Our Valued Staff

John M. Sytsema, Funeral Director- 52 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 - 25 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- 21 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 - 19 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 - 45 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 - 31 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, 25 years of which Scott has been a licensed funeral director.

Scott lives in Roosevelt Park with his wife, Jill. They have two children, Erika and Ethan. Scott loves to golf, ride his Harley Davidson, and also loves to travel.

Jason T. DeWall, Funeral Director & CCO- 21 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 sons, Luke and Grant. 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.

Dean T. Meyering, Funeral Director - 19 years with Sytsema's

Manager of The Spring Lake Chapel

Christopher H. Barnhill, Funeral Director - 6 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 Alarcon, Funeral Director - 5 years with Sytsema's

Allie Alarcon 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. She has recently become a licensed funeral director. In her spare-time, she enjoys cooking, the Chicago Cubs, and spending time with her family.

James Sytsema, Funeral Director - 3rd year licensed with Sytsema's

James was born in Alma, Michigan, but has spent most of his life in Muskegon. He attended Western Michigan Christian High School and graduated in 2016. He then attended Calvin University in Grand Rapids, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Business, and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. After graduating from Calvin University in 2020, he went on to study at Worsham College of Mortuary Science, graduating in 2021. Some of James’ favorite activities include cooking, travelling, spending time at the beach, and puzzles. James is honored to be a part of a company that prides itself on providing families with the highest quality service during the times when it matters most.

Brian K. Sipe, Funeral Arranger / Resident Trainee

Brian graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School in 1994 and received an Associate Degree in Architecture from Baker College and a Bachelor Degree in Public Safety, with a minor in Healthcare Management, from Siena Heights University. He spent a combined 26 years in Fire and EMS, with the last nine years serving as Fire Chief, when he felt called to serve in a different capacity.

He began working for Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services in April of 2022 and is currently a Funeral Arranger. He attended Des Moines Area Community College for a degree in Mortuary Science, and became a licensed funeral director in 2024.

Brian and his wife, Samantha (nee, Bishop) live in Grand Haven Township, along with their sons: Samuel, Jack and Owen and attend Covenant Life Church. They enjoy spending time as a family and catching a baseball game anytime they can.

Chris Karish, Funeral Arranger

Kevin Holman, Funeral Assistant / Transfer Team

Pete Malek, Controller - 3rd year 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 is currently attending Muskegon Community College and plans to attend Mortuary School starting in the fall of 2024. She is a member of Roots Church of Muskegon and enjoys live music, yoga, and game nights with friends in her spare time.

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 - 14 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 - 9 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- 10 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 Outreach 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 (and active) girls, Brooke, Tara and Alexa. Her family are members of Unity Reformed Church in Norton Shores, where she volunteers as a GEMS (Girls Everywhere Meeting our Savior) Counselor. She is also a member of the Fruitport Athletic Foundation. Kristy enjoys spending time with her family, going to her parent’s cottage, traveling, and playing beach volleyball.

Kristin Davignon, Administration Staff - 6 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 - 8 years with Sytsema's

Joni is a lifelong resident of Muskegon and has worked and served in the administrative field for 30 + years. Joni lives on the Northside of Muskegon with her husband Troy, and they are the very proud parents of Ryan Anne (Spencer) Smith and Colton T. Hall. Joni enjoys spending quality time with Troy, their children, family and friends; camping, traveling, exploring, etc. She has a passion for serving others thru ministries within their church and in the community and particularly enjoys serving on two prayer teams for Family Life’s Weekend to Remember with Troy. Being a part of Team Sytsema and serving families in the surrounding community during such a time of transition has been an honor for Joni.

Tammy Holtvluwer, Administration

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.

Jan Koon, Administration - Support Staff

Amy Schultz, Administration - 2nd year 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 39 years and have one daughter, Kandi (Kevin) Zeller. They are members of Bridge Bible Church – Dalton Campus, serving in various areas. 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.

Robin Monger, Administrative Staff - 8 years with Sytsema's

Sarah Dykman, Administration - 4 Years with Sytsema's

Linda Workman, Funeral Assistant - The Spring Lake Chapel

Susan B. Sytsema, Administrative Staff

Karen Kolenic, Support Staff

Mike Ferrier, Facilities Manager

Mark Christenson, 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

Gloria Shrum, Support Staff

Daniel L. Achterhoff, Retired Funeral Director/Advance Planning Counselor - 15 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.

Ginger Wolffis, Retired Grief Counselor - 23 years with Sytsema's

Robert W. Sytsema, Retired Funeral Director & CCO- 12 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.

Si Workman, Funeral Director

Dale VanZantwick, Funeral Director

Chuck Holman, Funeral Assistant & Support Staff