John H. Bronsema's Obituary
John H. Bronsema, age 90, died Thursday, December 30, 2021 in Grand Haven. He was born on February 28, 1931 in Muskegon to Nicholas and Hilda (Bultema) Bronsema, and resided in the area all of his life. John worked for Holland Motor Company for 22 years, before retiring in 1989. John was a member of McGraft Memorial Congregational Church, Muskegon Vikings, and Elk Lodge #274. He enjoyed volunteering at Hackley Hospital, and serving as an usher for the Frauenthal and Civic Theatre. John loved golfing and bowling through the Elks for many years. He had a reserved table on Thursday nights at The Station for over 30 years, and enjoyed meeting family and friends for dinner. On January 1, 1951, John married the former Barbara Patterson, and she preceded him in death on September 1, 2016 after 65 years of marriage. He and Barb did a lot of traveling with the Orchard View Travelers over the years with their good friends, Bob and Mary Ann Page. SURVIVORS include two children, Susan (Thomas) Heethuis of Traverse City, and James (Sheryle) Bronsema of Muskegon; he will be lovingly remembered as “Grandpa Harris” to 4 grandchildren, Jeffrey (Emy) Heethuis, Megan Heethuis, Nicholas (Sarah) Bronsema and Stacy (Ryan) Skiba; 7 great grandchildren, Jarrod, Catelyn and Lola Heethuis, Harper and Finnleigh Bronsema, Sawyer and Claire Skiba. John was also preceded in death by six sisters, Ruth Stivenga, Bessie Smith, Jennie Pierce, Kate Cooper, Betty Daniels, and Winnie Bronsema. Funeral Services will be 11 AM Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100 with Pastor Mark Olsen officiating. Visitation with the family will be 1 hour prior to the services, from 10-11 AM. Burial will take place in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial Contributions in John’s name may be donated to the Hospice of North Ottawa Community, Mona Shores Sailor Classic or Muskegon Big Red Athletic Foundation. Share memories with the family online at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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