Richard “Dick” Henry Zuidema, Sr.

Richard “Dick” Henry Zuidema, Sr., age 92 of Grand Haven, passed away on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital. He was born on August 10, 1931, in Spring Lake, MI, to the late Henry and Anna (Nuismer) Zuidema. Dick married Patricia Dora on January 14, 1952, in Grand Haven.

Dick proudly served his country in the US Air Force from 1951 to 1955, during the Korean War Era. After his discharge from the service, he went on to work at Shell, Philips 66, and Citgo Terminals for many years. He later became a local realtor, which he did for the rest of his career.

Dick was a joyful storyteller who loved visiting with so many people. He was also a proud Veteran and a loyal member of the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28.

Together, Dick and his wife, Pat, built three homes in the Grand Haven area and enjoyed keeping a boat at their waterfront home so he could take the kids tubing and water-skiing. They also loved bowling on a league for many years at the former Starlite Lanes Bowling Alley in Grand Haven and wintering in Florida together in the winter months.

Later in life, Dick found his true passion when he took up golfing. He worked at the former Grand Haven Golf Course, now the American Dunes Golf Course, which was one of his favorite courses to golf. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dick will be forever remembered and missed by his wife of 72 years, Pat; and their daughters, Robyn Vandenberg of Grand Haven and Christy Zuidema of Ferrysburg; their son, Richard (Terri) Zuidema of Port St. Lucie, FL; grandchildren: Lisa (Joel) Crawford, Alan (Jennifer) DeWitt, Jeffrey DeWitt, Nicole (Skip) Larabel, and Kaylee Zuidema; great-grandchildren: Jackson, Sophia, Eloise, Eleanor, Juniper, Noah, and Zoe; six nieces; and four nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings: Albert Zuidema, Betty Viening Billups, Alberta Roberts, Anabell Boomgaard, Marion Swart, and Elizabeth Anderson.

The Visitation for Dick will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. 

A private Graveside Service for Dick will take place at Grand Haven Township Lakeshore Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28.

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