Dorothy Joan Venema's Obituary
Mrs. Dorothy Joan Venema, age 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 with her family by her side. She was born in Muskegon, Michigan on November 2, 1930 to Harold and Dorothy (Roy) Dyer and was a lifelong resident of the area. Dorothy graduated from North Muskegon High School. She was employed as a reading specialist for Fruitport Schools prior to her retirement in 1995. Dorothy was a founding member of Fruitport Christian Reformed Church where she served as an Elder and was active in Women’s Bible Study. She found great joy in her many creative pursuits; painting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, baking, and cooking. But above all, she cherished the precious moments spent in the company of her beloved family. On September 8, 1950, Dorothy married Ralph J. Venema. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2016. She is survived by five daughters, Sharon Zapf, Barbara (Michael) Beecham, Christine (David) Dlugolecki, Laura (Christopher) Gotaas, and Nancy Venema; daughter-in-law, Marge Venema; 29 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph J. Venema; son, Ralph W. Venema; son-in-law, Dave Zapf; three grandchildren; her parents; two brothers; and three sisters. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held 1:00 PM Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. VISITATION will be one hour prior to her funeral. MEMORIALS in memory of Dorothy may be directed to Fruitport CRC. You may sign her online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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