Sue Anne (Slagter) Hellem – age 68, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, peacefully passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023 with loved ones by her side.  She was born November 16, 1954, to Henry and Dorothy (Colby) Slagter of Wyoming, Michigan. Sue was the youngest of 12 children – 6 brothers and 5 sisters. Sue made news headlines at just 3 days old when she became an aunt.

Sue married the love of her life, Curtis (Curt) Hellem, on June 30, 1972. Curtis, her husband for 50 years, preceded her in death January 31, 2023. Together they had three children: Julie Hellem of Grand Haven, Tammy Hellem of Grand Rapids, and Ryan (Andrea) Hellem of Allendale. The couple is also survived by four grandchildren – Marissa Hellem, Alicia Hellem, Nicholas Hellem, and Gianna Hellem – as well as four great-grandchildren – Lucas Hellem, Kinzley Cole, Daxton Hellem, and Liam DenHerder.  Sue is also survived by siblings – Dick (Pat) Slagter, Gail Postma, Ellen Jones, Paul (Mary Jo) Slagter, Leon (Sandy) Slagter, Lola (Tom) Iacovoni, and Tim (Krista) Slagter. In addition to her beloved Curtis, Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Dorothy, two of her brothers, Melvin Slagter and Robert Slagter, two sisters, Joyce Ostema and Mary Lou Ten Elshof, and her granddaughter, Lilly Hellem. Sue will be remembered for her love of her family, sewing and crafting, as well as camping Up North. There were many summers spent at the cottage on Diamond Lake with family, playing card games and sitting on the beach, watching the kids. Most of all, Sue loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A special thanks to Spectrum Health Hospice and the staff at Sheldon Meadows Assisted Living Center.

The family will plan a future private Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Alzheimer's Foundation of America: https://alzfdn.org/donate/

Alzheimer's Foundation of America
322 Eighth Avenue, 16th Floor, New York NY 10001
Tel: 1-866-232-8484
Email: info@alzfdn.org
Web: https://alzfdn.org/donate/