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James Ponitz Obituary
Holland
Dr. James Edward Ponitz, DDS, 70, of Holland, beloved husband and father, died Tuesday, December 27, 2016.
He was born in Battle Creek to parents Dr. Paul V. and Evelyn A. Ponitz, graduated from Battle Creek Central High School, and the University of Michigan undergraduate and Dental School. Jim married Kathleen Stewart in 1972, moved to Holland, and began his family dental practice. He completed his service as a dental officer in the United States Naval Dental Reserve.
Jim and Kathleen were active in the community. Jim served as President of UM Alumni of Holland, was a member of the Holland Rotary and the West Michigan Dental Society, remained active in UM Athletics, and was an Elder at Christ Memorial Church. His faith and family guided him in every decision and life goal. Jim was dedicated to his patients and appreciated his assistants, staff, and team members throughout his nearly forty years of dental practice.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen Stewart Ponitz; his daughter Heather A. Bennett and her husband Ryan Bennett of Atlanta; his son Jeffrey A. Ponitz and his wife Lauren Hackney of San Francisco; brother Paul R. Ponitz and his wife Jane of Plainwell; brother John A. Ponitz and his wife Nancy of Rochester Hills; Dr. Bruce A. Stewart, DDS and his wife Kay of Ada; and Jim's nieces and nephews and their families.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 31, 2016 in the sanctuary at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Road, Holland.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute to the West Michigan Miracle League in Grand Rapids, which honors Jim's love for baseball and gives all children an opportunity to play. Donations may be made at wmml.org/donate or by check made payable to the West Michigan Miracle League and sent to 1878 Suntree Lane, Zeeland, MI 49464. Please indicate that the donation is in Jim's memory. Alternatively, a contribution to the Nature Conservancy that honors Jim's passion for wildlife and the environment may be made at nature.org/membership-giving.
Arrangements are by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, Holland. An online condolence registry is available at langelandsterenberg.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Ponitz
Sponsored by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home.
March 10, 2017
We were so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We have enjoyed our visits out to your place and visiting with Jim over the years. Your friends at Katerberg VerHage Landscaping
January 10, 2017
Heather and family,
I am very sorry to hear this! I'll always remember the plethora of UOMich memorabilia in your house of Mr. Ponitz. I will be thinking of your family during this time. So sorry. Best Regards, Kuria Van Wieren
Fred Keller
January 8, 2017
Kathleen, I was so saddened to learn of Jim's death. My deepest condolences to you and your family. I know all too well this path that you are enduring and know that it is not easy nor straight. Please know that you are in my prayers for peace and strength.
Jim VanderMolen
January 4, 2017
Kathleen and family: I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Jim. You have my deepest sympathy.
Kathleen and family Stewart Ponitz
January 3, 2017
Thank you all for your lovely care messages. They mean so much and are lifting our spirits. God bless all of you and thank you.
Craig Nicely
January 3, 2017
Kathleen, I'm so sorry to hear of Jim's passing and extend my deepest sympathies and to know that I am thinking of and praying for you and your family in this difficult time.
Jackie Middleton
January 2, 2017
Kathleen,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary and John Skoglund
January 2, 2017
We send sincere condolences to the Ponitz family. Jim served our family as our dentist from the time we moved to Holland until the time of his retirement. As Spartan fans, we would joke with him about allowing a U-M dentist to take care of our teeth. It was always good to swap news about our families as they grew up and moved forward in life. He really loved his family, and we know you all will miss him dearly. We were very saddened to have read this news today.
Rowland Mitchell
January 1, 2017
KATHLEEN: I just read about the untimely passing of your dear husband, Jim. My wife and I extend our sympathies to you and your family during this time of grief. May you find comfort in God's incredible peace that passes all understanding, and may the Hope of your faith and trust in Almighty God lift you up. God bless you, Kathleen, you'll be in our prayers.
January 1, 2017
Kathy, Heather, Jeff and extended family - We are so saddened to hear of your husband and father's passing. You will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks to come. May God comfort and sustain you. Dave and Barb Kiekintveld
Nancy Hanenburg
January 1, 2017
Dear Kathy, I just saw the obituary for Jim in today's Grand Rapids Press. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers today as you face this new year. Nancy Riekse Hanenburg. January 1, 2017
January 1, 2017
Dear Kathleen, I just learned the terribly sad news of your beloved Jim's passing. My heart breaks for you and your family. Gerry and I send you our love and please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Hickey
Tim, Lynn, Keegan, Braden Smith
January 1, 2017
Jim was, and always will be, well-lovedin large part, because he loved so well.
Berent Family
December 31, 2016
Dear Kathy and Family,
It's wonderful to read about Jim in this guestbook. We didn't know him as well as we know you, but still want to let you and your family know our prayers and thoughts are being sent! It's never easy losing a partner in life and with God's Grace may you and your family find a new normal in the months and years to come. Martin, Farah, Adam and Deen Berent
Joe MacDoniels
December 31, 2016
Dear Kathy,
My sincerest sympathy and warmest thoughts and encouragement extend to you and family. I'm sorry I cannot attend the service today.
James Gysel
December 31, 2016
We were saddened to learn of Jim's passing, but are confident he is in Good Hands because of his faith in Christ. We send our deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved Jim. Blessings ~ Jim and Shari Gysel
Chuck Fridsma
December 30, 2016
Kath, I was so saddened to hear about Jim's passing. We are in FL and saw the notice on-line. I am so sorry for your loss and I wish I could be there to attend the service but also to see you. You remain in my thoughts and prayers. Hope to connect with you when we get back in March.
Maren Miller
December 30, 2016
Jim was one of the nicest , kindest men I have ever met. He was gracious in the face of adverse health issues and always managed a smile for everyone. Although I just met Jim and Kathleen in May , I felt like I had known them both forever. Jim had a great sense of humor - the twinkle in his eye was unmistakable! My deepest condolences to his family.
Judie Tuttle
December 30, 2016
I remember Jim from high school..what a nice guy! I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers are being said for you all. Judie Cobb Tuttle
Jon & Judy Welch
December 30, 2016
Kathleen and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. May his memory be eternal.
Jean Reppert Weber
December 30, 2016
So saddened to hear about Jim. He and I were classmates from Kindergarten through High School. A remarkable person, always kind. A real leader. He will be missed.
Jian Yu
December 30, 2016
I'm so sorry about your loss. You and family will be in our thoughts and prayers. I pray that God will give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. Jian Yu
Karl, Brigitte, Gabriela and Chris Hanft
December 30, 2016
Dear Kathy and Family,
On behalf of the entire Hanft family we send you our deepest condolences on your loss. We will always remember the good times at Idlewood. Faith will get you through this difficult time.
Juliann, Gary, & Marisa Castillo
December 30, 2016
Dearest Kathleen, Heather, and Jeff my heart shattered when I learned of Jim's passing. You, Heather, and Jeff are in our thoughts and daily meditations. Even though we cannot be there for you physically we are with you spiritually giving you strength and compassion during this difficult time. Hugs all around.
Vera Cianciotto
December 30, 2016
Kathy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss, I will keep you in my prayers.
Rich Reahm
December 30, 2016
Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carlton and Lynn Schweibert
December 30, 2016
Our dear Kathleen, Heather, Jeff and families. The words of love and caring seem inadequate, but are sent to you sincerely. Jim was one of the best of the best. His kindness as a long time friend and our dentist till his retirement. I always told him one day I'd have Ohio State painted on my teeth for him to check. Being a UM true Maize and Blue, he would chuckle out loud. Jim, we shall miss you dearly. We promise to remain close to your beloved Kathleen. Our love and prayers.
Mel and Dee Buser
December 30, 2016
Kathy,
I am so glad I called and had the chance to talk to you both before Christmas. Dee and I were so shocked to hear this news. I will always remember Jim.
Dick and Leslie Reimink
December 30, 2016
Kathy and family, we are shocked and saddened to hear of Jim's passing. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this difficult time.
Ulli & Tom Bowen
December 30, 2016
Kathleen, I have been thinking about you and Jim for quite some time and praying for your strength and healing. I hope you find comfort in all of us who love you. I will touch base with you soon my friend.
Pat Sperla
December 30, 2016
Dear Kathleen,
May You feel God's love at this time. I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Sending hugs and love.
Bill & Karen Halstead
December 30, 2016
Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Our prayers are with you at this time.
Deb and Jim Kiekover
December 30, 2016
Kathy and kids - So sorry to hear about Jim. You are in our prayers. No words can express at this time. We pray for your Peace. Connections as a softball friend and teacher to kids has been a privilege.
Brian Behler
December 29, 2016
Kathleen & Family,
Very sorry to hear of your loss and know that you are surrounded with love and prayers for strength and understanding.
Kim Guinn
December 29, 2016
My condolences Mrs Jim and family. I adored seeing Mr Jim almost daily for the last 4 years. All of us at Pine Creek Mobil are saddened by his passing. We will miss saving his paper everyday
I will think of him everytime I water my Geraniums
Sincerely Kim Guinn
Glenn Dik
December 29, 2016
Kathleen - Very, very sorry to hear of your loss. Our sincere condolences from both Deb and I.
Frank VanBuren
December 29, 2016
Dear Kathy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. We are stunned by your lose as we held Jim in high esteem he being our family dentist for most all of his years in dentistry.
The Frank VanBuren family
Kel and Cindy Bennett
December 29, 2016
Jim 's sense of humor, integrity and honesty will always have an influence on our life.he was a true inspiration.
Kel and Cindy Bennett
Jon Nunn
December 29, 2016
Kathleen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mike & Julie Guswiler
December 29, 2016
Kathleen,
Peace be with you and your family.
Chris & Lynne Kelsey
December 29, 2016
Sending our deepest condolences to the Ponitz family.
Dana Friis-Hansen
December 29, 2016
Kathleen, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time--we are so saddened by your loss and want to reach out to provide any help that we can. Dana, Mark, and the GRAM Family
Sara Molina
December 29, 2016
Dear Kathleen, My deepest sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time. Grief is one of those emotions that have a life of their own. It carries every feeling within it and sometimes there's no way to discern it. May your fondest memories of Jim give you wings to soar above the darkest clouds... in your own time. Sending lots of love!
Eric & Mary Herman
December 29, 2016
Kathleen, our heart is broken for you! We heard the heart-wrenching news this morning and our breadth was taken away! Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for you. We know that during this difficult time the Lord will surround you and your family with his grace. God Bless You!
Rose Fox
December 29, 2016
Kathleen, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this very difficult time.
Rose Fox and family
Bryan Koehn
December 29, 2016
Kathleen
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Julie and I are traveling and will not be able to attend the memorial service. Again, Kathleen we a sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful man
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