Catherine Tryc

Catherine “Katie” Tryc, age 93, returned to her heavenly home on December 18, 2020. Katie was born November 3, 1927 in Grand Rapids, MI to William and Mary Schuitema and was the youngest of seven children. Katie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was known for her infectious smile, and her kind and compassionate spirit.

Katie grew up during the depression years and learned the value of hard work. Even in her later years, she didn’t like potatoes or rice because she said that was all she ate as a child. She also saved everything, because you just never knew when you would need it. Growing up, Katie loved to be outside. She liked the outdoors and playing house and kick the can with friends. Katie also enjoyed gardening. She was really good at growing tomatoes and roses. Her father had been a gardener and he taught her, and later her husband, how to garden.

One of her role models growing up was President Roosevelt. She really wanted to vote for him in the 40’s but was too young. She felt he did a lot of good for the country and he started the social security program. She was really excited when her family got a washing machine and indoor plumbing. Katie attended Rogers High School and loved math and history. She played baseball and was always an outfielder. In her teenage years, she liked to go to dances and frequently found herself at Eastern Hall. However, since dances at halls cost money, she and her friends would meet at each other’s homes to hold dances. She loved 50’s and 60’s music, as well as polka. Katie was very fashion forward. She especially adored the styles of the 40’s. Katie never got her driver’s license. Although, she took driving lessons, on the day of her test the officer failed her as she could not parallel park. She never drove again.

After leaving high school, Katie worked at the Globe Knitting Works for six years. While working there, Katie met her husband through his sister Sophie, with whom she worked. Katie and Richard loved to go to the movies, attend local football and baseball games, as well as watch Golden Gloves boxing events. Richard proposed to Katie while in a boat on a lake at his brother’s cabin, and in 1950 they were married.

Katie gave birth to three beautiful daughters Patricia, Karen, and Terri. Several years later, Katie and Richard added a bouncing baby boy, Kevin, to the family. She always cherished her time with her family. Her favorite memories were taking walks and having picnics at Silver Lake. She had fun watching the kids run up and down the dunes. Katie loved to travel. Whether by air, water, or land, she was always up for an adventure. When she was younger, she traveled to Dallas, TX by train to visit her sister and said Dallas was a fun town. Once they were married, Richard and Katie used to go on vacation with her brother, Bernie, and his wife, Jess. Katie also traveled with her children and grandchildren - visiting Idaho, Wyoming, and traveling around Michigan. Katie also enjoyed traveling with friends visiting Las Vegas, Branson, MO, and Amish country. By far though, her favorite destination was Hawaii. She visited four islands while on vacation with friends. While there, they took a helicopter ride around the island of Kauai which was the highlight of the trip and one of the biggest risks she said she ever took.

Katie enjoyed any time spent with her family, whether it was a holiday, special event, or just an ordinary day. She liked playing games - especially dominos and Skip-Bo - cooking, and watching movies. Time spent with her children, grandchildren, and friends were her favorite memories and she always said her greatest accomplishment was her children and grandchildren.

Katie is survived by her four children Patricia Manshaem, Karen Tryc, Terri Kellogg, and Kevin (Rhonda) Tryc; grandchildren Sherri (Kirt) Schrotenboer, Crystal (Jason) Weeks, Aaron Manshaem, Rebecca (Eric) Neeley, Heather Gannon, Stacy Kok, Steven (Kim) Kellogg, Matthew Tryc, and Emily Tryc; great-grandchildren Cassidy (Hunter) Stinnett, Alexis Weeks, Faith Weeks, Madison Schrotenboer, Brent Schrotenboer, Lucas Schrotenboer, Kinsley Kellogg and Jacob Neeley. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings, many nieces and nephews, and son-in-law, Larry Manshaem.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at Holy Redeemer Parish, 2700 Baldwin St., Jenison, MI 49428. In honor of Katie and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to March of Dimes or Spectrum Hospice. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.