On Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, our much-loved Andrew "Andy" Zylstra, was called home by Jesus. He passed quietly in the night near his cottage in Traverse City, Michigan.
Andy was born on a snow-filled day on Nov. 30, 1944, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Peter and Gertrude Zylstra, both preceded him in death. Also proceeding him on his final journey were his brothers Richard (August 6, 1947 - April 13, 2023), and David Zylstra (June 21, 1951 - April 22, 2009).
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Nancy Zylstra; his sons, Lee and Brian (Toya) Zylstra; sister, Esther (Richard) Morse; sisters-in-law, Lynn Zylstra, and Barbara Green. Andy also leaves behind his much-loved grandchildren, Winston (19), Samantha (18), Lance (17), Brooklyn (16), and Julien (13); along with nieces and nephews, Heather, David, Kristin, Andrea, Beckie, Elyse, and Matthew.
Throughout his life, Andy was known for many things - his warm personality, his broad smile and good humor, but his greatest love was living out his faith in Christ by serving others.
Among many other things, Andy is known for his time working to improve the lives of the people in Kent County and then in Allegan County as the director of the Department of Human Resources in those respective counties. He also served in Oakland, Macomb, and Kalamazoo Counties and in the DHS Central Office in Lansing. He retired from the State of Michigan service on January 1, 2013, after faithfully serving these counties for 47 years. He is known for his many innovative programs that improved the lives of countless people.
Among those programs include championing the partnership between the FIA (Family Independence Agency also known as DHS) and Cascade Engineering for the Welfare to Work program, a program that saw more than 500 welfare recipients receive gainful employment with the engineering company; his advisory role on the Interdepartmental Task Force on Service to At-Risk Youth Transitioning to Adulthood; and the Quality Circle program, of which he received both State and Federal recognition. For many, Andy was the consummate father figure - wise and kind, firm, but fair. There was no soul that couldn't be helped. To him we all had a duty and responsibility to always help our fellow man, woman, and child. He was quick to smile and laugh and always found moments to remind you of just how important you were and that you mattered. Indeed, Andy exemplified the ideal of the second greatest commandment: To love one's neighbor as yourself.
In honor of his service to the community and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to: Holt International (https://support.holtinternational.org/site/Donation2), an agency that specializes in international adoption.
A visitation followed by a Celebration of Life is scheduled for Oct. 9, 2025 at the Fire Rock Grille located on 7177 Kalamazoo Ave., S.E., Caledonia, MI 49316. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11 a.m., with a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m., with a light lunch. If you join us for the Celebration of Life please consider sharing a story of Andy that is meaningful to you.