About Us
Celebrating life since 1929
As a proud member of the Norton Shores community since 1929, we're honored to help families celebrate their loved ones. We pledge to ensure that every funeral and memorial service is deeply personal, fostering healing and remembrance.
Our promise
Today, tomorrow, and forever, our commitment to you stays the same.

Dignity
Every life is unique, and we promise to honor and respect each journey, crafting ceremonies that reflect each individual.

Guidance
Navigating grief can be overwhelming; we stand by you, providing direction and solace every step of the way.

Legacy
Beyond a service, we're committed to helping families create lasting tributes that transcend generations.
Our story
Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services has established a legacy of care and commitment that spans generations, serving as a cornerstone of support for the communities we are privileged to be a part of.
Our story begins with humble origins, rooted in a deep-seated dedication to providing compassionate, personalized services to every family we serve. Over the decades, our journey has been marked by continuous growth and an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and the sacred trust placed in us by the families who entrust us with their most precious memories.
As we look to the future, Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services remains steadfast in our dedication to upholding the values of integrity, respect, and personalized care. Our enduring legacy is not just in the services we provide but in the countless lives we've touched, reflecting our deep-rooted belief in serving not just as a provider, but as a compassionate partner in times of need.
300K+
Legacies Honored
94
Years in Business
5M+
Moments Remembered
Our incredible staff
Helping families create lasting legacies is more than a job — it's our calling. We are here to support you in any way we can and will offer you the full attention, knowledge, and compassion you need.

Kevin Holman
Funeral Assistant / Transfer Team

Nic Buys
Funeral Assistant / Transfer Team

Jan Koon
Administration - Support Staff 23 years with Sytsema's

Robin Monger
Administrative Staff 9 years with Sytsema's

Sarah Dykman
Administration 5 Years with Sytsema's

Linda Workman
Funeral Assistant - The Spring Lake Chapel

Susan B. Sytsema
Administrative Staff

Mike Ferrier
Facilities Manager

Karen Kolenic
Support Staff

Mark Chistenson
Support Staff & Marker Specialist

Shane Arkels
Support Staff

Joanne Bishop
Support Staff

Nancy Bylsma
Support Staff

Sandy Ferrier
Support Staff

Deb Gowell
Support Staff

Dave Kahler
Support Staff

Peter Kurdziel
Support Staff

Jan Lee
Support Staff

Gloria Shrum
Support Staff

Ginger Wolffis
Retired Grief Counselor23 years with Sytsema's

Si Workman
Funeral Director

Dale Vanzantwick
Funeral Director

Chuck Holman
Funeral Assistant & Support Staff
1 of 48

John M. Sytsema
Funeral Director 53 years with Sytsema's
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 (Jen) 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
Co-Owner - Funeral Director 26 years with Sytsema's
Manager of The Lee Chapel
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 Covenant Life Church in Grand Haven. Scott is proud to be associated with a family firm that offers unequaled excellence to the families they serve.

Todd A. Sytsema
Co-Owner - Funeral Director & CCO 22 years with Sytsema's
Manager of The Sytsema Chapel
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, and daughter, Greta, are members of Covenant Life Church in Grand Haven. He became a Certified Crematory Operator in 2015. 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
Co-Owner - Funeral Director & CCO 20 years with Sytsema's
Manager of The VanZantwick Chapel
Craig graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School in 2001 and attended Baker College before graduating from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 2005. Together with his brothers, Craig runs The VanZantwick Chapel and The Spring Lake Chapel. He and his wife, Jennifer (nee, Meyers), live in Spring Lake with their daughters: Madelyn, Emma, and Lyla and are members of Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church. Together they enjoy spending time with their families, traveling, and being outdoors. Craig became a Certified Crematory Operator in 2015. Craig is proud to serve families in the Muskegon and Tri-Cities area as a fourth-generation funeral director.

Robert J. Vanderlaan
Funeral Director 46 years with Sytsema's
Manager of The Walburn Chapel
Bob is a life-long resident of Muskegon. After graduating from Western Michigan Christian High School, he attended Calvin College, 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 and Cremation Services.
Bob loves living in West Michigan and enjoys fishing and being outdoors. He is a member of Allen Avenue Christian Reformed Church and is a loyal supporter of Muskegon Christian School and Western Michigan Christian High School.
He cherishes his family, his co-workers, and the many families he is privileged to serve. He and his wife Susan (nee Schlukebir) have four children, Evan (April) Vanderlaan, Laura (Aaron) Ridings, Courtney Vanderlaan, Elliott (LaRissa) Vanderlaan, and seven grandchildren: Lily, Caleb, and Josie Ridings, Reid Vanderlaan, Anneka, Holland and Lottie Vanderlaan.

Scott R. Vanderlaan
Funeral Director 32 years with Sytsema's
Manager of The Ravenna Chapel
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 and Cremation Services since 1988, 32 years of which Scott has been a licensed funeral director.
Scott lives in Norton Shores on a small farm with his wife, Jill. They have two children, Erika and Ethan (Meghan), and a granddaughter, Stella. Scott is an avid golfer and loves to travel.

Jason T. Dewall
Funeral Director & CCO 22 years with Sytsema's
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, and he became a Certified Crematory Operator in 2015
He lives in Spring Lake with his wife Meghan (nee, Marquoit) and their children, Luke, Grant, and Riley. They are members of Covenant Life Church. Jason enjoys spending time with his family skiing, biking, camping and enjoying the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan.

Dean T. Meyering
Funeral Director 20 years with Sytsema's
Manager of The Spring Lake Chapel

Chistopher H. Barnhill
Funeral Director 7 years back with Sytsema's
Chris learned at the tender age of 8 how life can be changed in a moment when a tragic car accident took the life of his 11-year old sister and his aunt who were killed at the hands of a drunk driver in 1980. Refusing to become a victim of this grief and loss, Chris pursued degrees in Psychology and Mortuary Science which has led to a lifelong vocation of serving others in their time of grief and loss. Chris is a defender of families confused, broken and hurting after the loss of a loved one and has been serving the Greater Muskegon Area as a licensed funeral director since 1997. Chris is married to Kristin and they have 3 boys – Alexander, Aaron and Aidon.

Allie Amshey
Funeral Director 6 years with Sytsema's
Allie Amshey was born and raised in Alsip, Illinois. She received her B.S from Saint Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois and continued her education at Worsham School of Mortuary Science. There she received her Associates of Applied Science. She moved to Michigan to serve her apprenticeship with Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc, where she has continued her career.
She lives in Grand Rapids with her husband, Derek. In her spare-time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, the Chicago Cubs, and spending time with her family.

James Sytsema
Funeral Director 4 years licensed Sytsema's
James grew up in Muskegon and attended Western Michigan Christian High School, graduating in 2016. He then attended Calvin University in Grand Rapids, where he studied Human Resources and Spanish, graduating in 2020. He went on to study at Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, IL, graduating in 2021. Some of James’ favorite activities include cooking, travelling, spending time at the beach, and fishing. James is honored to be a part of a company that prides itself on providing families with the highest quality service when it matters most.

Chris Karish
Funeral Arranger 2 years with Sytsema's
Chris grew up in Spring Lake and attended Western Michigan Christian High School, graduating in 1999. After High School he served 9 years on the Spring Lake Twp. Fire Department and worked for 21 years at Ottawa County Central Dispatch Authority.
He began casually working for Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services in 2015 as a member of their Transfer Team, became a Certified Crematory Operator in 2022 and joined full-time as a Funeral Arranger in 2023.
Chris and his wife Stacy live in Norton Shores, along with their daughters: Isabella and Aubrey and are members at Unity Reformed Church. They like spending time as a family and taking trips to the Upper Peninsula where they enjoy the outdoors and exploring the many waterfalls.

Pete Malek
Controller 3 years with Sytsema's
Pete Malek joined the Sytsema Team in June of 2022 after working many years in Accounting in multiple industries. Born and raised in Grand Haven, Pete graduated from Grand Haven High School and then went onto MSU majoring in Accounting. Pete married his wife Jan in 1998 and they have three children, Rena, Evan and Eli. His family are members of Covenant Life Church in Grand Haven where he volunteers in the youth ministry. He is also a counselor in Cadets. Pete enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, downhill skiing and volunteering for various organizations.

Maddie Garn
Resident Trainee
Maddie joined the Sytsema team as in intern in the fall of 2022 as a part of the MAISD work-based learning program. After graduating from Ravenna High School in 2023, she applied for her resident trainee license and began her apprenticeship. Maddie attended Muskegon Community College is currently attending Mortuary School at Worsham College of Mortuary Science. She is a member of Roots Church of Muskegon and enjoys live music, yoga, and game nights with friends in her spare time.

Amanda Noriega
Resident Trainee
Amanda Noriega joined Sytsema as she completed her practicum through the Arapahoe Community College Mortuary Science program which she graduated from in May 2024 and will continue to be a Resident Trainee as she completes her Apprenticeship with the State of Michigan. Amanda is a mother of four children, Xavier, Aryana, Exekiel and Thiago and loves spending time with them and taking them fishing or playing sports. She is excited to continue to learn more, work alongside Team Sytsema and serve our community.

Tara Klingel
Financial Administrator 7 years with Sytsema's
Tara is a lifelong resident of Muskegon. She married her high school sweetheart Mark. They are proud parents of their two children Brook and Blake. Tara enjoys spending quality time with her family, as well as gardening , biking and taking long walks with her husband. Tara joined the Sytsema Team in the fall of 2017 with 13 + years of banking experience.

Kelly Zednik
Family Service Counselor 15 years with Sytsema's
Kelly and her husband, Tyson, were married in 2006. They moved to Muskegon from the Detroit suburbs in 2009. She joined the Sytsema Team as a Family Services Counselor in 2010. Kelly and Tyson moved to Grand Haven in 2013 where they still currently reside and where she is an active member of the Grand Haven Rotary since 2018. Kelly is a graduate of University of Detroit and University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She is also licensed with the Department of Insurance and Financial Services of Michigan. Kelly and Tyson are proud loving Aunt and Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Kelly feels honored and enjoys helping Families design their services to reflect the life they have shared with their family, faith and friends.

Chad Davignon
Family Service Counselor 10 years with Sytsema's
Chad J Davignon, is a lifelong resident of Muskegon and a graduate of Mona Shores High School. He attended Muskegon Community College, Great Lake Institute of Photography and is licensed with the Department of Insurance and Financial Services of Michigan. Chad has been a Family Service Counselor at Sytsema Funeral Homes, inc. since 2015. He has been married to Kristin (Elema) for 26 years, they have 3 children Mitchell, Kristina and Chase. Chad loves the outdoors, photography, boating and playing golf.
Most people are overwhelmed and unprepared when they come to the funeral home. Chad helps educate families and help them put an intentional plan in place, to help lessen the burden on their family during a time of emotional upheaval.

Kristy Sweet
Administrative Staff and Community Development 11 years with Sytsema's
Kristy Sweet joined the Sytsema Team in May 2014 after working ten years in Human Resources and Customer Service. The role of Administration and Community Development has been a perfect fit for her as she is very personable, empathetic, and outgoing. Kristy has a passion to serve families through what she believes is the most difficult and emotional time in their lives by catering to their needs in a professional and caring manner.
A lifelong resident of Muskegon, Kristy graduated from Fruitport Community Schools and Baker College of Muskegon. In September 2000, she married Steve and they have three beautiful girls, Brooke, Tara and Alexa. Her family are members of Unity Reformed Church in Norton Shores, and she is a member of the Fruitport Athletic Foundation. Kristy enjoys spending time with her family, going to her parent’s cottage, and traveling.

Kristin Davignon
Administration Staff 7 years with Sytsema's
Kristin Davignon, is a lifelong resident of Muskegon and a graduate of Mona Shores High School. She attended Grand Valley State University. She has been an administrative assistant for over 25 years and with Sytsema’s in 2018, She has been married to Chad for 26 years, they have 3 children Mitchell, Kristina and Chase. Kristin loves spending time with her children, boating and traveling. Kristin is honored to serve families in their time of need.

Joni Hall
Administration Staff 9 years with Sytsema's
Joni is a lifelong resident of Muskegon and has worked and served in the administrative field for nearly 40 years. She and her husband Troy enjoy spending time with their children and granddaughter; family, friends, traveling, exploring, and adventure. Being a part of Team Sytsema and serving families in our community during such a time of transition is such an honor and she considers it a great privilege to serve with such an amazing Team.

Tammy Holtvluwer
Administration 2 years with Sytsema's
Tammy and her husband, Marshall, were born in Western Michigan. She attended Forest Hills Northern High School and Marshall attended Unity Christian High School, Calvin University, and Calvin Seminary. They have been in ministry for over 25 years. Marshall is currently serving as a Co-Pastor at Covenant Life Church, in Grand Haven, Michigan. They have three children: Emma, their oldest daughter, graduated from Traverse City Christian School and is studying Social Work at Grand Valley University; Sydney, their second daughter, graduated from Western Michigan Christian and is studying Graphic Design at Cornerstone University and married her husband, Chance, in May 2023; and Joseph, their son, is currently a student in Spanish Immersion at Muskegon Christian School.
Besides being in ministry, Tammy has served as an Aid to Preschoolers at Muskegon Christian School. It has been a joy for her to spend time with young children and see their progress in learning throughout the academic year. Even though Tammy was grateful for her time spent there, she now enjoys serving our community with Team Sytsema and cannot wait to see what God has in store.

Amy Schultz
Administration 3 years with Sytsema's
Amy joined Team Sytsema in August of 2022 after a 40-year career in banking. Amy and her husband, Kirk, are lifelong Muskegon residents. They have been married for over 40 years. They are members of Bridge Bible Church – Dalton Campus. In her spare time, Amy enjoys long walks, spending time with her family, and exploring the back roads of Michigan. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve families during a very difficult time.

Daniel L. Achterhoff
Retired Funeral Director/Advance Planning Counselor15 years with Sytsema's
Dan is a lifelong Muskegon area resident. 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 has served as an elder, deacon, and chairperson of the former Barney Maffett’s Coffee Shop. He has also served for the past 10 years as chairperson for the Covenant Church Auction for Missions. Dan has helped the past 17 years on the Muskegon Area Crop Hunger Walk Committee. He served his community as 50th President of the Greater Muskegon Jaycees, as well as spending more than a dozen summers at Heritage Landing as venue director for Muskegon Summer Celebration (1994-2006). Dan spent 15 years serving on the Bethany Housing Ministry Board and has also been a part of the Old Newsies/Goodfellows effort for the past 33 years. Dan enjoys traveling, music, photography, and long walks with his wife Bonnie. They also enjoy their children, Jacob (Beth), Simon (September), Caleb (Cindy), Beth and Aaron; and two grandsons, Rylan and Malloy.

Robert W. Sytsema
Retired Funeral Director & CCO12 years back with Sytsema's
Bob graduated from Wayne State University Department of Mortuary Science and became a third-generation funeral director in 1970. He also spent a number of years with Norton Shores Fire Department prior to retiring as Deputy Chief in 2007 and returning to full time funeral service work. Bob’s been a member of Disaster Mortuary Operations Response Team (DMORT), a federal team designed to assist local Medical Examiners with mass casualty disasters. He became a Certified Crematory Operator in 2015, and now works part time at Sytsema Cremation Services. Bob and his wife, Mary (nee Heethuis) are life residents of the Muskegon area, are members of Bethany Christian Reformed Church and are parents of four (their son, Paul, died in 2012) and grandparents of seven.

Unique Funerals and Tributes
Every individual is unique. Which is why we offer fully customizable memorial services designed just for your family.

Grief Support Programs
Through Sytsema Compass, we offer an inclusive support system that draws on a broad network of bereavement resources and community programs across the Lakeshore.

Around the Clock Support
We're here to answer any questions and help in any way we can – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Seamless Arrangements
We'll help you with everything you need with a simple step-by-step process for all of your funeral, cremation and cemetery plans.
Places of healing
We welcome you to explore the Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services facilities, and invite you to discover a comforting and peaceful place to honor your loved one.






“Thank you for your kindness and attention to detail; for taking such good care of my family and honoring my Dad so well.”
Author:— Lynn Parker rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Thank you for all you help & cooperation during this difficult time. You guys are great!”
Author:— Vernon Anderson rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Very professional and helpful. My Mother was well taken care of.”
Author:— Bob Teran rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“VERY UNDERSTANDING NICE FRIENDLY.”
Author:— Arnita Pevy rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Sytsema's has handled many of my family's services can't think of anyone else I would trust.”
Author:— Dallas Goldberg rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Beautiful, accommodating.”
Author:— Mischelle Julien rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
1 of 6 1 of 6
Honoring excellence
We’re honored to be recognized for our dedication to excellence and genuine care. Explore the esteemed associations we're a part of, and the awards that celebrate our commitment to the communities we serve.

Sytsema is honored as one of the Best Places to Work in 2023.

We're hiring
Beyond the opportunity to truly make a difference, Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services offers competitive pay, a healthy work-life balance, and many opportunities for growth.
