On July 29, 2025, at the age of 84, Ronald “Ron” Sytsma of Holland, Michigan, entered Glory peacefully after a long period of illness. A devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a cherished friend to many, Ron touched countless lives with his compassion, generous spirit, and Biblical knowledge.
Ron was born August 1, 1940, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Bernard and Neila (VanAllsburg) Sytsma. He grew up in Walker, MI, surrounded by much love from his family, and graduated with honors from Union High School in 1957. He proudly served his country as a US Army specialist 4th class/engineer, serving both stateside and in Germany, until his honorable discharge in 1963.
Upon returning home, he received his call to ministry at the Wesleyan Camp in Hastings, MI. In 1962, he married Carol Bauman in her hometown of North Branch, Michigan. In 1967, Ron graduated from Owosso College, where he was captain of the college football team, an honort student, and carried pastoral responsibilities in his college town. After graduating with his pastoral degree, he immediately moved his family to Warren, Michigan, and began his first pastoral role. Over his career, he pastored churches in East and North Michigan, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, served on several district boards, and led local ministerial associations in both Michigan and Pennsylvania.
After his three children graduated from college and settled into their careers, Ron retired in 2002 and moved back to his home state of Michigan. There, he continued to serve as he filled the pulpit for local churches and worked at the Critter Barn and Evergreen Commons.
Ron’s greatest joy was his family. He loved spending time with each of them, always encouraging them in the activities and passions that brought them happiness. His presence was constant and his encouragement unwavering. His love for others will surely be missed by all who knew him.
Ron knew what he believed and why he believed it. He was often found reading scriptures, learning the meaning of each verse. His faith in Jesus Christ grounded and sustained him. We often heard him singing his favorite song, Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jeannette, and his brother Tom. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carol (Bauman) Sytsma; his children, Michael and Karen Sytsma, Cheryl and Steve Heeres, Rev. James and Michelle Wooster; and his grandchildren: Erica and Justin Callicutt, Josiah Sytsma, Cory Coffey, Caleb Sytsma and Dinah Carlton, Karis Wooster, and Isaac Wooster. His great-grandchildren are Brooks, Everly, and Maverick Callicutt.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 16th, in the Chapel at Holland Central Wesleyan Church. Visitation will begin at 10 AM in the Chapel. Ron’s final resting place will be at the Pilgrim Cemetery in Holland, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, Ron requested that memorial gifts be made to Building Intimate Marriages, a ministry Ron faithfully supported and helped shape (https://IntimateMarriage.org/memorial) or to Waters Edge (https://watersedge.org).
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