Obituaries: September 2025
This file will be updated throughout the month as new notices become available.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This file will be updated throughout the month as new notices become available.
Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services
John Ringelberg
August 9, 1953-Sep 6, 2025
John Ringelberg, age 72, of Grand Haven, passed away Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Robbinswood Assisted Living Center.
He was born August 9, 1953, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Earl and Mabell (Grover) Ringelberg. He met and fell in love with Linda Dimitroff, and they wed on the Grand Haven Pier on August 21, 2010.
John graduated from Northview High School, and he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in Korea. Following his military service, John worked at General Motors for 32 years as a Tool & Die Maker and as a UAW representative, retiring in 2007. He then drove a bus for Spring Lake Schools and was known as “Mr. Dutch,” retiring from the school district in 2017.
John served the Grand Haven community on the planning commission for three years. He was a member of First Reformed Church, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason in the Rockford Masonic Lodge, Shriner, VFW, American Legion, and Casino Club member. John loved the great outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his Harley, the family cabin in Lake City, walking the pier with Linda, and time spent with family.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda Dimitroff; two daughters, Amy (Antonio) Quiñones, and Michelle (Gary) Christie; three stepchildren: Samantha Axlund, Christopher (Rachel) Zapczynski, and Alexandra (Nick Brown) Zapczynski; five grandchildren: Jaydin Quiñones, Jenna Quiñones, Jared Quiñones, Caleb Christie and Jacob Christie; four step-grandchildren: Jacob Edwards, Savanna (Matt) Edwards and Stella and Beau Zapczynski; a step-great-granddaughter, Anna Marie Schlink; two sisters: Jaqueline “Jackie” (Richard) Wright, and Deborah Ringelberg; two brothers: Peter (Darla) Ringelberg, and Gary Ringelberg; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Earl Ringelberg, and nephew, Scott Ringelberg.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Lewy Body Dementia Association for ongoing research and information on this little-known disease. lbda.org/donate. Share memories with the family at their online guestbook at sytsemafh.com.
Richard Kenneth "Rick" Justema
January 18, 1954-September 1, 2025
Richard Kenneth “Rick” Justema, age 71, passed away Monday, September 1, 2025, at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital.
He was born January 18, 1954, in Grand Haven, to Kenneth Seymour and Clara Ethel Grace (Marshall) Justema. Rick married Nancy Jerovsek on September 17, 1983, in Grand Haven after the two met at a wedding.
Rick graduated from Grand Haven High School and then attended Muskegon Community College. He worked as a mechanical draftsman for B&B Design, and at Shape Corp. Rick was known to all as the “king of Post-it notes.” He previously DJ’d at weddings, enjoyed bowling, biking, and loved his dogs. Rick enjoyed following the Detroit Tigers and the University of Michigan football.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 41 years, Nancy Justema; sister, Linda (Jim) Justema - Konitzer; brother, Steve (Mary) Justema; many nieces and nephews that he loved deeply and was very proud of all their achievements; and his dog, Trixie.
According to his wishes, a private Celebration of Life will take place. Memorials to Harbor Humane Society harborhumane.org/donate are appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.
