David Jay Klaassen

David Jay Klaassen, age 84, a lifelong resident of Grand Haven, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, with his wife by his side. Dave was born on July 21, 1941, in Grand Haven to the late Peter and Jane "Nina" (Casemier) Klaassen.

Dave attended Grand Haven Christian School and graduated from Grand Haven High School in the Class of 1959, where he was active in both football and basketball. He went on to attend Muskegon Community College before continuing his education at the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science, where he met his wife while on a double date with his roommate, Doug Clark, who later became his brother-in-law. On September 20, 1963, he married Sandra Wierengo in Muskegon, beginning a devoted partnership that would span more than six decades.

Dave began his career as a licensed funeral director with Kammeraad Funeral Home in 1965, launching what would become a lifelong calling to care for families in their time of need. In 1968, he purchased the Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven and later added a Spring Lake location. In 1977, Van Zantwick, Bartels and Kammeraad Funeral Home was formed where Dave served as a Senior Partner until 1992.

After a few short years of an ill-fated attempt at retirement, and after spending more seasons wintering in Florida than he wanted to, Dave, along with his sons Scott and Kurt, fulfilled one of Dave's greatest dreams by purchasing the former Klempel's Dairy Property and redeveloped the prominent corner into Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Dave firmly believed that serving families meant going beyond the funeral itself, and developed lasting relationships, with so many of his clients and their families. This was a mission he instilled deeply within the family business. He built his work on a foundation of trust, honesty, and a steadfast commitment to always "do the right thing."

Dave's faith was central to every aspect of his life. A lifelong member of Second Christian Reformed Church, he faithfully served as both a deacon and elder, and he often encouraged many to remain active in their church, faith and community. He and Sandy enjoyed traveling to third world countries and islands on mission trips with International Aid to help spread the word of the Lord.

Dave believed in the dreams of Grand Haven and devoted his time, labor and support to make those dreams a reality, in such projects as the construction of the Boardwalk, saving the Cat Walk effort on the South Pier; lighting the Cat Walk and Bridging-The-Gap between the boardwalk and the south pier which became, Grand Haven: "Lake Michigan's Bright Spot". Dave proudly served as a City Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem from 1979 to 1987. Alongside his wife Sandy, they donated the first home to Habitat for Humanity in Grand Haven that was moved from Lafayette St. to Waverly Ave. in the late 80's. The Salvation Army held a special place in Dave's heart, where he served on its advisory board for more than 45 years, including time as chairman.

A dedicated servant to the Tri-Cities area, Dave gave generously of his time and leadership to many organizations. He was a member and chaplain of the Grand Haven Area Jaycees, a charter secretary of the Grand Haven Lions Club, and a former member of the Ottawa County Board of Health. He also served as Past Vice President of the Tri-Cities Council of Ministries, President of Michigan Funeral Directors Association District #4, and President and board member of the North Ottawa Chamber of Commerce. His community involvement also included leadership roles with Tri-Cities United Way, Love, Inc., the North Ottawa Council on Aging, Kiwanis Club, International Aid, and the Charter Lions Club. In addition, he found great joy in coaching many local little league football and baseball teams in his younger years and enjoyed making ice rinks out in the funeral parking lot so the kids could learn how ice skate and play hockey. He enjoyed golfing in his later years with the Wolverine's Senior Group, boating (once traveling from south Florida with friends all the way to Michigan on a boat keel), and spending Wednesday nights with his buddies in the Garden Club.

One of the organizations closest to Dave's heart was the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival. He served as both chairman and former board president for several years and led the sesquicentennial committee from 1982 to 1985. His dedication to the U.S. Coast Guard and the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival for many decades led to Dave receiving the Coast Guard's highest civilian award, the "Medal of Honor."

Throughout his life, Dave was honored for his service to the community, including being named the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award Man of the Year in 1976, receiving the Grand Haven Eagles' Community Builder Award in 2015; being inducted into the Grand Haven High School Hall of Fame in 2019, and receiving the Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023; among many others.

While Dave dedicated much of his life to serving others, he also took great pride and enjoyment in maintaining beautifully landscaped yards with lots of flowers at his home and at the Funeral Home. Above all, Dave treasured time spent with his family. He was a constant presence at his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, concerts, and activities, always showing his unwavering support.

Dave's life reflected deep and abiding faith, and he now rests in the presence of his Lord and Savior. While his absence will be deeply felt, his family finds comfort in knowing that his life was lived with purpose, love, and service to others. His example of faith, humility, and compassion will continue to guide all who were blessed to know him. He was generous with his time, talents, and treasures for anyone in need. He was known to be only a phone call away, and he meant it!

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Sandy; children, Scott Klaassen (Jeri Ashcraft), Kurt (Jennifer) Klaassen, and Tammy Klaassen (Michael Byington); grandchildren, Ashley (Michael) Jankoski, Jordan Klaassen (fiancée, Sydney VanZee), Lauren Klaassen (Jake Kammeraad), Deacon Poole, Hanna (Andrew) Hulings, Molly Poole (fiancé, Morgan McGrew), and Lance Poole; great-grandson, Ezra Jankoski; brother, Dann (Sharon) Klaassen; sister-in-law, Georgia (Doug) Clark; brother-in-law, Jim (Jackie) Wierengo; one aunt; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Susan Morton.

The Funeral Service for Dave will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Second Christian Reformed Church, with Pastor Tim Blackmon and Pastor Doug Bytwerk officiating. Visitations will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2026, and from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026, both at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Mulligan's Hollow Ski Bowl Capital Campaign Fund c/o the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation and Love in Action of the Tri-Cities.

** For those who were unable to attend the in-person Funeral Service for Dave, it was recorded at the church. Please click the following link to view: https://youtu.be/2kbNE61Ba1o

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