Vanzantwick Bartels Kammeraad

Elizabeth Curtis, 34, lost consciousness during labor Saturday at North Ottawa Community Hospital when she experienced what appeared to be an amniotic fluid embolism, her husband, Scott, said. There were no prior complications with the pregnancy, which was her second. She was transported to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, where she died Sunday. An autopsy is underway.An amniotic fluid embolism occurs when amniotic fluid or fetal material enters the mother's bloodstream and causes an allergic-like reaction. The unpredictable complication is said to occur in 1 in 15,200 deliveries in America, according to the Amniotic Fluid Embolism Foundation. "It's so rare. You never even think of anything like this during childbirth," Scott Curtis said. "In talking with doctors and other people, most OB/GYNs never see this in their lifetimes."Doctors performed an emergency C-section and the baby, Katherine Elizabeth Curtis, was born healthy at 7 pounds, 6 ounces, her father said. "We look at her as a blessing and are very happy for that outcome at least," he said. "It’s a little source of comfort that we know we have her."Elizabeth Curtis, of Creason, Weber & Curtis, had practiced dentistry for almost six years after graduating from dental school. She was close to forming a full partnership with the other dentists at the office, which was her home dentist office growing up."She grew up in Grand Haven and wanted to give back and be a part of it," Scott Curtis said. "That was truly her life. She loved anything dental related."Elizabeth Curtis was secretary of the Rotary Club of Grand Haven and treasurer of the Muskegon District Dental Society. She volunteered with the Miles of Smiles mobile dental unit that provides services for children from low-income families. She regarded her patients are part of her family, her husband said. She recently started a podcast on YouTube that answered questions that people may be too scared or worried to ask their dentist in person. In her...

Brothers Scott, Todd and Craig Sytsema recently bought one third of the Grand Haven business that previously was owned by Si Workman, who is semi-retired. The Sytsema family has been in the funeral home business in Muskegon since 1929.Craig has been working at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad for nearly two years.“We've really always worked together and it's worked out very well,” said Craig Sytsema. “We are really happy how things have fallen into place.”Craig Sytsema said the businesses would share resources and work together, but would remain separate. Scott Sytsema and Todd Sytsema will continue to work at the family business in Muskegon, but help out as needed at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad. Craig Sytsema also helps out as needed at Sytsema's other chapels, especially on weekends.Sytsema owns Lee Chapel, 6291 Harvey in Norton Shores; Walburn Chapel, 1547 Sherman, and Systema's original funeral home at 737 Apple.“We'll share manpower, especially with the new Lee Chapel being only seven minutes away,” Craig Sytsema said. “If I need help or if they need help, we can get there quickly.” Lee Chapel is located at 6291 Harvey St. in Norton Shores.VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad has been in operation since 1926.

Savidge St. in Spring Lake and 620 Washington Ave. in Grand Haven are now known as Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services — Spring Lake Chapel and VanZantwick Chapel, respectively. “The signs went up last week and everything is in place,” said the funeral homes’ office manager, Jen Sytsema. “This has been in the works for many years.” The Sytsema family owns three funeral homes in Muskegon. In 2009, Craig Sytsema, Jen's husband, began working at VBK's Grand Haven location. When Si Workman retired from VBK in 2011, Craig and his two brothers, Scott and Todd, purchased Workman's shares in VBK. When Dale VanZantwick retired from VBK in January 2015, the three Sytsema brothers purchased his shares. The brothers co-own the Spring Lake and Grand Haven locations with Dean Meyering. “It was really a very natural fit for us, and for Si and Dale,” Jen said. “Our families have been friends for many years. We're great business partners, as well. This was a very smooth and natural transition as they looked toward their retirement and wanted to pass the reigns along to someone they knew and trusted.” Not much will change at the funeral homes, except the name. All current employees are being retained. “Nothing with regard to our practices will change,” Jen said. “Really, it's just the name that's changing. It's helping to unify us under one umbrella. Now, the Grand Haven and Spring Lake locations are added under that umbrella. We have a wonderful team and wonderful staff that we really appreciate that can serve in both communities.” Jen said she and Craig have lived in Spring Lake Township for more than a decade. “We're very invested in this community and have really grown to love this place,” she said. “We knew that this would be a wonderful fit. It's been very positive and very warm and welcoming. Hopefully, this will be a nice, smooth transition for us and for the community as th...