John “Jack” William Van Schelven

John “Jack” William Van Schelven, age 87 of Grand Haven, passed away on September 24, 2022 at Trinity Health Hospital, Muskegon. He was born on August 2, 1935 in Grand Haven to the late Louis and Hazel (Snell) Van Schelven. He married Barbara Kent on April 7, 1961 in Grand Haven.

Jack graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1953 and was the starting quarterback in 1951 and 1952. He went on to proudly serve his country in the US Navy and was a long-time member of the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28. He graduated with his master’s degree in secondary school administration from Western Michigan University. Jack became a teacher at Orchard View Public Schools and, later, became their first athletic director and head football coach. He then spent many years working for Jones Sporting Goods in Muskegon.

Jack was very involved in sporting events at Grand Haven High School and was known to many as “the voice of the Buccaneers” for 45 years. He announced over 400 football and basketball games for the local schools, also officiating high school track and cross-country meets across the state. Jack loved sports, especially football. He was a HUGE fan of Michigan State University and the Detroit Lions, but his hometown Buccaneers were his biggest source of pride.

Jack was a former member of Christ Community Church in Spring Lake and a leader for Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Young Life for many years. He volunteered at the People Center in Spring Lake and at the North Ottawa Council on Aging, and served as a board member for the Tri-Cities Family YMCA and the Muskegon Area Hall of Fame.

Jack was also a long-time, former member of the Spring Lake Country Club, where he enjoyed golfing with a close circle of friends. Most importantly, Jack loved his family; spending time with them, learning about their interests, and investing in their lives. He will be remembered and missed by many who were blessed to know him through the years.

Jack is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara; and their three children: son, Michael (Lisa) Van Schelven of Grand Haven, Michigan; daughters, Mary (Jay) Lauth of Denver, Colorado, and Michelle Boeve of Sarasota, Florida; five grandchildren, Madeline Van Schelven, Seiver and Ryer Lauth, and Jack and Aaron Boeve; his two brothers, Bob (Caroline) Van Schelven and Donn (Judy) Van Schelven; sister-in-law, Mary (Dave) Parsons; and brother-in-law, Bob (Marge) Kent. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Russ Kent.

A Memorial Visitation for Jack will take place on Thursday, September 29, 2022, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, (1500 Robbins Rd, Grand Haven, MI 49417).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gene Rothi Scholarship Fund, c/o Sharon Yonker, 507 S. Seventh St., Grand Haven, MI 49417, or DaVita Dialysis-Grand Haven.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John “Jack” William Van Schelven, please visit our floral store.