Susan Renee Haagsma

Susan Renee Haagsma (Zylstra), aged 59, of Wyoming, died far too soon on Thursday, December 18, 2025. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Bill; her children, Steven and his wife, Sarah Danner, Erin, and Jake; her family, Jim and Josephine Zylstra, Jeanne and Tim Adama, Sharon DeJong, Lois and Craig Lubben, Dan Zylstra, and Russ DeKock; Bill’s family, Fred and Lisa Vail, Dave and Joan Haagsma, and Tim and Maxine Haagsma; and many nieces and nephews and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her sister Joyce DeKock; sister-in-law Carol Vail; parents Martin and Carol Zylstra; and parents-in-law Jim and Mary Haagsma. She was a beautiful and loving wife and mother. She loved her family, music, reading, traveling and deep conversations. Out of college she worked as an activities director at Cumberland Retirement Village. She had a beautiful way of relating to the elderly people she served. She worked other part time jobs as she did the most important job of raising her children. Prior to her diagnosis, she enjoyed her work as an administrative assistant at MKD. She bravely fought AML for the last two plus years. 

Her love for people was contagious. She was happiest when her house was full. She was a safe place for people to land and she welcomed anyone in with open arms (in-laws, neighbors, her kids’ friends, etc). She took her children seriously and let herself be changed by them. She had a witty sense of humor and never lost her funny spirit. She was determined to live her life to the fullest and she did, even in her illness--she took drives to the lake with her husband; spent time with family, friends, and her dog, Roo; and even achieved her goal of visiting her daughter in Chicago in October. 

Even in her illness, she always thought of others. The first thing she wrote when she was able to communicate again after her first intubation was “We need to get donuts for 5C” (her home-away-from-home floor at the hospital.) She was beloved by her nurses, doctors, and various caregivers and truly wanted to get to know every single person that entered her hospital rooms. She will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Funeral Services for Susan will be held Tuesday, December 23 at 11 am at Neland Avenue Church, 940 Neland Avenue SE, 49507 with Pastor Cindy de Jong and Pastor Bob Huisman officiating. Burial at Garfield Park Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends at Neland Avenue Church on Monday, December 22, 5-7 pm and  Tuesday 10-10:45 am. The family requests memorial contributions be made to Neland Avenue Church or the Trevor Project.