Douglas R. Zuidema's Obituary
Douglas Raymond Zuidema, age 90, passed away Saturday, August 5, 2023, in Muskegon. He was born June 22, 1933, in Muskegon, MI, to William and Cleo (Blakely) Zuidema. He attended St. Mary’s High School, where he played football, baseball and basketball and graduated in 1951. After high school, he began working at Continental Motors, but that time was cut short as he was drafted in April of 1953. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War until April 1955. After serving his country, he returned to Continental Motors and would spend 45 years there, retiring in 1996 in Finance. On June 17, 1961, Doug married, Judith Cotton, and they were married for 48 years until her death on January 15, 2010.
Doug enjoyed walking along the channel with Uncle Pat and feeding the birds and ducks. He also enjoyed the camaraderie of going hunting, something he could also share with his sons. He was an avid Muskegon Catholic Central football fan, attending games regularly with longtime friend Ray and liked to follow college football. On Wednesday’s, you would always find him getting coffee with the boys (Walt and Ralph). He was very involved at Tatra Hall and he and Judy enjoyed taking trips together to the local casinos and in Las Vegas. Above all, Doug loved his family and had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Doug will be deeply missed by his children, Sharon Possanza, William Zuidema, Christine Zuidema, Mary (Keith) Hunting, and Douglas (Lisa) Zuidema II; grandchildren, Jennifer (Jesse) Robbins, Jessica Possanza, Jack, Abby, Ellie, and Camille Zuidema; great grandchildren, Bert and Charlie Robbins; brothers, Michael (Denna) Zuidema and Larry (Alma) Sayer; and sister, Joyce (Patrick) Kelley. Along with his wife, Judith, he was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jim and William Zuidema and sister, Mary Lee Myler.
VISITATION with the family will be Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 5-8 PM at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services (6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49441) with Rosary starting at 5pm. A MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated at 10 AM on Friday, August 11, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (239 W. Clay Ave., Muskegon, MI 49440) with Fr. Kyle Kilpatrick presiding. In lieu of flowers, MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS in Doug’s honor may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to be serving the Zuidema family. To share special memories with the family and sign the online guestbook, please visit http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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