History & Staff
We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.
When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.
Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.
Our History
From simple beginnings in 1929, Sytsema Funeral Homes has grown to be one of Muskegon's most respected names in funeral service. The business was founded in Muskegon, by John Sytsema after previously practicing his profession in Jenison and McBain, Michigan in the early 1900s.
1940 - Martin A. Sytsema
After John's death in 1941, 3 major additions were built onto the original house at 737 Apple Avenue, with additional land acquisitions being made simultaneously throughout the years, under the direction of Martin Sytsema. Today, over 82 years later, we have adopted the changes of society, and expanding our presence in Muskegon County by merging on April 1, 1976 with Max L. Walburn of the Walburn Funeral Home. We offer complete funeral services at either location.
1944 - Martin A. Sytsema
In 2003 Lee Funeral Home joined Sytsema Funeral Home, to combine our efforts in helping families. Lewis B. Lee founded the Lee Funeral Home in 1920. L.B., as he was known, began his career in funeral service in Jackson, Michigan prior to World War I. Today, Randy and Brian Lee, the third generation of funeral professionals in the Lee family, are committed to serving the families with the same compassion and commitment to service that has become both families' tradition.
Over the years, and throughout the changes, our philosophy has remained the same, "To serve people as friends, personally and efficiently."
 1960 - The Sytsema Chapel
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 1960 - The Sytsema Chapel
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 1969 - The Sytsema Chapel
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 1960's - The Walburn Chapel
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Our Valued Staff
John M. Sytsema, President
John is a life-long resident of the Muskegon area and a third-generation funeral director. He graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School, and then, in 1972, graduated from Wayne State University - Department of Mortuary Science. Following graduation and licensure, John served with the U.S. Army Reserve for 6 years. He and his wife, Sue ('nee Vanderlaan), are members of Allen Avenue Christian Reformed Church. They have three sons, Scott (Rebecca), Todd (Nancy) and Craig (Jenny) Sytsema, who are all active in the operation of the funeral homes. John feels truly blessed to work with his family and friends in a profession dedicated to serving others, during their time of need.
Scott J. Sytsema, Funeral Director
Scott is proud to be a fourth-generation funeral director. He graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School, received a Bachelor of Business degree from Calvin College in 1998 before graduating from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1999. He and his wife Rebecca (nee, Poel) live in Norton Shores with their children, Zoe, Sydney and Owen. They attend Allen Ave. Christian Reformed Church. Scott is proud to be associated with a family firm that offers unequaled excellence to the families they serve.
Todd A. Sytsema, Funeral Director
Todd has worked as a fourth-generation funeral director since graduating from Worsham College in 2003. In 1998, he graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School. He also has received a Bachelors degree in Business Management. Todd spent 7 great years as a firefighter with Norton Shores Fire Department while going to school. Todd and his wife, Nancy, (nee, Westgate) and their sons, Drew and Ryan, are members of Covenant Life Church in Grand Haven. Todd’s goal is developing his career as a funeral director and serving families with the respect they deserve in their time of need.
Craig A. Sytsema, Funeral Director
Craig graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School in 2001 and attended Baker College before graduating from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 2005. He and his wife, Jennifer (nee, Meyers), live in Spring Lake with their daughters Madelyn and Emma, and are members of Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church. Together they enjoy spending time with their families, traveling, and being outdoors. Craig is proud to serve families in the Muskegon area as a fourth-generation funeral director.
Robert W. Sytsema, Funeral Director
Bob is a life resident of the Muskegon area. He is a graduate of Western Michigan Christian High School, Muskegon Community College, and Wayne State University. A third generation funeral director, Bob worked at Sytsema and Walburn-Sytsema Funeral Homes before becoming a Norton Shores Fire Fighter and part-time employee of Sytsema Funeral Homes. He retired as Deputy Chief of the department and returned to full-time funeral service work in August of 2007.
Bob and his wife Mary (nee, Heethuis) live in Norton Shores and are parents of four children and grandparents of six grandchildren. They are members of Bethany Christian Reformed Church in Muskegon. Bob s a member of the Disaster Mortuary Operations Response Team (DMORT), a federal emergency response team formed to assist local medical examiners in the event of catastrophic loss of lives anywhere in the United States.
Daniel L. Achterhoff, Funeral Director/Advance Planning Counselor
Dan is a life long resident of the Muskegon area. He graduated from Mona Shores High School, attended Muskegon Community College, and graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1978. He became a licensed Funeral Director in 1980. Dan is a member of Covenant Community Church where he serves as a deacon. He is the Venue Director for the Muskegon Summer Celebration, a Board Member of Bethany Housing Ministry, is on the Muskegon CROP WALK committee and is a long time Old Newsie. Dan enjoys traveling, music, and photography, and spending time with his wife, Bonnie, and their children, Beth, Aaron, Jacob, Simon, and Caleb.
Christopher H. Barnhill, Funeral Director
Chris joined the staff of Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. in 1997 as a licensed funeral director. He graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science after receiving his Associate in Arts Degree from Muskegon Community College.
Chris is married to Kristin J. (nee, Kraus) Barnhill and they have three sons. They are members of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in North Muskegon.
Jason T. DeWall, Funeral Director
Jason graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School in 1998, received a Bachelor of Business degree from Baker College in 2002 and an Associate of Applied Science degree from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 2003. Jason has been employed as a licensed funeral director at Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. since 2003.
He lives in Grand Haven with his wife Meghan (nee, Marquoit) and their son Luke. They are members of Covenant Life Church. Jason enjoys skiing, biking, camping and spending time on the water. As he continues his career at Sytsema’s, he looks forward to putting his education and experience to use serving families with dignity and respect.
Brian Lee, Funeral Director
Brian is a life-long resident of Muskegon. After graduating from Mona Shores High School in 1970, he attended Muskegon Community College, Ferris State College and graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1977. He became a partner in the family business as a licensed funeral director in 1978. Brian joined the Sytsema Funeral Home in 2003, where integrity and dignity are upheld in the manner in which he continues to maintain throughout his career.
Brian resides in Norton Shores with his wife, Mary. They have two children, Lynsey (Tom) Bean and David Lee. He is a member of the Muskegon Elks and the Vikings Lodge.
Randall B. Lee, Funeral Director
Randy a third generation funeral director, is a life long resident of the Muskegon area and is a graduate of Mona Shore High School. He served in the US Army from January 1969 to January 1971 and is a graduate of both Muskegon Community College and Worsham College of Mortuary Science. He received his license to practice mortuary science in 1975 and joined his father Stanley at the Lee Funeral Home to carry on in the tradition of his father and grandfather.
Randy and his wife, Neda (nee, Cowdery) reside in Fruitport where Randy serves on the Fruitport Twp. Planning Commission. They have two children, Traci (Ryan) Gzym and Kyle B. Lee. Randy is a long time member of the Muskegon Elks, and enjoys playing golf, fishing and especially spending time with his family. In 2003 it was with great pride to become part of the Sytsema Funeral Home family, committed to serving families with the same compassion and excellence that had been a Lee family tradition.
Tim J. Plaisier, Funeral Director
Tim graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School in 1988. He then went on to attend and graduate from Ferris State University with an AAS in Architecture and a BS in Facilities Management in 1993. Tim spent 16 years working in the field of wood truss design and engineered wood products. In 2009, he had a second calling in life to become a Funeral Director, and graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Illinois, with a degree in Mortuary Science in 2011.
Tim is married to Tonya (nee, Koster) Plaisier, and they have 3 boys, William, Andrew and Daniel. They reside in the Spring Lake area and attend Ferrysburg Community Church.
Robert J. Vanderlaan, Funeral Director
Bob is a life-long resident of Muskegon. After graduating from Western Michigan Christian High School, he attended Calvin College for 2 years, transferred to Wayne State University and graduated from the Department of Mortuary Science in 1979. He became a licensed funeral director in 1979, and has spent his entire career at Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc.
He values his work, his fellow employees, and the families he serves. Bob is a member of Allen Avenue Christian Reformed Church, is active at Muskegon Christian School and Western Michigan Christian High School, enjoys fishing and being outdoors. He and his wife, Susan (Schlukebir) have 4 children, Evan (April), Laura (Aaron) Ridings, Courtney and Elliott.
Scott R. Vanderlaan, Funeral Director
Scott is a 1990 graduate of Mona Shores High School. Following high school, Scott attended Muskegon Community College, and then transferred to Wayne State University's Department of Mortuary Science. In 1993, he received his license to practice Mortuary Science in the State of Michigan. Scott has been working with Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. since 1988, 10 years of which Scott has been a licensed funeral director.
Scott lives in Roosevelt Park with his wife, Jill, and 2 children, Erika and Ethan. Scott absolutely loves to golf, and enjoys all water sport activities.
Carla Yerkie CPC, Advance Planning Counselor - Certified Advance Planning Counselor
Carla is a licensed insurance agent with the State of Michigan and is a Certified Preplanning Consultant through the National Funeral Director’s Association. Carla was born and raised in Muskegon, graduated from Mona Shores High School, and attended Muskegon Community College. She is currently serving as a board member of the Lakeshore Elder Alliance and Professional TIES (formerly Regional Bonding Group). As a member of Berean Church, Carla enjoys singing on the praise team with her husband Dan. “Helping families preplan their funeral is truly a labor of love.”
Kelly Zednik, Advance Planning Counselor
Ginger Wolffis, Grief Counselor
I have lived in Muskegon all my life. I married my high school sweetheart, Roger Wolffis, over forty years ago. We had four children, three boys and a girl. Two of our children died prematurely. Our baby boy, Bryan James, died just hours after birth and our son, Daniel Scott, was killed in a car crash when he was 18 years old, a college freshman. My Grief Journey is the catalyst for the work that I do with those who are grieving. It has been my privilege to be a co-founder of Camp Anew, a four-day summer camp for children ages 6-14 who have experienced the death of a loved one. I have been blessed to be the grandmother of 8.
Bonnie B. Hendrick, Administrative Staff
Janis L. Koon, Administrative Staff
Jan Lee, Administration Staff
Cynthia A. Sieplinga, Administrative Staff
Gloria J. Shrum, Office Manager
Susan B. Sytsema, Administrative Staff
Joanne Bishop, Support Staff
Mark Christenson, Support Staff
Ruth Lubbers, Support Staff
Sandy Matz, Support Staff
JoAnn Privasky, Support Staff
Lois VandenBosch, Support Staff
Bonnie Vanderlaan, Support Staff
Larry Vanderlaan, Support Staff