All Obituaries

Frank Belton “B.J.” Joyner III, age 57 of Grand Haven, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 12, 2019 in Remus, MI. He was born on November 9, 1961 in Wilmington, NC to Belton and Louise (Vance) Joyner Jr. B.J. married Robin Wright on November 11, 2017 in Grand Haven.   He was an active member of the United Methodist Church of the Dunes, and worked as VP in Sales and Marketing in retail for many years. B.J. loved cooking, golfing, and working in his yard. He also...

Dana Marie Gezon, age 68 of Grand Haven, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2019 following a brief illness. Dana was born on April 26, 1951 in Holland, MI. She attended Grand Valley State University and Western Michigan University, earning degrees in Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work, as well as a secondary teaching certificate. Dana spent her entire career at Ottawa County Community Mental Health where she was the director of Training and the Recipients Rights Officer. Dana was...

Edith Persing; beloved wife, mother, teacher of many passed away into the arms of her Loving Father in Heaven on Friday, October 4, 2019. Preceding Edith in death was her precious husband, Maurice H. Persing; Edith’s parents, Marge and Charlie Klenk; Edith’s sisters,  Evelyn Latimer and Eleanor Twichell; Edith’s brother, Robert Klenk; Edith’s multi-talented daughter, Martha D. Persing; and Edith’s son, “I can do anything but I love fishing best”...

Mary D. Schulkes, age 82 of Grand Haven, passed away Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at her home. She was born on March 7, 1937 in New York, NY to the late John and Gramatiki Pantalis. Mary married Joseph E. Schulkes on March 7, 1971 in Jersey City, N.J. He passed away on April 26, 2015. Mary moved to Grand Haven in 2002 from Jersey City, NJ. She is survived by her sister, Constantine Pirrotta of Grand Haven; nephews, John (Glenda) Jenkins, Paul Pirrotta Jr., and William and John Lappis. Also...

Carl Pitcher, age 70 of Spring Lake, got his wings and went to join his family and friends waiting for him in Heaven on Sunday, September 29, 2019. Carl was born in Muskegon, Michigan on June 6, 1949 to Lyle and Ruth (Farmer) Pitcher.  He married Lynne Schramski on May 30, 1992. Carl graduated from Mona Shores High School and served our Country in the Vietnam War where he was exposed to Agent Orange.  He was employed for several years at UPS and then for 27 years at Muskegon...

Thaye D. Bruce, age 47 of Grand Haven, passed away surrounded by family, on Friday, September 27, 2019 after a brief illness. She was born August 12, 1972 in Alexandria, VA to Ronald and Donna (Nienhouse) Yost. Thaye married Jesse Bruce on New Year’s Eve, 2014. She graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1990.  Thaye worked for Cook’s Appliances  and the City of Grand Haven, but was most proud of being a mother.  She was a big Kansas City Chiefs and MSU Spartans...

Terry “Terrill” Jon Kozanecki, age 81, of Spring Lake, passed away Sunday, September 22, 2019 at his home.  He was born on June 7, 1938 in Miami, FL to the late Theodore and Elvira (Hunter) Kozanecki.  Terry married the love of his life, Bonnie Sewers, on June 22, 1963 in Saugatuck, MI.  He spent most of his career in the Spring Lake area working for Michigan Plastics, Alma Plastics, Grand Haven Plastics, and was chief operating officer of West Michigan Molding,...

Gerald "Jerry" Stever Jr. age 85 of Grand Haven passed away Sunday, September 22, 2019 at home. Gerald was born July 23, 1934 in Muskegon to Gerald and Mildred (Vallier) Stever. He attended Muskegon Heights High School and went on to serve our country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Jerry married Yvonne on April 13, 1959 and she preceded him in death on January 7, 1979. He then married Julia Anderson on November 7, 1979 in Grand Haven and she preceded...

On Saturday, September 21, 2019, Garry L. Mesler, loving husband and father of five, passed away at the age of 81, after a brief, yet strong fight with cancer.  He was born March 3, 1938 in Saginaw, MI to the late Robert and Ethelyn (Smith) Mesler.  He graduated from Midland High School in 1956 and went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from Central Michigan University.  Upon graduation, he was commissioned into the United States Army as a Second...

Raymond Robert Olejniczak, age 77 of Grand Haven, passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Mercy Hospital. He was born on September 4, 1942 Grand Rapids, MI to the late Raymond and Helen (Domasik) Olejniczak Sr. Ray married Rose Marie Wandrych on December 3, 1982 and she preceded him in death on May 25, 2016. Ray was a member of St. Patrick’s- St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, and enjoyed fishing, gardening, and being outdoors working in his yard. He will be lovingly...