Judy Lynn Hanichen's Obituary
Judy Lynn Hanichen, age 71, passed away on December 28, 2024, in Muskegon, Michigan surrounded by her loving family. Judy was born on August 26, 1953, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Donald and Helen (Marshall) Heemstra. She married the love of her life Joel Hanichen, in 2016. She graduated from Wyoming Godwin Heights High School and in her teens, she managed a taco restaurant. Eventually, she was hired by Coca-Cola and spent 30 years as an Account Manager and eventually Director of New Business. Her passion for life and her family was unmatched. She loved having a beautiful yard and flower garden full of hyacinths and other beautiful blooms. She was a long-time member of the White Lake Golf Club where she and Joe played many rounds, and in more recent years followed with a round of drinks at the White Lake Eagles where she was a member. Judy loved a good bargain, and nothing brought her more pleasure than a shopping trip with her daughter or sisters and buying something half off or better. Her elaborate Christmas Eve dinners for her family and friends were feasts that everyone looked forward to all year long. Judy was also famous for her potato salad (calories included) and delicious Chex mix. Her favorite meal was a well-done hamburger. Judy is survived in death by her husband: Joel Hanichen; daughter: Nikki (Mark) Alkema; grandchild: Jackson Alkema; siblings: Shari (Jeff) Piccard, Terri (Steve) Katsma: sister-in-law: Ann Heemstra; nieces and nephews: Tim (Abby) Piccard, Phil (Keeva) Piccard, Zach Katsma, Travis Katsma, Sabrina Katsma; and special dog, Zoey. She is preceded in death by her parents: Donald and Helen Heemstra; siblings: Craig Heemstra and Ron Heemstra. She has requested no services, but in her memory please consider adopting a rescue dog and enriching your life or by making a donation in her memory to a local animal shelter. Special thanks to Dr. Knoll and the whole staff at the Cancer and Hematology Center in Muskegon along with the Lemmon-Holton Center in Grand Rapids. Thanks to Harbor Hospice for helping her make it home. Arrangements through the Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI., 49442. Please consider singing the families online guestbook at sytsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Judy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Judy?
Share a story where Judy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Judy you’ll never forget.
How did Judy make you smile?

