Photo courtesy of Smits Funeral Home - Dyer
Dyer, Indiana
Feb 10, 1998 – Oct 13, 2021 (Age 23)
The Celebration of Life service on Saturday, October 23, 2021 will be livestreamed at: wearefaith.org/memorial. The livestream will begin approximately 10 minutes before the service begins at 11:00 A.M.
Matthew James Zandstra, age 23, of Holland, MI went home to his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 13, 2021. Beloved son of Chuck and Linda Zandstra. Loving brother of Michelle (Steven) Hoeflich and Jonathan Zandstra. Cherished uncle of Clara and Lydia Hoeflich. His beloved and precious Mady VanderZwaag. Devoted grandson of Arlene and the late Charles Lee Zandstra and Carolyn and the late James C. Clousing. Dear nephew of Charlene (Mike) Van Baren, Scott (Emily) Zandstra, Kent “Duke” (Kristin) Zandstra, Linda (Jeff) Overway, Cheryl (Mark) Lubbers, Ron Clousing, and Julie (Kevin) Hengeveld. Loving cousin and devoted friend to many. Matthew was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
Matthew was a graduate of Highland Christian School, Illiana Christian High School and Hope College. He loved basketball, golf and serving others. He was a great teammate and friend on the teams that he was a part of. His life and death made an impact on God's kingdom and he will be remembered and celebrated as a gift from God to his family for 23 years. God has called him home to heaven now and we will see him again someday!
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 22, 2021 from 3:00 – 8:00 at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Faith Church, 100 E. 81st Ave., Dyer, IN with Rev. Mike Pitsenberger officiating. A private family burial service will take place at Lakewood Cemetery in Holland, MI. In memory of Matthew, memorial contributions may be given to Engedi Church, 710 Chicago Dr., Holland, MI 49423 (http://www.engedichurch.com/ ). For further information please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online guestbook and obituary at www.SMITSFH.com.
Read MoreI just came across the news,as I thought about how good of a athlete Matthew was..and how nice of a family I was so grateful to meet as a young athlete, when we played Matthew’s I made sure to let my guys know it’s back in the box, because this guy those HEAT!! God bless the family
Tyler Mathas
October 02, 2024 | Valparaiso, IN | Friend
Chuck, this is hard to take. God be with you.
Michael Collins
January 03, 2022 | Long Grove, IL | Friend
We are greatly saddened to hear of Matt's passing. We have such fond memories of watching Matt play with Brian and the rest of the boys in basketball. Heaven has gained a wonderful, kind-hearted, God-loving individual. May the Lord continue to engulf your family with his love during this difficult time.
Brian, Mary, Andrew, & Brian Sytsma
December 05, 2021 | Dyer, IN | Friend
Group of 10 Trees
Candice Malivuk
October 26, 2021 | Holland, MI
It was with great sadness that I read about Matthew's passing in the Holland Sentinel today. Matthew was in my Fall 2017 Statistics class; I remember him well as he always sat right in front, and was an active and enthusiastic participant in all class activities. In addition to doing really well in the course, he was a generous, helpful, and respectful student. He will be sorely missed. Please know that I am praying for all of you in the midst of this painful loss.
Yew-Meng Koh
October 23, 2021 | Holland, MI | Teacher
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
The world will miss you but we are grateful for your saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Lisa Granger
October 21, 2021 | Lansing, MI | Friend
Gathering in the lobby of the Celtic Hotel in London, dressed for a visit to Goldman Sachs.
Matt was an excellent student, but more importantly, he was a thoughtful person with a solid character.
Steven McMullen
October 21, 2021 | Holland, MI | Teacher
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Boy and Joan Kroeze
October 21, 2021 | Holland, MI | Friend
Selfie time for Vince and Matthew
Matthew was a role model to me when I was growing up. I wanted to be just like him in every way. I wanted the same haircut and I always wanted to be as good as him at basketball. When there were family get-togethers at Easter or Christmas I was always so excited to go see my best friend Matthew. A lot of times when we were were younger I would cry after he would leave because I always knew it would be a while since I would get to see him again. We had a special relationship where no matter...
Vincent Overway
October 19, 2021 | Holland, MI
