Sadly, Jean passed away in August shortly after we interviewed her and DuWayne for this story. She was a gracious, generous person, and she is deeply missed.
DuWayne and Jean Schuler have floated down the Amazon River, hunted roe deer at Balmoral, and visited former exchange students in Japan. But for all their travels, it’s their home on Ryerson Lake that the Schulers describe as their piece of heaven on Earth.
After decades in Kent County—where Jean was a teacher and DuWayne owned a wine shop—the Schulers were introduced to Ryerson Lake by friends who invited them to visit. “We thought it was terrific and kept coming back,” said DuWayne. They eventually began renting a cottage and then bought property of their own. They have now lived here full-time for more than 20 years.
This community, said DuWayne, “has a certain Currier and Ives feel to it.” The Schulers enjoy the rural setting with impressive amenities like Tamarac, the Dogwood Center, and a great library. They also like that local people are quick to give back.
“We’re thankful that so many people have put their resources back into the town,” said Jean. “You can see the difference it makes.”
DuWayne and Jean share the same commitment. DuWayne has served on the library board and volunteered with the Friends of the Library, an organization Jean led for years. Jean has also enjoyed volunteering at Camp Newaygo and being part of the Fremont Garden Club and Quilter’s Guild. When friends introduced them to the Community Foundation, it felt like another natural fit. They decided to create the Jean Schuler Education Fund here in honor of Jean’s career as an educator.
“I wanted something that would reflect what Jean had been involved in,” said DuWayne. “She was an extraordinary teacher and had a profound influence on many young lives.”



