EDITOR'S NOTE: This file will be updated throughout the month as new notices become available.

Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services

Barbara Jane Brondyke
Auguste 25, 1934-May 13, 2025

Barbara Jane (Dykhouse) Brondyke went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 13, 2025, at the age of 90.

She was born August 25, 1934, in Grand Haven to Duke and Dena (Noor) Dykhouse. She married Arnold Kenneth Brondyke in Grand Haven on March 3, 1956, and he preceded her in death on January 7, 2015.

She graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1952 and worked as a receptionist and bookkeeper for Dykhouse Brothers Inc. and Midwest Concrete Pipe Co. for a few years before becoming a full-time homemaker after her marriage to Arnie. They attended Grand Haven Gospel Chapel, where Barb was a lifelong member and she was active in the Ladies Missionary Society for many years.

They owned and operated the South Shore Motel in Grand Haven for several years and later owned the Anchor Motel. She and Arnie were full-time RV’ers for nine years, traveling to many different states as well as Canada and wintering in Florida. They enjoyed snowmobiling, boating,  ATVs and fishing.

A loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she enjoyed spending time with and caring for her family. She was a great cook and also enjoyed sewing. She loved to entertain and many family parties were held at their home. She and Arnie led very busy, active lives until their later years. Declining health slowed her down the last few years, but she continued to attend church as often as possible. In recent years, she liked puzzle and coloring books and continued to sew.

Barb is survived by daughter, Kay (Gerald) Hessman of Columbus, OH; son, Roger of Ferrysburg; four grandchildren: Jenna (Kyle) Host of Comstock Park, Brian (Erika) of Allendale, and Nicholas and Jacob of Walker; as well as two great-grandchildren, Landon Brondyke of Grand Rapids and Evelyn Brondyke of Allendale; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Arnie; two brothers, Don and Bill Dykhouse; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. 

Please join the family in celebration of her life at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service. Her final resting place will be in Norton Cemetery. For a more lasting memorial, you are asked to consider Grand Haven Gospel Chapel.

Please sign the family’s online guestbook at sytsemafh.com.

Patricia Mary Nogar
April 17, 1947-May 13, 2025

Patricia Mary Nogar, age 78, of Grand Haven, passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital.

She was born April 17, 1947, in Oneida, New York, to Stanley R. and Frances (Varvaro) Lancto. Pat met the love of her life, Gwyn Nogar, while he was stationed in Ogdensburg, New York, serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. They were married August 26, 1967, in Spring Lake, Michigan.

Patricia worked various jobs in the area: Family Fare, Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, and Burger King. Her most important job was being a homemaker for her family, and her husband, who served in the U.S. Coast Guard, and both the Grand Haven Police and Grand Haven Fire Department. Patricia was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Grand Haven, participating in the choir, handbells, Prayer Shawl, and Ladies' Aide. Her other interests were knitting, crocheting, cooking and taking care of her five cats.

Patricia is lovingly remembered by her husband, Gwyn Nogar; two sons, Thomas (Amy) Nogar and Brian (Debby Basset) Nogar; nine grandchildren: Andrew, Amalia, Catherine, Jonah, Zachery, Isaiah, Madison, Cameron and Jaidon; four great-grandchildren: Rebecca, Thomas, Elizabeth, and Lorelai; two sisters, Kathy Weir and Teresa McDonald; brother, Edwin Lancto; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law, Karen Lancto.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Rev. Aaron Vergin officiating. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at church. Memorials to St. John’s Lutheran Church 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.

Barbara L. MacMeekin
June 2, 1929-May 12, 2025

Barbara L. (Potter) MacMeekin, age 95, passed away in Spring Lake, Michigan, on May 12, 2025.

Born June 2, 1929, in Muskegon, to Coach Harry E. Potter and Carol L. Potter. Barbara was a graduate of Muskegon High School, class of ’47 and attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
 
On October 18, 1952, she married John C. MacMeekin and they settled in Grand Rapids, where they lived for 38 years. She was active in Shawnee Park School PTA and East Congregational church when their daughters were young. Barb was an expert seamstress who was co-owner of Stitch-In-Time Alteration Shop. She was also an amazing baker, making delicious pies, pastries and cookies enjoyed by all.
 
When John retired from Old Kent Bank in 1989, they moved to Spring Lake, a perfect spot for their love of the lake and outdoor activities.
 
Barb is survived by three daughters: Janet Neal of Clifton, NJ, Jean MacMeekin of Harper Woods, MI, and Joan MacMeekin of Spring Lake, MI; 3 grandchildren: Timothy Neal, Christopher Neal and Emily Neal Kasakove; niece, Lynn Moore Waldo; her daughter, Dana Judd and Dana’s son, Corey Judd; and nephew, David Moore.
 
A private family service will be held at Spring Lake Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.

Victoria Sue Lantz
June 11, 1943-March 22, 2025

Victoria Sue Lantz, age 81, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Columbine West Health & Rehab Facility in Fort Collins, Colorado after a long illness.

She was born June 11, 1943, in Nineveh, Indiana, to Floyd “Skip” and Mary Jane (Richeson) Richards. She built her life in Grand Haven, where she lived for over 50 years. Victoria attended Indiana State University, graduating with a BA in education, then received her Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University. She worked as a teacher in the Holland Public Schools for thirty-two years, retiring in 1997. Her students knew her as an energetic and encouraging leader who was always there to talk.

Victoria loved the Grand Haven area, especially Lake Michigan. She enjoyed going to the beach, sailing, walking near the waterfront, and taking long drives up the coast to appreciate its beauty and explore the towns and cities there. Victoria was a world traveler, visiting much of the U.S. and Europe as well as China and Japan. She was a doting grandmother, known for her warmth, wit, and kindness. Her inquisitive nature led her to enter and win first place in the biology division of the National Science Fair in 1961.

Victoria is lovingly remembered by her two daughters, Laura (Thomas) Tippl and Kate Lantz Eleanor; five grandchildren, Helen Patterson, John Patterson, William Patterson, Sophie Tippl and Max Tippl; her sister, Nancy (Chester) Sanders; her brother, John (Deanna) Richards; James Lantz, Michael Spiller, and several nieces and nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved daughter, Amy Elizabeth Lantz, and her brother, Ronald Richards.

A private family service has been held. Memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association 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.  

John VanEpps Jr.
July 18, 1937-April 30, 2025

Mr. John VanEpps Jr., age 87, of Spring Lake, peacefully passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

He was born July 18, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio, to John N. VanEpps Sr. and Helen (Condon) VanEpps. John married Sharon (Bradley) VanEpps in Muskegon, Michigan, on July 1, 1967.

Sharon preceded him in death on March 10, 2009.

John built a life with family and friends. In his early years, John was the pilot of the Jump Boat "Thrill Cat" in the Grand Haven Ski Show, won national championships racing Hydrofoil race boats, and then eventually became a charter boat owner and captain of the original "Thunderduck" charter boat. He enjoyed being outside. His main passions were snowmobiling, boating, riding Goldwing motorcycles with his wife, Sharon, competitive skeet shooting and machine gun shoots, and flying RC planes.

He graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was a business owner and previously taught small engine mechanics at MSU and Coopersville Public Schools. He served his country as an aircraft mechanic/maintenance technician in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1959 to 1965.

He is survived by his son, Mark (Cori) VanEpps, and granddaughters, Madison VanEpps and Riley VanEpps.

A visitation to celebrate John’s life will be 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of John may be given to Harbor Hospice.

Please sign the family’s online guestbook at sytsemafh.com.

Jeffery Lee Wiebenga
December 12, 1957-April 30, 2025

Mr. Jeffery Lee Wiebenga, age 67, of Spring Lake, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

Jeff was born December 12, 1957, in Grand Haven, where he attended Grand Haven Christian School and graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1976.

Many people have memories of Jeff while he worked for Baker Engineering for 38 years. His willingness to share his knowledge with any and all, at the racetrack, was so appreciated by all the racers.

After retirement, he joined his wife working at their family business, Woodland Farm Market. Getting up early to make donuts, started his day knowing all the smiles it brought to his “Bakery Family”. His contagious smile and friendliness will be remembered at local farm markets, where he was so proud to sell the bakery's products.

Jeff’s downtime was spent with his grandchildren. From standing out in the rain, snow and heat at sporting events, to cuddling on the couch watching Papa’s phone, the love he shared for them was unforgettable and irreplaceable.

Jeff will be greatly missed by his wife, Mary (Rakosky) of 46 years; his daughters, Amy (Bruce) Chase, Amanda (Edward) Boone; four grandchildren, Haylee Chase, Bruce Chase, Preston Boone, and Paxxton Boone; siblings, Diane (Steve) Rowan, Don (Carolyn) Wiebenga, Dale (Jill) Wiebenga; in-laws, Dave (Nancy) Rakosky, Tom (Mindy) Rakosky and Jackie May. Jeff had many special nieces and nephews that he was so proud of.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Ruth (Meeuwsen) Wiebenga, in-laws, LaVern and Arnell Rakosky; and sister, Patti Jo Wiebenga.

Jeff will be remembered for his kindness, his unwavering integrity and love for his family. His smiles and wisdom were gifts to everyone who knew him.

Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2025, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. A celebration of his life will be 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2025, following a private service for the family, at the VanZantwick Chapel Family Center. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate gifts of money to offset funeral expenses and to get a family memorial set up in his memory. Donations may be directed to C/O Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services for his memorial.

Please sign the family’s online guestbook at sytsemafh.com.

Donna Pope
Nov. 11, 1935-April 28, 2025

Mrs. Donna Pope, age 89, of Spring Lake, passed away Monday, April 28, 2025.

She was born November 11, 1935, in Grand Haven to Simon and Crystal (Rogers) Scheffers. In 1956, she married Quay Pope, and he preceded her in death in 2000.

Donna had a passion for serving others and was actively involved in the Fruitport community throughout her life. She served on the Fruitport Village Council, the Fruitport District Library Board and was a member of the Lady Lions for many years. During their life together, Donna and her Husband Quay enjoyed traveling and discovering new cultures in various countries throughout the world. After Quay’s passing in 2000, she spent many years volunteering for Hospice and was honored and awarded for her years of dedication and service. In her days as a professional, she had a long-standing and successful career as a Realtor for Rennells-Pyman, Century 21, and REMAX before retirement. She greatly enjoyed gardening, bird watching, music, playing cards and spending time with her family and friends. Her legacy will live on in the local community as people continue to share their memories of Donna who lived her life as an honest, hardworking, straight-shooting, compassionate, caring and energetic person.

She is survived by three sons: Ross Pope, Yale (Emelda) Pope, Heath (Lisa) Pope; seven grandchildren: Jaric (Katee) Pope, Jenna (Jason) Pope-Bergman, Ethan Pope, Chantal (Terry) VanDyke, Dalton Pope, Ian Pope, and Lexi Pope; and six great-grandchildren; brother, Gaye (Richard) Scheffers. She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard and sister, Nancy Allen.

A memorial service will be held noon Friday, May 9, 2025, at Fruitport Community Church with Rev. Donna Rick officiating. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at church. Memorial contributions in memory of Donna may be given to Fruitport District Library. Interment will take place in Pine Hill Cemetery. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at sytsemafh.com.

Phyllis Betty Button
March 11, 1933-April 26, 2025

Phyllis Betty Button, age 92, of Grand Haven, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Pinewood Place.

She was born March 11, 1933, in McBain, Michigan, to Ernest and Mary (DeBack) Scheltema. Phyllis married Calvin Button on November 6, 1952, in Grand Haven.

Calvin preceded her in death on June 7, 1995.

Phyllis, lived most of her life in the Tri-Cities and worked as a launderer/flatwork ironer worker for Haven Modern Laundry and Dry Cleaning. After retiring, she also worked at the Grand Haven Tribune. Phyllis was a longtime member of Second Reformed Church, Grand Haven Eagles for 58 years, and volunteered at Love in Action. Her other interests were working on jigsaw puzzles, bowling, and most of all spending time with her family.

Phyllis is lovingly remembered by her son, Robert (Pamela) Button; daughter-in-law, Kelly Button; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, John Scheltema and Phillip Scheltema; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Elden Button and Calvin Button Jr.; four sisters: Marion Keyway, Nellie Laman, Lucille Kuipers and Shirley Kane; two brothers, William “Bill” Scheltema and Ernest Scheltema; four sisters-in-law: Emma Scheltema, Velma Scheltema, Judy Scheltema and Teng Scheltema; five brothers-in-law, Julius Keyway, Don Laman, Larry Kuipers, Bob Kane and Bill DeBack; two great-great-grandchildren, Gage M. English and Ziva English.

The funeral for Phyllis will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Life Church of Grand Haven with Pastor Dan Eisnor officiating. Friends may meet the family on Wednesday, April 30, from 4-6 p.m. at The VanZantwick Chapel. Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery. Memorials to Life Church of Grand Haven or the Salvation Army 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.