Carolyn Huissen

Carolyn Star Huissen, age 97, of Jenison, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026. She was born to Bert and Clara Star and was raised on the family farm, Star Dairy, on Leffingwell Road.

At the age of 19, Carolyn married the love of her life, Gerald Huissen. She was a devoted, nurturing, and wonderful mother whose love and care were evident in all she did. An exceptional seamstress, Carolyn lovingly made clothing for her daughters, complete wardrobes for their dolls, and later wedding and bridesmaid dresses for her daughters and a niece.

Carolyn enjoyed traveling and shared many memorable trips throughout Europe with her husband, as well as travels with her sister, Jean, and niece, Joan. She and Jerry also made several trips to Japan to visit their son and his family.

Carolyn’s sweet and warm nature endeared her to everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband and best friend, Gerald, in 2006 after 58 years of marriage; her son, Michael, in 2022; sisters, Annette Broene and Jean Ryskamp; and brothers, Clarence Star and John Star.

She is survived by her children: Taeko Huissen of Hamamatsu, Japan, Lois and David Jacobs of Grand Rapids, Laraine and Daniel Main of Jenison; grandchildren: Hitomi and Kohei Sasaki, Hayato and Yukimi Huissen, Katherine Jacobs, Rachel and Ian Gainor, Laura and Adam Davie, Adam Jacobs, Jennifer and Eric Posthumus, Kimberly and Christopher Knoper, Kristen Main and Erin Cleveland; great-grandchildren: Rihito, Masato, Akiho Sasaki, Nagi, Teru, Oto, Kou Huissen, Elijah, Abigail Gainor, Owen, Simon Davie, Aerolyn, William, Branton Posthumus, Oren, Aneka Knoper, Rory Randals; and sister-in-law, Arlene Star.

Cremation has taken place and burial was held in Fairplains Cemetery. Please join the family for a Celebration of Life Open House on Friday, May 15, from 1:30-3:30 pm at the MKD Reception and Event Center, 4145 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville.