Barbara Jane Brondyke's Obituary
Barbara Jane (Dykhouse) Brondyke went to be with her Lord and Savior May 13, 2025, at the age of 90. She was born August 25, 1934, in Grand Haven to Duke and Dena (Noor) Dykhouse. She married Arnold Kenneth Brondyke in Grand Haven March 3, 1956, and he preceded her in death on January 7, 2015.
She graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1952 and worked as a receptionist and bookkeeper for Dykhouse Brothers, Inc. and Midwest Concrete Pipe Co. for a few years before becoming a full-time homemaker after her marriage to Arnie. They attended Grand Haven Gospel Chapel where Barb was a lifelong member and she was active in the Ladies Missionary Society for many years.
They owned and operated the South Shore Motel in Grand Haven for several years and later also owned the Anchor Motel. She and Arnie were full-time RV’ers for nine years, traveling to many different states as well as Canada and wintering in Florida. They enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, ATVs and fishing.
A loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she enjoyed spending time with and caring for her family. She was a great cook and also enjoyed sewing. She loved to entertain and many family parties were held at their home. She and Arnie led very busy, active lives until their later years. Declining health slowed her down the last few years, but she continued to attend church as often as possible. In recent years she liked puzzle and coloring books and continued to sew.
Barb is survived by daughter, Kay (Gerald) Hessman of Columbus, OH; son, Roger of Ferrysburg; four grandchildren: Jenna (Kyle) Host of Comstock Park, Brian (Erika) of Allendale, and Nicholas and Jacob of Walker; as well as two great-grandchildren, Landon Brondyke of Grand Rapids and Evelyn Brondyke of Allendale. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her husband, Arnie, two brothers, Don and Bill Dykhouse, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Please join the family in Celebration of her life at 4:00 PM Tuesday May 20, 2025, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417 with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service. Her final resting place will be in Norton Cemetery. For a more lasting memorial, you are asked to consider Grand Haven Gospel Chapel. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?
