Joyce Kulhawik

Joyce Ann Kulhawik, age 88, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on August 26, 2026.

Joyce was a beloved sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. A lifelong resident of Grand Rapids, she spent her life surrounded by the people she loved most. She was known for her warm heart, wonderful sense of humor, and the ability to make everyone around her feel welcome.

Joyce had a love for adventure. Once her children were grown, they gave her the opportunity to see the world, taking her on cruises and unforgettable trips to Cabo and Alaska. These adventures created memories that she and her family would treasure forever.

Joyce was also a bartender by trade and truly loved what she did. She worked at Bob’s Bar for many years before finishing her bartending career at the West Side Knights of Columbus at the age of 80. She was loved by everyone who knew her—and if you ever had one of Joyce’s drinks, you knew she could make a damn good drink! Her personality, laughter, and stories will be deeply missed.

Joyce is survived by her sister, Kay Jaarsma; her children, Kim (Dave) Hall, Kurt (Maria) Vandermeer, Kelly (Gary) Bartolatto, Kris (Rick) Cunningham, and Kevin (Brenda) Vandermeer; her grandchildren, Kelly (Katelyn) Coon, Corey (Dominique) Coon, Zach Hall (Sophie Diekevers), Tyler (Helana) Stob, Rylee (Brandon) Edens, Jake Bartolatto (Kylie Christensen), Allie Stob (Devin Gath), Carter Vandermeer (Ali Butts), and Dylan Vandermeer (Hannah Johnson); and her great-grandchildren, Emmett, Micah, Mason, Palmer, and Luca. She is also survived by her beloved cat, Lily, who was a cherished companion.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Dorothy Kulhawik, and her longtime companion of 25 years, Dick Cole.

Joyce leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories, laughter, and love. She will be remembered not only for the life she lived, but for the love she gave so freely to her family and friends. Her presence will be missed immensely, but her memory will live on in the many lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 1140 Muskegon Ave NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Humane Society of Michigan or to an animal rescue of your choice in Joyce’s memory.