Obituaries: Oct. 22, 2026

Jean Correll Grossnickle

November 28, 1939-October 20, 2026

Jean Correll Grossnickle lived a life full of love, compassion and caring for others.  She went to Heaven on October 20, 2026, surrounded by family in Grand Haven, Michigan. 

Born on November 28, 1939, in Grand Haven, Michigan, Jean attended Grand Haven High School and later graduated from Western Michigan University with a Business Math Degree. She went on to teach High School business and later became a preschool teacher and caregiver. She also spent several years at Baas and Country House in Grand Haven.  

Jean was married to Dr. Neil Grossnickle for 18 years. Together they lived in multiple cities in Michigan; they eventually settled in the Upper Peninsula, in Munising, where they started their family. After time, Jean and her children moved back to her home in Grand Haven. 

Those who knew Jean will remember her for her generosity, being the ultimate caregiver, and putting others before herself. She was compassionate, nurturing and supportive, always listening and providing advice where she could. Her joys in life were caring for her children and grandchildren and sharing her constant love with her family. The beach was her happy place, especially with her children. Jean enjoyed being active, known for walking an impressive three to five miles every day and her daily route included downtown Grand Haven. The eternal teacher, Jean volunteered in her community with mentoring high school students and teaching adult literacy in the READ program, often forming close bonds with her students.   A member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Grand Haven, Jean was strong in her faith. 

Jean is survived by Jill Grossnickle, Eric (Marisa) Grossnickle, and Heidi (Dave) Bayes. She was adored by her grandchildren, Gianna and Luciana Grossnickle; brother, Jim Correll, and sister, Patricia (Robert) Foutz.

She is preceded in death and is now reunited with her infant son, Matthew.

A visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2026, for Jean at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, Michigan 49417.

A private family funeral and interment in Lake Forest Cemetery will take place. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.  

Jean left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She poured her heart into others, with her continuous giving and thoughtfulness. Everyone who spent time with her was made to feel special and loved.

Judy Paauwe

September 13, 1944-September 15, 2026

Judy Paauwe, age 82, went to be with her Lord and savior on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Viola Hayes; brothers Jack, Joe, and Jim; and sister, Norma Matthysse.

She is survived by her husband, Neil Paauwe; children, Teri (Tom) Main and Todd (Margaret) Paauwe; grandchildren, Shannon Main Milkey, Travis Main, Samantha Paauwe, Alexander Paauwe, and Eriksen Paauwe; great-granddaughter, Holland Milkey; brothers Jerry and Jay Hayes; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Judy was a 1962 graduate of Grandville High School.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, Michigan. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook.

Deloris I. (Doris) Palmer

August 21, 1932-October 17, 2026

Deloris I. Palmer, age 94, of Grand Haven, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at home.

She was born on August 21, 1932, in Flint, Michigan, to the late Oral and Gladys (Wilds) Doris. Deloris married Leonard Kaffenberger on October 13, 1950. He preceded her in death on January 18, 2019. She married Wendal Palmer on August 25, 1973, and he preceded her in death on August 1, 1996.

Deloris graduated from high school in Fremont, Missouri, Class of 1950. She devoted her life to being a homemaker, lovingly caring for her family. She was a faithful member of United Lutheran Church and found great joy in tending to her garden, caring for her flowers, and keeping her lawn beautiful.

In her spare time, Deloris enjoyed working on puzzles and spending time with her beloved dogs. Above all, she treasured her family and cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, who were the greatest joy of her life.

Deloris is survived by her three children, Theresa Hanson, Leonard (Deb) Kaffenberger, and James (Patti) Kaffenberger; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Wendal and Leonard; sons, Michael Kaffenberger and David Kaffenberger; and her sister, Mary Landers.

The memorial service for Deloris will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, at United Lutheran Church, with Pastor Thomas Hackett 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 Alzheimer's Association-Michigan Chapter.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deloris I. (Doris) Palmer, please visit our floral store.

Theron Ralph Stone

May 12, 1931-October 20, 2026

Theron Ralph Stone, age 95, of Grand Haven, passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Grand Pines Assisted Living.

He was born on May 12, 1931, in West Olive, Michigan, to the late Theron A. and Christine (Garbrecht) Stone. Theron married Bonnie Strange on May 30, 1952, in Grand Haven. She preceded him in death on April 22, 2026, after sharing 73 years of marriage.

Theron graduated from Holland High School and went on to proudly serve his country in the US Army from 1952 to 1954, during the Korean War Era. He was a proud member of the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28, for over 50 years.

Theron began his career working as a section hand for the Pere Marquette Railroad and then spent five years working for Anderson-Bolling, where he worked as a welder and administrator. After his time at Anderson-Bolling, he and Bonnie joined the family business, Stone's Evergreens. Together, they went on to own and operate T-Bon Blueberry Farms for many years.

Theron was passionate about the Christmas tree industry and proudly served as president of the Michigan Christmas Tree Growers Association and twice as president of the National Christmas Tree Growers Association. Theron was a proud lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge, where he achieved the distinction of 32nd Degree Mason. He was also a member of the Lions Club in Mesa.

Theron was a longtime member of United Methodist Church of the Dunes and was also a member of Velda Rose United Methodist Church in Mesa, Arizona, where he and Bonnie spent their winters for 30 years. In his free time, Theron enjoyed golfing, diamond art, playing the organ, and reading, and he especially loved riding his Gold Wing motorcycle.

Theron will be lovingly remembered and missed by his two daughters, Debe' Ruth (Daniel) Zeh of Manistee, and Pamela Sue (Fred) Vellmure of Grand Blanc; his son, Theron Rick (Beth) Stone; grandchildren, Michele (Chris) Gordon, Kathlyn (Jeff) Born, Kylene (Ross) Smith, Stefan (Josh) Hull, Theron Mike (Jen) Stone, Ashlee Stone, and Britney (Tyler) Hager; step-grandchildren, Garrison and Ellee Osborne; 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Margaret Strange; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Bonnie; brother, Robert Stone; and brother-in-law, Robert Strange.

The funeral service for Theron will take place at noon on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at United Methodist Church of the Dunes, with Pastor Lou Grettenberger and Pastor Eldon Eldred officiating. Full military honors will be provided by the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service on Tuesday from, 10 a.m. to noon, at the church. Interment will be at Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice Foundation or the United Methodist Church of the Dunes.

For those unable to attend the in-person service for Theron, it will be live-streamed from the church beginning at noon on October 27, 2026.

Please click here to view: youtube.com/@duneschurchgrandhaven.

Robert Jerome Swantek

June 26, 1947-October 14, 2026

Robert Swantek, age 79, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in Grand Rapids.

Born in Grand Rapids on June 26, 1947, he was the son of Gerard and Elaine Swantek.

Bob, known to many as Swanie, retired from General Motors and had a passion for fishing and hunting. For more than 20 years, he owned and operated Shrimp Boat Charter Fishing out of Grand Haven, where fish stories shared on the dock led to many lasting friendships. He was also known for his kielbasa and for frequently hosting kielbasa-making parties.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerard and Elaine Swantek; brother, Jerry; and son, Doug.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia; daughter, Debra (Scott) Berg; daughter-in-law, Traci Swantek; grandchildren Anna, Piper, and Colin Berg; sisters Pam Bruining, Margo Przybysz, and Joanne (John) Diapizza; sister-in-law, Linda Swantek; as well as many nieces, nephews, and great friends.

A celebration of life will be 4-7 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Robert Swantek to the National Kidney Foundation (kidney.org). The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook.

Kelly Jo Vereeke

November 27, 1963-October 19, 2026

Kelly Jo Vereeke, 62, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born November 27, 1963, Kelly grew up in Grand Haven, Michigan, and later made her home in Luther, Michigan. She found steady joy in the outdoors, held a special love for dogs, and carried herself with a strength that was matched by genuine kindness. Full of life, she brought warmth and presence to those around her, and her love of the fall season reflected the way she noticed and cherished life’s quieter beauty. Over an 11-year battle with cancer, she met each season with resolve and grace, facing the long journey with enduring courage and a steadfast spirit.

Kelly is survived by her husband, Dan Vereeke; stepdaughters, Breanna (Graham) Gugino and Haley (Harley) Compagner; and four grandchildren.

Kelly was preceded in death by her father, Harold Buikema.

A celebration of life will be 1-3 p.m. on October 25, 2026, at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, Michigan 49424. After the gathering, friends and family are invited to the Brothers United Warehouse, 645 Commerce Ave. Holland, MI 49424, for some food and refreshments.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Comfort Care House in Reed City in Kelly's name.