Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services

08/03/2026

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08/02/2026

Denise Jean Smith, age 66, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2026, at 8:57 PM at Trinity Hospital in Muskegon, MI.

Denise was born to William and Thyra (Cox) Sturgis on March 25, 1960, at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon. She grew up in the area and attended Muskegon Catholic for school.

Denise worked a variety of jobs throughout her life. She worked at American Truck Driving school as a secretary for some time, and also at Stanco Metal in Grand Haven for over ten years. At one point she went to school to become a licensed nursing aide her nursing aide. She retired from the Walmart in Whitehall, MI, where she worked for over five years.

Denise’s first marriage was to Michael Smith Sr, and they were together for 13 years before divorcing in 1991. She remarried a few times, but was most recently engaged to Jerry Harding until he was killed in a car accident. She remained single ever since.

Denise loved her family and friends and cherished the time that she spent with them. She enjoyed shopping at thrift stores, riding motorcycles, and cooking and baking, especially for family events during the holiday seasons. She also greatly enjoyed a deluxe pizza from Mr. Scrib’s. She spent most of her life in west Michigan, but did live and travel around South Carolina and Virginia for some years. She lived her life to the fullest and loved to laugh and have a good time. Extremely generous, she was always willing to lend a hand to those who were in need.

Denise...

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08/01/2026

Vicky Lynn Bonebrake, age 71, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on February 4, 1955, and lived a life rooted in faith, family and selfless service to others.

Vicky was the beloved wife of Darryl Bonebrake, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and cherished memories. Together they built a family that became the center of her world.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Gregory (Amy) Bonebrake, Tracy Sawyer, Mandy (Jamie) Kitchen, Kristin Stafford, Lavonne Harris and Cathy (Brandon) Walsworth. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to 23 grandchildren and a treasured great-grandmother to 11 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy. She was a wonderful sister to nine siblings, Cindy (Skip) Reed, Kay (Dan) West, Lori Dake, Mark (Kim) Somerville, Kirk Somerville, Mike (Linda) Somerville, Pat (Kathy) Somerville, Coleen (Patrick) Bishop and Karen (Don) Bayne; and beloved dog, Drake.

Vicky found her greatest happiness in spending time with those she loved. She especially enjoyed weekends at De Colores, faithfully volunteering at her church, and preparing large homecooked meals that brought family and friends together around her table. Her generous spirit, gentle heart, and unwavering faith touched countless lives. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcomed, loved, and cared for.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and...

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08/01/2026

Gerald Louis Meyers, age 90, passed away in Muskegon, MI, on Thursday, July 30, 2026. He was born on September 8, 1935, to Hannes and Anna (Baker) Meyer in Muskegon, and he lived his whole life in the area. After high school he proudly served his nation for four years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. On July 2, 1960, he married the former Delia Varner, and the two of them spent 66 wonderful years building their family together. Jerry worked for 33 years in the accounting department at Neway, where he was loved and respected by all his coworkers. He retired in 1994 but soon after began working in the financial department of the Muskegon Rescue Mission, where he worked for ten years. Jerry was a faithful Christian and a longtime member at Orchard View Congregational Church and then at Trinity Baptist, singing in the choir at both churches. Jerry loved playing golf and going on photography trips with Dee all over Michigan. He was an exceptional guitarist, able to play in many different styles. Jerry was a kind, considerate man who loved his family and his God more than anything. He lived a quiet, peaceful life, and many will remember him for the warm smile that was always on his face.

Jerry will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Dee Meyers; two sons, Jeff (Wendy) Meyers and Dan (Bernadette) Meyers; eight grandchildren: Kimberly (Kevin) Vermeer, Jesse Meyers, Deanna (Austin) McKee, Evan (Juli Bonetti) Meyers, Rachael (Chris) Snead, Benjamin...

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Read the obituary of Gerald L. Meyers from Norton Shores, MI. Leave your condolences and send flowers to the family to show you care.

07/31/2026

Renee Marie St.Cyr passed away Saturday, July 25, 2026 in Muskegon, Michigan. She was born in Defiance, Ohio July 18, 1955 to Jack and Aurelia (Stone) Farrell.
After high school, Renee worked as a cook at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake, MI, the Canadian Railroad and Camp Douglas. Her love for cooking and baking made her work more of a hobby than a job. She always enjoyed making food for her family and made her food with love. She especially enjoyed baking bread. When she wasn’t baking or cooking, she would like to sew. Most of all though, she loved spending time with her friends, family and grandchildren having movie nights.
She was known for having a free spirit and gypsy soul. She loved to travel and lived all around the country and Canada in her younger years. She was also very proud of her Native American Heritage and was a member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.
She is survived by two children, Wenona Evans and Julian Evans; four grandchildren, Michael Jeremiah Evans, Tyler “TJ” Julian Evans, Kaeleb Christian Evans, and Cierra Evans; five great grandchildren, Jaylee Evans, Oliver Evans, Casey Evans, Emberlynn Evans, and India Purple; two sisters, Jacqueline (Terry) Romaine Rose, and Cindy Torrie; one brother, Bradley Torrie; and many close aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded by her parents; husband, Glenn Evans; brother, Robert Tori and son-in-law, Wesley Evans.
A VISITATION will be held from...

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07/31/2026

Irene Lindsay, age 96, of Muskegon, Michigan, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026. She was born on March 3, 1930, in Muskegon, Michigan, and lived her entire life there. Growing up, she survived the Great Depression. She was the youngest of nine children, daughter of Caroline and Apolino Ostrowski. She attended St. Mary's Catholic School, which contributed to her kind-hearted, loving spirit.

She later married and had six children. She put her whole heart and soul into raising her children, while also working full-time as a cashier for Gov's Market. During her retirement age, she made many friends. Irene was always putting others first and making sacrifices to help others.

Irene was preceded in death by her late husbands, Vernon Kitchen, Robert Kersch, and Howard Lindsay. Also preceded in death by her oldest daughter, Catherine Kitchen, and youngest son, Robert Kersch, Jr. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Paul and Carol Kitchen, Michael and Joann Kitchen, Patrick and Robyn Kitchen, and her daughter and son-in-law, Kari and Malcolm Ortiz. She is also survived by her stepsons and wives, Jeffrey and Anna-Lisa Kersch, Lance and Nancy Lindsay, Vance and Robin Lindsay, Gregory and Diane Lindsay, Paul Lindsay, and the late Brian Lindsay (survived by his wife, Sandra).

She also has many surviving grandchildren, including Andrea and Joshua Brooks, Aaron and Julie Kitchen, Paul Jr. and Jessica Kitchen, Laurie and Jeffrey...

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07/31/2026

Nancy Charlotte Shaw, age 82, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 30, 2026. She was born May 5, 1944, in Berrien Springs, Michigan, to DeAlton and Bernell (Halvick) Personett. Nancy graduated from high school in Massachusetts and attended Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from 1963-1965, which is where she met her husband, Ronald Lee Shaw. Ron and Nancy married on November 20, 1965, at Maranatha Baptist Church in Grand Ledge, Michigan. Nancy enjoyed being a homemaker and mother for several years, and when her youngest child entered first grade, she got a part-time job as a bank teller in Rockford, Illinois, where they raised their family. Later she worked as a title clerk for an auto dealership and in accounting at an automotive supplier. In 1998, they purchased 80 acres of land in Red Oak, Michigan, with a small house, and they built a hunting cabin. It became known as "Papa's Place," where the whole family would gather multiple times a year - it was a place filled with many happy memories for the kids and grandkids. In 2011, they retired and lived at Papa's Place full time until Ron passed away in July 2021. In August 2021, Nancy moved to Dayspring Independent Living in Norton Shores, Michigan, to be near family. Nancy enjoyed reading, playing games, and decorating. She loved jewelry, beautiful things, and was a talented artist - her dear friends at...

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Read the obituary of Nancy Charlotte Shaw from Muskegon, MI. Leave your condolences and send flowers to the family to show you care.

07/31/2026

Pamela J. Koop, age 80, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Spring Lake.

Pam was raised in Los Angeles, California, by her parents, Jeanie and Scott Burgner. She later moved to Boulder, Colorado, where she began her career in the airline industry before earning her Certified Public Accountant license. After leaving Boulder, Pam spent several years in Kansas City, Missouri, before making Spring Lake, Michigan her home. There, she served as the accountant for the Spring Lake Country Club, building lasting friendships and becoming a valued member of the community.

Pam believed deeply in helping others. Throughout her life, she supported local charities and participated in community food drives. Her commitment to service continued well into retirement through her volunteer work with Love INC. She gave generously of her time and talents, always seeking ways to make life a little easier and brighter for those around her.

A devoted animal lover, Pam provided a loving home to many fortunate cats and dogs over the years. She also treasured time spent with her family and friends, whose lives were enriched by her kindness, warmth, and caring nature. Pam will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her generous spirit and gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Pam is survived by her three sons, Alan Scott Kattau, Gregory James Koop, Timothy (and Cilea) Koop; her daughter, Rene (and...

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Read the obituary of Pamela Jean Koop from Norton Shores, MI. Leave your condolences and send flowers to the family to show you care.

07/31/2026

Aria Lynn-Marie Currier-Berens graced this world for two months and 24 precious days before peacefully passing away on Monday, July 27, 2026, surrounded by the unwavering love of her family.

From the moment she entered the world, Aria proved to be a true miracle. Despite facing overwhelming medical challenges, including hydrocephalus, truncus arteriosus type II, pulmonary hypoplasia, and many other health complications, she met each day with incredible strength and resilience. Though she was unable to cry or communicate with sound, Aria's vibrant spirit spoke volumes. Her expressive eyes and signature raised eyebrows made it perfectly clear when she was less than pleased, while her radiant smile would appear whenever she was happy or gazing at her beloved jellyfish. It brought her comfort during difficult moments and joy during the happiest ones.

Although Aria's time on earth was far too brief, the love she shared and the impact she made will endure forever. In just a few short months, she touched countless lives with her courage, sweetness, and remarkable spirit. She will always be remembered as a precious gift whose life, though measured in days, will be treasured in the hearts of those who loved her for a lifetime.

Aria is lovingly survived by her parents, Kaelynn Currier and Travis Berens; her two big brothers, Braxton Currier-Boychuk and Eligha Weidenhammer; her four big sisters, Neriah Currier-Boychuk, Kaitlyn Berens, Kaligh Berens, and...

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Read the obituary of Aria Lynn-Marie Currier-Berens from Muskegon, MI. Leave your condolences and send flowers to the family to show you care.

07/31/2026

Ernest Raymond “Ray” Prow, age 71, passed away on July 29, 2026, leaving behind cherished memories and lifelong friendships. Ray lived his life to the fullest and touched the lives of many friends and family members. On September 6, 1992, Ray married Kimberly, and they spent 33 years together. Ray promised “in sickness and in health” and lived every single word of it.

Ray was a husband who loved without limits, a father who led by example, a friend who never met a stranger, and a man whose quiet wisdom will echo through generations. He was a nurturer and gave the best advice. When life got difficult, he would always say, “In one ear and out the other! Stay true to yourself and everything always comes out in the wash.”

In accordance with Ray’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and no services will be held. In his memory, Ray would encourage everyone to raise a glass, take a drink, and “back up and regroup”. So today, don’t just mourn him; tell a story, hug your family, and raise a glass.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Share memories with the family at https://sytsemafh.com.

Read the obituary of Ernest Raymond "Ray" Prow from Norton Shores, MI. Leave your condolences and send flowers to the family to show you care.