Joann Elizabeth (Karsten) Tysman

Joann Elizabeth Tysman, age 78, of Grand Haven, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, March 30, 2026. She was born on November 26, 1947, in Grand Rapids, MI, to the late W.J. "Bud" and Elizabeth (Oosse) Karsten.

Joann moved from Holland to the Tri-Cities area in 1966. She was a faithful member of First Christian Reformed Church and worked at Family Fare in Holland for more than 20 years. She left a lasting impression on her customers and all who knew her through her passion for life and her unmistakable sense of humor.

Joann was a talented needleworker who especially enjoyed quilting, sewing, knitting, and embroidery. She was known for pouring love and creativity into detailed, hand-sewn patterns that were personalized for each recipient. Crafting for others brought her great joy and she was always making and sewing things to give to others, whether it be facemasks, washcloths, trivets, or king-sized quilts. Even in her final months, she made washcloths while at Christian Haven Home and loved giving them to the staff and residents.

Joann will be lovingly remembered and missed by her daughter, Janice (Paul) McDermott; two sons, Peter (Sara) Tysman and David (Jessica) Tysman; nine grandchildren: Owen, Elliot, Oliver, Emmett, Jonathan, Meredith, Addison, Magdalena, and Amelia; her brother, Jack (Joanne) Karsten; brothers-in-law, Andrew (Mary) Waid and Gary (Mary) Buttery; and many treasured nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Judith Buttery and Esther Waid.

The Memorial Service for Joann will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at First Church Grand Haven (516 S. Ferry St., Grand Haven, MI 49417), with Pastor Art Van Wolde officiating. Visitations will be held on Saturday, April 11th, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home (Grand Haven), as well as one hour prior to the service on Sunday, at the church. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the National Lymphedema Network (NLN) -- Joann struggled with this condition for years. The NLN works tirelessly to bring hope, education, and advocacy to the millions affected by lymphedema worldwide.

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