Susan Vanse

Susan was born on September 4, 1948, to John and Harriet Wiegerink in Grand Haven, Michigan. She spent her childhood on 160th Avenue in the house her father built, sharing it with her three sisters and two brothers. After graduating from Grand Haven High School and Hope College, Susan spent more than four decades as an elementary school teacher, impacting the lives of countless children through her kindness, dedication, and love of learning. She spent the last two decades of her teaching career at Tri-Unity Christian School, where three of her daughters graduated and where she left a lasting impression on the TCS community. Stories of Susan's dedication to her students and compassion for their lives are easy to find, shared by those who had the blessing of having Mrs. Vanse as their third-grade teacher.

Susan would want us to share the good news of Jesus Christ. She was devoted to her faith and lifted up others wherever she found them. On her refrigerator, she had written, “Jesus for my family,” just one day before her passing and she lived that message every day. Each morning began early, as Susan was known for being a constant pre-dawn presence, starting her day well before sunrise with her Bible, devotions, and prayers for her family and community.

She had the biggest heart and felt deep compassion for others. Susan not only lifted people up in prayer but was also a woman of action for anyone with a need. There was nothing too big or too small that Susan wasn't there to help get done. Though it was a family joke that Susan couldn't sit still long enough to relax, her drive to help others was—and remains—an inspiration for how to live a meaningful life of impact. This was further reflected in her more than three decades of volunteer service with Crossroads Prison Ministries, where for more than 20 years she faithfully corresponded with prisoners, offering encouragement, hope, and the love of Christ to hundreds of lives.

To remember Susan, you could head to the places she loved: Grand Rapids First Church, the Grand Haven pier, a walk by the water, her garden, her book club, or her sunroom, reading with the morning light streaming in, or simply go anywhere her family is gathered. Her favorite sound was a full house of family, with love and laughter all around.

Susan is already deeply missed by her large and loving family, including her husband of nearly 54 years, Doug Vanse; five daughters Valarie Vanse, Kristin Steensma, Jennifer (Vanse) Talluto (Tim), Elisabeth Vanse, and Deborah Vanse; seventeen grandchildren Wade and Beau Hartwick, Dominic Milewski, Rachel Volpe, Lauren Beals, Kaitlyn Steensma, Audrey Steensma Clinger, Thijs, James, and Shelby Talluto, Elsa and Annika Martin, Lleyton, Ainslee, Pierson, Hewitt, and Keaton Thorp; and six great-grandchildren Kyleigh and Aubrey Hartwick, Harper Hartwick, Emma, Hayes, and Lainey Volpe. Susan will also be deeply missed by her siblings Bonnie Johnson and Richard Wiegerink; many nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law, Dwight Vanse. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings James Wiegerink, Hazel Measom, and Carol Kasmauski; brother-in-law, Dennis Vanse; and son-in-law, Kirk Steensma.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, August 21, 2026, at Grand Rapids First Prayer Chapel, 2100 44th St. SW, Wyoming, MI 49519, with visitation starting at 10 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Tri-Unity Christian School, a school she deeply supported out of her love for Christ and Christian education. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook.