Mildred Ann Van Dyk-Mesman, known affectionately to friends and family as Millie, passed away peacefully of natural causes on February 13, 2025, at the age of 87 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born on January 25, 1938, in Imlay City, Michigan, Millie was a woman whose life was characterized by her unwavering faith in the Lord and hard work to raise her children.

Millie was the beloved matriarch of an extensive family that cherished her deeply. She was preceded in death by her husband John Mesman, her brothers, Al and John Van Dyk and her sisters Helen Klumpenhower and Jeanne Krasts. She is survived by her sister Alice DeVries and by her children: Darwin and Darla Ringling, Laurie Veneklasen, Lee and Mary Ringling, and Rich and Eimi Ringling. Millie was a proud grandmother to Dar and Abby, Darsen, Melissa, John and Caitlin, Marie and Ian, Elizabeth and Michael, Anthony, Laurel, Andrew and Sydnee, Connor, Gerrit, Isaac and Lexi, Jessica and Charles, Joshua, and Matthew. She also had 14 great-grandchildren Victor, Gabriel, Elijah, Anaya, Kieran, Liam, Owen, Avaleigh, Dominic, Daisy, Tucker, Harper, Denver, and Mayleigh. Her family will hold onto the memory of her love and guidance for generations to come.

Millie worked many different jobs to provide for her children. She was most proud of her work selling Christan books through her company Van Dyk Distributing. Millie lived her beliefs through her actions as an active member of her church, Sunday School teacher, and on a mission trip to help flood victims with the CRC World Relief Organization.

As we say farewell to Millie, we celebrate a journey well-traveled and a faith well-kept. As a single mother, Millie worked hard throughout her life to provide for her children before coming home and preparing a home cooked meal for her four children. Her story does not end here, for she lives on in the lessons of hard work and grit she instilled in her children.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Ada Christian Reformed Church, 7152 Bradfield St. SE, Ada, MI 49301. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 17, from 5 to 8 pm at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, and at the church on Tuesday from 10 to 10:30 am.