Don Bolthouse's Obituary
Don Bolthouse, age 90, of Spring Lake passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Christian Haven Home. He was born January 31, 1935, in Spring Lake to Edward M. and Florence Marian (Willoughby) Bolthouse. He married Jean Engel on November 29, 1958, after they met in downtown Grand Haven.
Don graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1953. He then served his country in the Army and Army National Guard, spending time in Iceland. Don worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a rural mail carrier. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and helped with the garden angels. Before Covid, Don spent several years at Spring Lake fitness center. He also was a longtime member of Stan’s golf league.
Don is lovingly remembered by his wife, Jean Bolthouse; daughter, Karen (Scott) Johnson; two sons, Don (Kelly) Bolthouse, Jr. and Steven (Danielle) Bolthouse; four grandchildren: Emily (Jack) Johnson, Alec (Allison Kinsey) Bolthouse, Connor Bolthouse and Ayden Bolthouse; three great-grandchildren: Ricky Johnson, Tommy Johnson and Sylvan Bolthouse; sister-in-law, Judy Hylen; four brothers-in-law: David (Joyce) Engel, Kevin (Helen) Engel, Jeff (Fran) Engel, and Robert Sinke; niece, Pat Buitenwert; and his nephew, Alan (Deb) Buitenwert. He was preceded in death by his sister, Norma Buitenwert; his sister-in-law, Pat Sinke; and three brothers-in-law, Gary Engel, Guy Buitenwert and Dan Hylen. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Spring Lake Cemetery with Rev. William Vander Werff, and military honors provided by the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post #28 Honor Guard. Memorials to West Michigan Hospice are appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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