Dr. Melvin Lee Scherpenisse

February 23, 1941 - March 24, 2022

Dr. Melvin Lee Scherpenisse, age 81, of Spring Lake passed away Thursday, March 24, 2022, at home. He was born February 23, 1941, in Grand Rapids to Lester and Angeline (Beimers) Scherpenisse. On September 8, 1972, he married Carol Sue Southland in Grand Rapids. Mel graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School and Calvin College. He went on to earn a doctorate in psychology from Michigan State University in 1976. As a psychologist for over 40 years, he helped many people in private practice, community mental health, and medical settings. Mel was an avid runner, proud of his many road races. He enjoyed biking, reading, music, photography, and painting. In retirement, he enjoyed ballroom dancing with his wife. Most of all he enjoyed his family and will be deeply missed by all. He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Carol Sue; daughters, Elisabeth (Justin) Winkel of Wethersfield, CT, and Dara (Marc Maynard) Scherpenisse of Ephrata, WA; grandchildren: Jonah and Madeline Winkel, and Noah and Ila Maynard; brothers and sisters: Gord (Linda) Scherpenisse, Mary (Ron) Waterloo, Edie (Ken) Timmer, Don (Debi) Scherpenisse, and Bob (Connie) Scherpenisse; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Angeline, and special aunt and uncle, Harry and Evelyn (Beimers) Scherpenisse. Funeral service will be held 1:00 PM Thursday, March 31, 2022, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Home, 620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417, with Rev. Miriam Bush officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 30, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Spring Lake Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Mel may be given to Feeding America of West Michigan. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.