Harold "Hal" R. Van Sumeren

Harold "Hal" R. Van Sumeren, 91, of Williamsburg, MI passed away peacefully on November 4, 2023, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Hal was born on August 5, 1932, in Bay City, Michigan, to the late Roy and Irene (Nowacyzk) Van Sumeren. Hal served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 and graduated from Central Michigan University in 1958. During his time at CMU, Hal met Shirley Cook and they married on September 26, 1959, in Muskegon, Michigan. They raised three children together, Tracy, Kurt, and Hans. After graduation from college, Hal began a career at Michigan Bell in Detroit which eventually led to his transfer to Traverse City. It was during this time that his love for the Traverse City area grew. When it came time for another relocation, he and Shirley made the decision to remain in Traverse City and they purchased the Ranch Motel, which they operated for two years. In 1965, Hal joined the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce and retired as Executive Director after 37 years of service. During a time of rapid growth and change, Hal played a vital role in shaping Traverse City into the vibrant community that it is today. Throughout his tenure, Hal promoted new initiatives and member services that led to tremendous growth in Chamber membership. He was active on state and national chamber boards and served as a SCORE mentor after his retirement in 2002. In addition to his professional achievements, Hal enjoyed various hobbies, including sailing on Grand Traverse Bay and skiing at the various northern Michigan ski resorts, with occasional trips out west. He enjoyed friendship and comradery through his biweekly dinner club. He also looked forward to the yearly gatherings with his CMU Delta Sigma “Hi Guy” fraternity brothers, which brought friends from across the country to Traverse City each summer for over 50 years. Nothing could compare to the joy Hal felt when all his family gathered for holidays and other events at his home on East Bay. He took pleasure in simple things like good food, laughter, and holiday traditions. Hal is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley, and their children Tracy (David Meisel) Van Sumeren, Kurt Van Sumeren, and Hans (Larisa Galnares) Van Sumeren, his granddaughter Ava, his sister Colleen (Joseph) Turmell and many other loving family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his siblings Joanne (Wayne) Richter, Richard (Sandra) Van Sumeren, and Roy (Harriet) Van Sumeren. A memorial service to celebrate Hal's life will be held at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 3 PM, with visitation beginning at 2 PM. Pastor Tim Manzer will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Father Fred Foundation or the Cherryland Humane Society. To share your thoughts and memories with his family, please visit www.Reynold-Jonkhoff.com.

Harold "Hal" R. Van Sumeren

August 5, 1932 - November 4, 2023