Charles Rycenga Jr.

Charles Rycenga Jr., 95, passed into eternal life with his Lord and Savior on July 31, 2016 in his home in Grand Haven. Chuck was born in Grand Haven to Charles Sr. and Sena (Tysman) Rycenga on May 25, 1921.  After graduating from Grand Haven High School, he married Eleanor “Non” Kieft on January 15, 1942.  Shortly after their marriage, Chuck enlisted in the US Navy and proudly served on Guadalcanal during WW II.  Following the war, Chuck and Non returned home to start a family and a successful lumber business with his brother, Louis.  Over the next 73 years together, they travelled the world and enjoyed spending time with their family and friends. A devout faith in Jesus Christ was most important in Chuck’s life, and he and Non were devoted to the church they loved and attended for many years—Second Christian Reformed Church.  Chuck valued Christian education, and he was actively involved with Grand Haven Christian School and Western Michigan Christian High School.  Besides serving as former president of Rycenga Homes, Inc. and Coldwell Banker/Rycenga Real Estate, Chuck was actively involved with the City of Grand Haven Planning Commission, North Ottawa Board of Realtors, Grand Haven Rotary Board of Directors and recipient of the Paul Harris Award.   He was also heavily involved in community work including the Salvation Army, Christian Haven Home and founded International Aid in Spring Lake. Chuck will be lovingly remembered by his daughters,  Nona (David) Boer of Spring Lake and Mary Beth Retsema of Grand Haven; son, Charles (Becky) Rycenga III of Grand Haven; Thai daughter, Patama Poopath, of Bangkok, Thailand; fifteen grandchildren, Eddy (Debb) Boer, Angela Boer and friend Chris Forcellina, Shelly Boer, Jessy (Joe) Jacoby, Marsene (Jud) Caswell, Joey Retsema, Rachel (Joel) Hartter, Thomas(Jonelle) Retsema, Matthew (Margaret) Retsema, Charles (Kate) Rycenga IV, Leesa (Paul) Woodbery, Brooke (Jon) Campball, Rocky (Lindsay) Rycenga, Casey (Mandi) Rycenga, Beau Rycenga and friend Casey Pollack; 25 great grandchildren; sister Betty Rycenga Rodrigues of Grand Haven; special friend Lulu Gamboa; several nieces and nephews.  Chuck is preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor; sister, Emma Correll; brother, Louis; in-laws, Betty Rycenga, Al Rodrigues and Roy Correll. Friends and relatives may meet with the family 4:00 – 7:00pm on Sunday, August 7 at Klaassen Family Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.  Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Monday, August 8, 2016 at Second Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Duane Kelderman and Rev. Cliff Bajema officiating.   Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army or Grand Haven Christian School. Please visit www.klaassenfuneralhome.com to sign Chuck’s online guest book.