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

Our History

Govert VanZantwick was a direct descendent of the earliest Dutch settlers in Grand Haven. After serving four years in the Coast Guard during World War I, he graduated from the Mortuary School at Worsham College of Embalming in Chicago. Mr. VanZantwick received his license in 1920. He originally worked for John J. Boer and Son, a local furniture store and undertaking establishment.

The VanZantwick Funeral Home got its beginnings when Govert VanZantwick purchased the home of George Sanford and previously J. Bosch in 1926 on Washington Avenue in Grand Haven. The property on which VanZantwick Funeral Home rests was originally acquired by Jonathan Butler in 1835, one of the pioneers in Grand Haven. The VanZantwick operation was the first stand-alone funeral home in Ottawa County, as others were part of businesses such as furniture stores.

Govert's son, Herman VanZantwick continued the operation after his father's death, and assumed the responsibilities as owner and operator of the firm after serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

In January 1978, the VanZantwick operation merged with the Kinkema-Bartels Funeral Home, which was located at the corner of Seventh and Clinton streets, and the Kammeraad Funeral Home, which was located at 208 Franklin Ave. in Grand Haven since 1937 and at 213 Savidge St. in Spring Lake since the late 1960's. The VBK operations in Grand Haven were then merged in to 620 Washington, while retaining the former Kammeraad home in Spring Lake.

Dale VanZantwick, son of Herman, joined the firm in September of 1973, marking the third generation of helping families in the Grand Haven area. Herman VanZantwick retired in 1981. In 2011 Si Workman retired from day to day operations and in 2015 Dale VanZantwick retired from day to day operations. Today, the Sytsema family and staff continue in the past traditions, with serving the Grand Haven and Spring Lake communities with the integrity, excellence, and honor that they have come to expect and deserve.