Joline Nan (McCarthy) Jonaus, age 90, of Grand Haven, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025. She was born on July 10, 1935, in Copemish, MI, to the late Russell and Bernice (Wilson) McCarthy, and was the fourth of seven children (the "McCarthy Seven").
Joline graduated from St. Mary's High School in Muskegon, MI in 1953, and graduated from Marquette University in 1959, where she received her B.S. in nursing. She worked as a registered nurse in many areas, as well as was honored to be an instructor of nursing with the American Red Cross.
Joline married her husband, Larry, on May 7, 1960 in Muskegon, and they made Grand Haven their home where they raised their five children. Joline loved living in West Michigan and had a deep connection to her Michigan roots. A self- proclaimed "Lake Michigan girl," she loved to spend time with loved ones and friends on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Joline was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, who took great pride in her children's and grandchildren's activities and accomplishments. Her family was everything to her. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic church, an avid golfer, and she enjoyed staying up to date with world news, baking, daily Jeopardy!, and occasionally testing her luck in the casinos.
Joline was quick-witted and loved a good story or joke and was a true competitor who excelled in board games – especially Scrabble and Monopoly! She also loved traveling to St. Petersburg, Florida in winters with Larry, until his passing.
Joline is survived by her five loving children: Mary Carole (Tom) Cotter of Grand Haven, Laura Jonaus (Miles White) of Lake Bluff, IL; Anne (David) Peterson of Oconomowoc, WI; Kathleen (Mike) Ginocchio of Grand Haven; and Lawrence (Sarah) Jonaus of Columbus, OH. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 58 years, Lawrence J. Jonaus, Sr. in 2018; and her five brothers and one sister.
A private family service is planned. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Lakeshore Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests Memorial Contributions be made to: Lawrence and Joline Jonaus Memorial Scholarship c/o Marquette University – University Advancement Gift Services, 1250 West Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53201, or online at give.marquette.edu.
Please visit www.klaassen funeralhome.com to sign Joline's online guestbook.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Charles C Bigelow originally from Copemish , cousin
October 15, 2025
Prayers for family
Gloria Vanderlinden
October 8, 2025
She was my friends mother in elementary school. I spent time at her home. She taught us to sew, brought me along skiing and I swam in her pool many times. Also I had sleepovers there and joined their family for many of her delicious dinners. She always encouraged me and others to continue to pursue goals- to keep moving forward, Joline you will forever be in my heart. Thank you for the wonderful memories. You are loved and will be missed dearly.
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Klaassen Family Funeral Home - Grand Haven1500 Robbins Road, Grand Haven, MI 49417
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