Joan Briggs

Mrs. Joan L. Briggs, age 83, passed away early Thursday morning, August 23, 2007 at her home. She was born, June 15, 1924 in Sherman Township to Albert and Bernice (Keen) Arendsen and has lived in Muskegon most of her life. Mrs. Briggs operated Briggs Catering for many years along with many other projects. She attended Christ Community Congregational Church and was involved with T.O.P.S. and DeColores. On December 17, 1949, she married Burr E. Briggs in Muskegon and he preceded her in death on September 28, 1979. She is survived by 6 children, Barney Arendsen (special friend, Sue Voekle) of Waterford, MI, Earl (Shirley) Kurburski of Arkansas, Judy (Jack) Paggeot of Muskegon, Rick Briggs, Tom Briggs, and Fred (Jerilyn) Briggs, all of Muskegon; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by 1 brother, Wyon Arendsen of Hesperia and many nieces, nephews, and friends and will be missed by all. In addition to her husband Burr, she was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Evelyn Wilkinson and Beatrice Jefferson. Services will be 11:00AM Monday, August 27, 2007 at The Sytsema Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 E. Apple Ave. 231-726-5210 with Pastor Ben Jansen officiating. Visitation with the family will be 3-6 PM Sunday. Interment will take place at East Dalton-Oakhill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given in honor of Joan to the "The Kidney Trust KAT Walk".