Scott Michael TenHagen

Scott Michael TenHagen passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Blodgett Hospital, after a short illness at 56 years old. He was born on November 17, 1966 to Gary and Carol (Matzen) TenHagen. 

Scott was a teacher for Lakeshore Middle School and with the G.H.A.P.S. family for over 30 years. He loved teaching, but more important to him was connecting with his students on whatever level they were comfortable with. Whether it was fist bumps, or the, “Special Nicknames” for his students that he was known for throughout his years, or a special needs student who loved his actual, “Lord of the Rings” ring that he had in his classroom for them to hold onto when they were having a hard day. He will be missed at Lakeshore Middle School.

Scott had a few favorite things: when the Detroit Lions played football on Sundays, and Nancy cooking family meals. He also loved playing Dungeons & Dragons with his best friends on Saturday nights on the computer.  Scott’s other favorite times were going to their condo at Boyne Mountain with their kids, family, and “Porto Crew” kids. He also loved comic books, and that love grew stronger through the years, starting with his grandmother, Catherine TenHagen who helped him start his collection during his childhood.

Scott loved his Labrador dogs and his amazing cats throughout the years. He was an animal lover for sure! 

Scott and Nancy TenHagen have owned Porto Bello restaurant in Grand Haven since 2001. They purchased it on his daughter, Kennedi’s first birthday. Scott was blessed for so many years of incredible employees who he was still in touch with today!  Their quote has always been, “As Porto Turns,” and the stories that all of their Porto Crew can still share today, depending on when you were with them. Scott loved, “Closing Time” after the weddings were over, and the kitchen was closed, when they gathered as a Porto Crew and talked about the night; what happened, what got sent back to the kitchen, how the event went in the Grand Hall, and as you can imagine, some customers giving great praise or another opinion. 

The TenHagen’s have always felt so blessed that all these amazing young men and woman came and worked for them through the years. Scott and Nancy had been there for them, but more importantly, they have also been there for Scott and Nancy throughout the years! Scott and Nancy have seen so many success stories of their employees throughout the years and always encouraged them to seek their dream jobs!

Scott will be missed by his wife, Nancy TenHagen; and kids, Kennedi TenHagen (Zachary Hinton), Chaz Lothschutz, and Daniel Powers; his granddaughter, Libelle Powers; parents: Gary and Carol TenHagen, Rich and Lucy Kramer, and Dave and Margret Bazany; sister, Susan (George) Milliken; brother and sister-in-law, Don and Gina Bazany; nieces, Kaylee (Brett) VanderBaan and Paige Giuliano; nephew, Garrett Bazany; and many friends and co-workers.

The family will be hosting a, “Last Call - Closing Time” Celebration of Life for Scott at the Harbourfront Grand Hall above Porto Bello on Thursday, June 8, 2023, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests Memorial Contributions be made to the Tri-Cities Kiwanis Club (P.O. Box 571, Grand Haven, MI, 49417). All of the money collected will go directly to children in need in the Tri-Cities area.

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