Rhonda Rae Malotke's Obituary
Rhonda Rae Malotke, age 73, passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at her home, surrounded by her loving family, in Muskegon, Michigan. She was born in Muskegon on August 5, 1952 to Bernard and Berdeane (Geiger) Janes. Rhonda graduated from Mona Shores High School in 1970. She married the love of her life, Terry Malotke, in Muskegon on June 16, 1978. Rhonda dedicated 24 years of service as a paraprofessional at Reeths-Puffer High School before her retirement. Some of her fondest memories were the times spent on the back of Terry’s motorcycle and spending time at Hess Lake and Blue Lake with her parents. In later years, Rhonda cherished camping trips on the family property along the Muskegon River with her children and grandchildren. She found great joy in cooking, relaxing at the beach, and most of all, spending quality time with her beloved grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Jason (Lori) Karafa, Casey (Carly) Malotke, and Tina (Joseph) Bradley; eight grandchildren, Kyle Karafa, Kaitlyn (Andy) Hansen, Austin (Gabrielle) Malotke, Kaden Malotke, Cooper Bradley, Adeline Bradley, Emmett Bradley, and Finnian Bradley; two great-grandchildren, Bennet Hansen and Carson Hansen; three stepbrothers and four stepsisters. Rhonda was preceded in death by her husband, Terry Malotke; and parents, Berdeane and Harold Oberlin and Bernard and Lou Janes. VISITATION will be from 5-8 PM Saturday, October 11, 2025 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. FUNERAL SERVICES will be held 1:00 PM Sunday, October 12, 2025 at The Lee Chapel with Pastor Kevin Archer officiating. Burial will be in Laketon Township Cemetery. MEMORIALS in memory of Rhonda may be directed to The Harbor Hospice Foundation, Newaygo County Compassion Home, or the Noah Project Animal Shelter. You may sign her online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Rhonda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rhonda?
Share a story where Rhonda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rhonda you’ll never forget.
How did Rhonda make you smile?

