Fern G. Nienhuis' Obituary
Mrs. Fern G. Nienhuis, age 97, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. She was born on March 14, 1926 to parents, Frances and Henry Vanderlaan in Muskegon. Fern was a graduate of Muskegon High School in 1944 and had several office positions. She married Chet Nienhuis on September 16, 1949, and spent 71 wonderful years together before he passed away in 2020. Fern and Chet raised their two children, Randy and Scott, in Muskegon. Fern worked at Campbell School as a secretary for 18 years. After retiring, she volunteered at Hackley Hospital Gift Shop for 24 years. Fern enjoyed her home and family and also loved to play bridge with her friends. Fern is survived by her son, Scott (Sharon) Nienhuis; four grandchildren, Kristen (Juan) Leon, Dan (Syrena) Nienhuis, Alicia Nienhuis, and Nicole (Aaron) Stelly; and five great-grandchildren, Angela Cuevas, Cattleya and Juan Jr Leon, Thalia Nienhuis, and Paisley Stelly. Fern was preceded in death by her husband, Chet; son, Randy Nienhuis; sisters, Marjorie Elwell and Phyllis Hammond; and brothers, Gordan Vanderlaan and Jim Vanderlaan. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Monday, November 13 from 5:00 – 7:00PM at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Please feel free to share a memory online at www.sytsemafh.com.
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