Mr.  Richard George Zylstra, age 71, of Pentwater, passed away Friday, October 7, 2016, at his home.  He was born May 30, 1945, in Grand Rapids, MI to George and Lucille (Maslowski) Zylstra.  He was a high school graduate of South High School in Grand Rapids and proudly served his country in the United States Army.  Richard married Sharon Johnson in 1964 in Grand Rapids.  They were married fifty-two years.  He was employed at Continental Insurance/Underwriters Adjusting until his retirement in 2000.

Richard was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and golfing. His favorite golf course was Golden Sands Golf Club. He loved to cook, using newly researched BBQ methods and recipes. He was also proud of his newly discovered and self-taught talent of smoking meats. Richard enjoyed the music of Johnny Cash. He loved his family and his country, having served in the US Army National Guard. Richard also had coached his sons in youth sports leagues.  Richard was the most avid Detroit Lions fan you could ever find. At Thanksgiving, dinner was never served until the Lions game was over.

Richard is survived by his wife, Sharon Zylstra; daughter, Holly (Jeff) Parish of Omaha, NE; son, Eric Zylstra of Hart; son-in-law, Glenn (Theresa) Kimmel of Pentwater; seven grandchildren, Matthew (Jordan) Hummel, Nicholas Hummel, Hannah (Nicholas) Obiden, Ryan (Erica) Parish, Ashley (Tim) Coffell, Caitlyn (Dana) Rus, Zachary Kimmel; seven great-grandchildren, Logan Hummel, Collins Hummel, Riley Obiden, Khloe Rus, Madison Rus, Hudson Rus, Connor Coffell; two sisters, Judi (Dan) Igrison of Venice, FL and Georgene Southwick of Lowell; and his feline friend, Maggie.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and daughter, Francine Kimmel.

The memorial service for Mr. Zylstra will be Saturday, November 26, 2016, at 11:00 am at West Golden Wesleyan Church in Mears with Paulette Zoulek officiating.  Interment will take place at Pentwater Township Cemetery.  Visitation will be Saturday one hour prior to the service at West Golden Wesleyan Church, 2752 North 34th Avenue, Mears, MI.  The family requests that any memorials be directed to The Harbor House of Hart, 315 S. State St., Hart, MI 49420.