Jacklyn Zych

All who knew Jackie Zych would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was kind, welcoming, and genuine with a zest for life that was contagious to all who were near. Her deep devotion to her family was easy to see, and although she treasured being a wife and mother Jackie just might have argued that becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother was her greatest gift. Life will never be the same without her here, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of treasured memories made with the ones she loved most.

The 1930s were unprecedented days in America as they were clouded by the dark days of the Great Depression. Although there were countless challenges for most families, the American spirit could still be seen in the way that cities, communities, and families came together to weather the storm however they could. Despite the trials around them, there was much to celebrate in the lives of Paul and Gladys (Marcus) Diepenhorst as they announced the birth of the baby girl they named Jacklyn Lou on March 30, 1933. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she was the third of four children as she was joined in her family by her two older sisters, Pauline and Dawn, and her younger brother, Paul, who was born when Jackie was in middle school.

In many ways Jackie was a young girl of her generation. She attended local schools in Grand Rapids until her family moved to her mother’s hometown of Holland when Jackie was in middle school. They lived in a small house with a large barn near Tunnel Park and Holland State Park. At first their home didn’t have indoor plumbing, but their home was a bustle of activity that was filled with plenty of love. The family had many horses that were used to take summer tourists on trail rides. They also ran the concession stand at Tunnel Park. Jackie spent her high school years at Holland High. During the summers she worked guiding the tourists on horse trail rides. It has been said that Jackie and her sisters were pranksters who often locked their little brother in the outhouse!

New and exciting changes were in store for Jackie when she met the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Henry (Hank) Zych, and he was an older, quiet, eligible bachelor while she was a spunky, outgoing waitress who worked at his restaurant, Eten House. They were a classic case of opposites who attracted. They began dating, and it didn’t take them long to fall in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Jackie and Hank were married at the courthouse on November 4, 1952. The newlyweds drove to Kentucky for a honeymoon, but Jackie didn’t have the best experience as she ended up with food poisoning from a ham dinner. For the rest of her life she never liked ham! Together they welcomed four children including Wayne, Tom, Henry (Rich), and Mary into their hearts and home. Jackie was an amazing mother, and she was happiest when surrounded by their love. For years Jackie made Sunday dinners for the whole family.

One of the things Jackie was best known for was her strong work ethic. After selling their part of Eten House to Hank’s brother, Chuck, the couple moved on to manage the Reef Restaurant and Yacht Club at Bay Haven Marina. The family enjoyed working there and the amenities at the marina, but they ultimately decided once again to own their own restaurant. In 1968, the Zychs opened Dog-N-Suds Restaurant and retired in 1985. Over the years they met and made many friends while working at the restaurants. While working at The Reef, Louis Padnos brought in fresh vegetables from his garden that Jackie used to make dinner for his family. While they owned Dog N Suds they were recognized with many sales awards. There were also family trips to Las Vegas and Florida through the Dog-N-Suds conventions. As the years went by many family members and friends worked for them at the restaurant.

After retiring, Jackie and Hank were able to enjoy new things. They bought a condo in Fort Myers, Florida, where they spent their winters. They looked forward to visits from family and friends there, and Jackie especially loved spending time at the beach and by the pool. She also loved to shop and socialize. They frequently played cards with friends and also enjoyed going to the dog track. Many of Jackie’s friends and family also vacationed in Fort Myers. One thing everyone knew about Jackie is that her door was always open to anyone. Not only did she tell the best stories, but she was also a fantastic listener.

Throughout her life Jackie was a woman of many interests. Within her community she was a member of Our Lady Of The Lake and also of the VFW where she regularly played Bingo. She loved eating at Russ’s, KFC, Fricanos Pizza, and Sunflower Café in Fort Myers. Jackie enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, Florida, California, and closer to home she enjoyed visiting the casino, the flea market, and the dog track. She loved listening to country and western music including Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers and Johnny Horton as well as gospel music from Elvis. While at the condo she sang Red Solo Cup with a group of ladies. When relaxing she enjoyed watching Bluebloods, Family Feud, things on Game Show Network, Lifetime movies, and cartoons with her grandkids and great-grandkids. Jackie also enjoyed reading.

Genuine, compassionate, and hardworking are just a few of the words that describe Jackie Zych. She was the heartbeat of wherever she went, and she just naturally drew others near. A stranger to none and a friend to all, Jackie never forgot a name or a face. Her unconditional love for her family was unmatched, and she treasured each one of her family members the same. Deeply loved, Jackie will be forever missed.

Jacklyn (Jackie) Lou Zych died June 19, 2021, in Holland, MI. She was preceded in death by her husband Henry Zych in 2005, her sons, Wayne in 1969 and Henry (Rich) Zych in 1979. She was preceded in death by her sisters, brother, their spouses and all of her in-laws. Jackie was the last of a generation of her family and her husband’s. Her family includes her children, Tom (Nina) Zych of Holland and Mary Zych (Stephanie Geering) of Holland, three grandchildren, Zachery, Stephanie Zdun (Tom), and Jordan. She has three great grandchildren, Marlee, Owen and Jackson Zdun and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Jackie’s family would like to say thank you to all of her caregivers over the years. A special thank you and acknowledgement to her dear friend, buddy and family member by choice Kathy Everse for being her sidekick. A funeral mass will be 2:00 pm., Thursday, June 24, 2021 at Our Lady of The Lake Catholic Church, 480 North 152nd Avenue in Holland. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at Dykstra Funeral Homes-Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue in Holland and from 1:30-2:00 pm prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to VFW Post #2144.