Frank Kazda, age 58, of Holland, Michigan—formerly of LaGrange, Illinois.
(August 10, 1967 – February 5, 2026)
Frank is survived by his wife of 31 years, Kim; their three children, Nathan Kazda, Audrey Gortsema (Justin), and Aiden Kazda (Sarah); his parents, Tom and Lavetta Kazda; his sister, JoEllen [McDonald] (Gene); and his grandchildren, Jace and Emerson Gortsema. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Tom Keogh (Jackie); sisters in law Nicole Daly (Patrick) and Emily Wasik (Bob/Robert); Nieces and Nephews Marissa Keogh, Trevor Keogh, Charlotte and Henry Wasik, and his mother-in-law, Sharon Keogh. In addition, his friends who became family Kevin and Kim Anderson, and their kids who looked at Frank like their Dad, Lindsey, Tyler, and Zach.
Frank grew up in LaGrange, Illinois, and graduated from Lyons Township High School. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Western Michigan University. He started working for Sun Chemical in Chicago. Kim and Frank then moved to Holland, where he worked for BASF and Sun Chemical before spending the last 16 years at Welch Dry. It was there where he also built deep friendships and took pride in the work he did every day.
If Frank wasn’t working, he was with his dogs or other people—family, friends, teammates, or the kids he coached. Frank would be seen throughout the Holland Heights neighborhood walking his “boys”. Sometimes being pulled by his beloved poodles. He loved sports of every kind and would try almost anything once, usually discovering he was naturally good at it. In recent years, he fell in love with pickleball, where he was known for his relentless energy, his competitive streak, and for strategic placement that sent opponents running back and forth. He also poured himself into coaching his kids in baseball and softball, including several years with Storm Softball and Zeeland East High School, and continued his coaching even after they had graduated.
Frank also loved a good prank. Whether he was roping his family into a harmless scheme or playfully teasing his coworkers, he had a knack for creating laughter wherever he went. He was equally well known for his unique sense of style—or, as his children liked to say, his complete lack of it. Frank often showed up to work or family events wearing mismatched shoes, an inside out shirt, or color combinations bold enough to make his daughter cringe. His unintentional fashion statements became part of his charm and a source of endless stories.
Above all else, Frank’s greatest accomplishment—and the thing he was most proud of—was his family. He and Kim raised three wonderful children, and he never missed a chance to brag about their achievements on and off the field. He welcomed their spouses with open arms and embraced his newest title, “Grandpa,” with joy and tenderness.
Frank will be remembered for his humor, his competitiveness, his loyalty, and the way he made every gathering more fun simply by being there. His absence will be deeply felt, but his impact will continue in the lives of the many people he loved so well.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon (Eastern Time), Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church, 836 E. 8th Street, Holland MI 49423. Visitation will be 4:30-6:30 pm, (Eastern Time) Friday, at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland MI 49464.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gift of Life Michigan, 3861 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor MI 48108.
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