Michele Sterk ’91 Schoon
Michele R. (Sterk) Schoon, 53, of Ludington, passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2023.
Michele was born on July 15, 1969, the daughter of Vern and Carla (VandeBunte) Sterk. In 1987 she graduated from Zeeland High School. She then attended Hope College and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science and Nursing degree.
Michele worked as a registered nurse for Evanston Hospital, Hospice of Michigan, Holland Hospital, Blodgett Hospital, and ultimately, Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. On Sept. 5, 1992, Michele would wed J.R. Schoon. They shared over 30 years together.
Michele was raised on the mission field in Chiapas, Mexico, and continued her strong faith in Ludington. Working as a nurse was a true passion of Michele’s. She loved being able to care for others, putting their needs above her own. She also enjoyed the outdoors, taking hikes, admiring flowers and baking cookies for all her friends and family. As an alumnus of Hope, she supported her “Dutch” and loved watching Hope women’s basketball.
Michele is survived by her husband, J.R. Schoon ’92; sons, Jacob (Jasmine), Zac, and Caleb ’23 Schoon; daughter, Ellie Schoon; granddaughter, Joelle (Jacob and Jasmine) Schoon; parents, Vern ’64 and Carla ’65 Sterk; brother, Shane (Wendy) Sterk; mother-in-law, Mary Kay Schoon ’66; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Joel) Schoon-Tanis and Gretchen (Phil) Tanis; and many nieces and nephews.
Michele was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Jon Mark Schoon.