether she was taking them to see the horses, baking brownies, cheesecake, or crème brûlée, or heading downtown for Pronto Pups, every moment with them was special. Most of all, they treasured their tradition of sharing hot tea or sweet tea with Grandma, in the morning, noon or night.
Maribeth was known for her sense of humor, having once been voted “Class Humor,” a title she truly lived up to. She had a quick wit and a playful spirit — if you weren’t paying attention, you might find yourself caught off guard by one of her clever remarks or jokes.
A hardworking and determined woman, Maribeth owned and operated her own cleaning business for over 15 years while raising Ryan as a single mother. Later in life, she pursued her education to earn her CDL-B license, fulfilling her love of driving. She embraced the open road, whether traveling locally or across the country, finding peace in the scenery and calm in the journey.
She is survived by her son, Ryan Harmon; father, Frank Harmon; her brother, Michael Harmon (Krista); her sister, Kim Villanueva; and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She also leaves behind her best friends of 46 years, Kathy Boonstra-Dell and Darcy Amlotte-Murphy, with whom she shared a lifetime of unforgettable memories. Together they traveled to Florida, Las Vegas, Arizona, Traverse City, Sugar Island, and many other beautiful destinations. In recent years, even a simple drive along the Grand Haven beaches or the bays of Traverse City brought them solace, storytelling, laughter, and heartfelt conversation.
Maribeth will be remembered for her strength, humor, devotion to family, and her warm, loving heart. Her legacy of resilience, laughter, and unconditional love will live on in all who knew and cherished her.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven. Visitation will be 2-3 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials in lieu of flowers to Out Side In – Serving People Saving Horses. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.
Ione Marie (Lemke) Hoekenga
December 15, 1934-March 2, 2026
On Sunday evening, March 1, 2026, all packed and eager to go on a cruise the next day, Ione Marie Hoekenga, age 91, instead entered the eternal presence of her Savior Jesus Christ.
Ione was, foremost, a disciple of Christ, sharing his love by mentoring many, touching countless lives with care, and praying faithfully for everyone in her orbit.
Born on December 15, 1934, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to Charles and Marie (Van Doeselaar) Lemke, Ione attended Calvin College and graduated with honors from the Blodgett School of Nursing Class of 1955. In 1959, she and her former husband, the late Donald Meindertsma, moved to Grand Haven, and they joined the Second Christian Reformed Church.
In Grand Haven, Ione used her skills as an RN to their full potential, including in a private medical practice and as a hospice care volunteer. Her favorite role was serving as the church's parish nurse. She loved nursing and never stopped dispensing emotional and physical care. Ione had a good listening ear and loved learning.
She devoured books (and somehow remembered everything she read). She proactively worked to better others' lives, always thinking of new activities and programs that could benefit others. While sometimes claiming, unconvincingly, to be an introvert, she was active and a leader in groups galore, including her church's SWANS and knitting groups and book clubs. She viewed every encounter as an opportunity to make a new friend. Yet she always believed that her main purpose was not to "do good," but to glorify God.
Ione raised her four children with unbounded love (and, as warranted, measured justice). She cherished her many grandchildren as their "Grammy" and a growing flock of great-grandchildren as "Onie." She was consistently available as a source of Godly wisdom, praying always that they each would be swept up into heaven in her wide train.
Ione married Lloyd Hoekenga in 1981, and they enjoyed an active life together in Spring Lake. He remained a loving and faithful husband until his passing on March 3, 2019.
Celebrating Ione's vibrant life are her children, Laura Bakker, Donn (Robyn) Meindertsma, Elisabeth Smeda, and Mary (Jerry) Bonnema; grandchildren: Nick (Carissa), Marshall (Maris), Jacob (Sukhi), Connor (Jess), Caleb (Emily), Brooke (Anders), Laketon, Carsyn (Gavin), and Bryn; Lloyd's children, Brad (the late, April) Hoekenga, Brenda (Craig) DeYoung, and Beth (Dave) Van Rees, and their children, Amy (Matt), Emily, Tony (Elena), Phil (Emily), Bryce (Kelsey), Hillary (Alex), Liz (Nick), Anne (Jeremy), and Charles (Betsy); as well as numerous great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Lloyd; sister and brother-in-law, Celeen and Fred Neumann; infant sister, Ann Elisabeth; son-in-law, Paul Bakker; step-son, Bryce Hoekenga; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Charlotte Proctor. Ione also held the hands of many friends and patients during their final days and hours, and she looked forward to the day when God's angels beckoned her home, too. Great is His faithfulness.
The funeral service for Ione will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, March 9, 2026, at Second Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Tim Blackmon officiating. Visitation will be 2-5 p.m. Sunday, March 8, at the church. Interment will be at Spring Lake Township Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Health at Home Hospice-Grand Haven or Second Christian Reformed Church.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ione Marie (Lemke) Hoekenga, please visit our floral store.
Dorothy T. Poll
December 3, 1937-March 4, 2026
Dorothy Russcher-Poll, age 88, of Zeeland, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026, peacefully at her home.
Dorothy was born on December 3, 1937, to Tim and Rena Kalman. She was a member of Community Reformed Church. Prior to retiring, Dorothy worked as an in-home daycare provider for over 40 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Alvin Russcher, and second husband Clyde Poll.
Surviving are her children, John and Cheryl Russcher, and their children, Emily and Charles Beasley of Allendale, Ashley Russcher, and Lucas Russcher of Zeeland; Mark and Sez Russcher, and their son, Derin Russcher, South Carolina, and Jill and Ryan Schreur, and their son, Benjamin Schreur, of Allendale; Clyde’s children Greg and Lynda Johnson of Grand Haven and Vernon and Marcie Poll of Ludington and their children and grandchildren; sister-in-law Barb Kalman of Hudsonville. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 10-10:45 a.m. Monday, March 9, at Community Reformed Church, 10376 Felch St., Zeeland, followed by the funeral at 11 a.m. A light lunch will be served after the service. Entombment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland.
Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Homes - Mulder Chapel.
Garry Lee Purdy Sr.
February 9, 1941-March 1, 2026
Garry Lee Purdy Sr., age 85, of Grand Haven, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, peacefully with his loving family by his side.
He was born on February 9, 1941, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to the late John and Gertrude (Ogden) Purdy. Garry married Sandra Lou Helmers on August 14, 1964, in Spring Lake. She preceded him in death on April 13, 2016, after sharing 52 years of marriage.
Garry graduated from Grand Haven High School and later received his bachelor's degree from Ferris State University. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a military policeman from 1959 to 1962.
After his discharge from the Army, Garry earned his electrician certification and worked as an electrician in the early part of his career, leading him to spearhead the electrical course program at the Careerline Tech Center, which he taught to the students for 25 years. He was well-loved and fondly known as the "best teacher" by the faculty and students.
Garry enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball for 20 years and coached baseball, softball, and football for many years. He was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, golfing, bow-hunting, and making turquoise jewelry. Garry loved his grandchildren dearly, and he especially loved traveling with his wife, Sandra.
Garry will be forever remembered and missed by his daughter, Andrea (Anthony) Errico; his son, Garry (Erin) Purdy Jr.; seven well-loved grandchildren: Gabriel, Isabella, and Sofia Purdy, AJ, Ashley, Alyssa, and Avery Errico; sisters, Gloria Satterfield and Charyle (Charlie) Sandoval; several nieces and nephews; and his good friends: Bill Thelen, Guy Flom, and Phil Breuker.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sandra; brother, John O. Purdy; parents-in-law, Arend and Henrietta Helmers; brother-in-law, Harrell Satterfield; and good friend, Tom Streng.
The funeral service for Garry will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Taylor 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 Lakeshore Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Garry Lee Purdy Sr., please visit our floral store.
Timothy Lee "Tim" Reeves
September 4, 1961-February 25, 2026
Timothy Lee Reeves, age 64, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at The Poppen Residence of Harbor Hospice.
He was born September 4, 1961, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Lee and Judy (Richardson) Reeves and lived in the Muskegon area most of his life. Tim graduated from South Lyon High School in 1979. He was the owner and operator of Tim the Tile Man for over 30 years before he retired in 2025.
Tim loved his 1997 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle and especially attending the Muskegon Bike Time Festival. He was also a member of the Muskegon Gun Club.
Survivors include six children, Becca Rajala, Kendra Reeves, Katrina Reeves, Marissa Reeves, AJ Reeves, Alicia (Larry) Trice; one grandson, Carter Reeves; his mother, Judy (Ron) Vanassche; his father, Lee Reeves; two sisters, Delissa (John) Payne, Amy (Brent) Nichols; one niece, Alexa (Chaz) Hyatt-Payne; one nephew, Nick (Jenn) Payne; two great nephews, Bodhi Hyatt-Payne, Banyan Hyatt-Payne; and one great-niece, Magnolia Hyatt-Payne.
He was preceded in death by his stepmother, Jimmy Reeves; and one sister, Caroline Jenkins. A funeral service will be at noon Monday, March 2, 2026, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Memorial Contributions in lieu of flowers may be directed to the Harbor Hospice Foundation. Sign the online guestbook at sytsemafh.com.
Marilyn Kay "Kay" Riley
September 19, 1948-March 4, 2026
Marilyn “Kay” Riley (Lewis), of Grand Haven and formerly of Mt. Pleasant, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. She was 77.
Born on September 19, 1948, in Hart to Hubert and DeLoris (Clark) Lewis, she graduated from Shelby High School in 1966. She attended Muskegon Community College (then Muskegon Junior College) and graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Western Michigan University in 1970. She worked for what was then Department of Social Services in both Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services as a caseworker in Osceola, Oceana, and Grand Traverse Counties. She later spent several years as a stay-at-home mother and homemaker after marrying John Peter Riley, Jr., who also worked for DSS. Kay and John raised their two children in Mt. Pleasant, where they resided for 43 years.
Kay was wickedly funny, even though she was also a quiet introvert. She was a talented seamstress and creative in all kinds of artistic pursuits, including needlepoint, painting, and crafting some pretty amazing Halloween costumes. She loved flowers, and she was fiercely protective of her family.
Kay is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, John; daughter Sarah Riley Howard (Kevin); son Sam Riley (Sylvia); granddaughters Cynthia (“Thia”) and Clara Howard; grandson Wyatt Gold Riley; her siblings, Diane (John) Hendrixon, Ellen Vanduyvenvoorde, and Jack (Elaine) Lewis; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
To donate in Kay’s memory, the family suggests Christmas Outreach of Mt. Pleasant, where Kay volunteered for many years. The family will receive visitors at a memorial reception at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Era to be announced at a later date.
Robert O. Schroeder
September 8, 1922-February 23, 2026
Robert O. Schroeder, age 103, of Grand Haven, passed away Monday, February 23, at Grand Pines Assisted Living Center.
He was born on September 8, 1922, in Grand Haven to Carl W. and Martha (Ernst) Schroeder. On May 1, 1948, he married Lillian Barthel, and together they celebrated 68 years of marriage.
Robert was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven. He served in the Navy during World War II and was a member of the American Legion. He was a building contractor for the family’s business, Schroeder Brothers Construction. Robert enjoyed playing euchre, gardening, hunting, fishing, skeet shooting, and golf. He and his wife loved to travel throughout the United States and Canada.
He is survived by two children, Martha Myers of Grand Haven, and Owen Schroeder of Ravenna; two grandchildren, Brian (Robert Adgate) Myers and Angela Jackson; and five great-granddaughters. He is also survived by his brother, Ernest Schroeder; brother-in-law, Charles Barthel Jr.; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, as well as his sisters: Erna (Ted) Baer, Alice (Eli) Tilkin, and Margaret Hegedus; brother, Carl A. (Stephie) Schroeder; sister-in-law, Shirley Schroeder; and son-in-law, Edward Myers.
A funeral service will be taking place for Robert at noone Saturday, March 7, 2026, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, with visitation taking place an hour prior. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven or Love in Action.
Evelyn Vera Vipond
April 26, 1939-March 3, 2026
Evelyn Vera Vipond, age 86, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Dogwood Shores Assisted Living.
She was born April 26, 1939, in Manistee, Michigan, to Adolph and Arlene Iva (Hamacher) Gyurkovitz. She married Coral Stanley Vipond on June 8, 1957, in Kalkaska, Michigan. Coral preceded her in death on January 28, 2015. Evelyn and Coral lived in Kalkaska on their farm and after Coral’s passing, she moved to Grand Haven in 2000.
Evelyn worked at Kent Products, Spring Lake Schools in food service, and retired from Donnelly Corporation. She was an active member of Nortonville Gospel Chapel and deeply enjoyed participating in many church functions. Evelyn enjoyed cooking, organizing, writing letters (in her beautiful penmanship), landscaping, and yardwork.
Evelyn is lovingly remembered by two sons, Rictor (Tracy) Vipond, and Kelly (Lilly) Vipond; seven grandchildren: Ryan Vipond, Brandon Vipond, Jonathan Vipond, Abbie Duford, Corinne Vipond, Landon Vipond, and Jesse Strickland; eleven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Clarence “John” Griffiths and Garth Griffiths.
A funeral for Evelyn will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 9, 2026, at Nortonville Gospel Chapel. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the funeral at church. Memorials to Nortonville Gospel Chapel are appreciated. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery in April 2026, Kalkaska, Michigan. 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.
Marion Arlene (Schuler) Zillins
November 21, 1932-March 5, 2026
Marion Arlene Zillins, age 93, of Grand Haven, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Grand Pines Assisted Living.
She was born on November 21, 1932, in Ashkum, Illinois, to the late Andrew and Minnietta (Tholen) Schuler. Marion married Francis L. Zillins on December 24, 1955, in Ashkum, Illinois.
Marion Graduated from Ashkum-Clifton High School, Class of 1950. She then attended a business school in Champaign, Illinois, and began doing office work at A.O. Smith Factory in Kankakee, Illinois.
After their marriage, Marion and Francis moved to Sault Ste. Marie, where all three of their children were born. The family then moved to Grand Haven in 1967.
Marion enjoyed vacationing with her family in Wisconsin and loved crocheting and crafting. She took many crafting classes and even had her own business selling her homemade crafts and craft flowers. Marion was an avid outdoorswoman in her younger years, enjoying boating, camping, and planting flowers in her flowerbeds.
Marion was a longtime member at St. John's Lutheran Church, where she was active on the Ladies Aid Committee and various church fundraising groups.
Marion is lovingly remembered and missed by her beloved husband of 70 years, Francis; and their children: daughter, Mary (Greg) Gillissie of Grand Haven; sons, Andrew (Linda) Zillins of South Haven and Tom (Patty) Zillins of Lansing; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three sisters: Jane Froidcoeur, Shelby Schoolman, and Andrea (Tim) Hendron, all of Illinois; and her good friend, Ann Dabrowski.
She was preceded in death by her siblings-in-law: Dean Froidcoeur, Rich Schoolman, Mary Ann (Glenn) Frerichs, and Shirley (Bob) Short.
The memorial service for Marion will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at St. John's Lutheran Church with Pastor Aaron Vergin officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Lakeshore Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Autism Alliance of Michigan or St. John's Lutheran School.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marion Arlene (Schuler) Zillins, click here.
