This past fall, I grabbed coffee with Yvonne Bullinger at The Community House in Norton Shores to initially learn more about her businesses. One of my favorite parts of publishing STROLL Spring Lake is meeting with local business owners, not just to talk about partnering with the magazine, but to hear their stories. Because let's be honest... everyone has one.

As we chatted, I discovered that Yvonne is a longtime Spring Lake resident with a unique family dynamic that spans four generations living right here in our community. I immediately knew the Bullingers would make a wonderful Family Feature.

Fast forward to photo day in July, when smoke drifting down from the Canadian wildfires had settled over West Michigan, creating less-than-ideal air quality. I offered to reschedule, but Yvonne, ever the optimist, said the lack of direct sunlight would actually make for better photos. My photographer laughed and replied, "Well... she's not wrong!" So we gathered at the family's beautiful pond and captured these gorgeous images against a surprisingly dreamy, smoky backdrop.

Now it's your turn to meet the Bullinger family. I hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as I did!

Some families move to Spring Lake because of its beautiful waterfront, outstanding schools, or close-knit neighborhoods. For the Bullinger family, it's all of those things and so much more. 

"Our story is really intertwined with Spring Lake," Yvonne shared. "Our children started their school journey here, and now we're watching our grandson do the very same thing. It's incredibly special." Joe and Yvonne Bullinger will celebrate 25 years of marriage this November, but their story began long before wedding bells. The couple met while attending Grand Valley State University, where they shared several classes together.

"Joe always made sure I got safely to my car after class," Yvonne recalled. "What started as a friendship slowly grew into a love that has carried us through every chapter of life."

They were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Spring Lake and still make it a tradition to celebrate their anniversary with a trip to Traverse City whenever they can.

Today, their family includes son Tyler (32), daughter Joslyn (26), and energetic four-year-old grandson Elias, who is preparing to begin his second year of Pre-K at Holmes Elementary. In many ways, Elias is following a familiar path. Both his mom and Uncle Tyler also attended Holmes before graduating from Spring Lake High School.

"We love seeing Elias experience the same schools and community that meant so much to our family," Yvonne said. "Watching him begin his own journey reminds us why we've loved raising our family here."

Tyson and Chapo, the family's two Chihuahuas, provide daily entertainment, while their cat, Nala, has made it perfectly clear who really runs the house.

"Nala definitely rules the roost," Yvonne laughed. "The dogs may bark the loudest, but everyone knows she's in charge."

Family is unquestionably at the heart of everything they do. Joe's parents live in the neighborhood, along with his brother, sister, nieces, and nephews, making impromptu visits and family gatherings a regular part of everyday life.

"We don't have to wait for holidays to be together," Yvonne said. "Whether it's grilling, boating, walking around the pond, or simply enjoying a sunset, we're grateful we get to share so many everyday moments with the people we love."

They're equally proud of the adults their children have become.

"Kindness and compassion have always mattered most to us," Yvonne explained. "Watching Tyler and Joslyn become hardworking, caring adults has been one of our greatest blessings."

Joslyn has built a career in the medical field, where her caring nature shines every day. During her previous school years, she stayed busy with Spring Lake cheerleading, track, and competitive dance.

Tyler has worked in logistics for more than a decade at a local manufacturer. When he's not working, you'll most likely find him fishing. Regardless of whether it's a quiet pond, a winding river, Lake Michigan, or one of his carefully guarded secret fishing spots, his passion for the sport has rubbed off on Elias, who worships his Uncle Tyler. 

Then there's little Elias, whose love for nature keeps everyone smiling. "This summer he's spent countless hours catching frogs, tadpoles, and salamanders in Great Grandpa Jack's pond," Yvonne laughed. "Let's just say we've learned it's always a good idea to check his pockets before he comes inside!"

Professionally, Joe and Yvonne have both built careers centered around helping others. After graduating from Muskegon Community College and Grand Valley State University, Yvonne joined Access Health, where she has spent the past 26 years helping connect uninsured employees of small businesses with affordable healthcare coverage. She also owns My Nest at The Porch & Co., where she enjoys curating vintage and antique treasures.

Joe's career has included manufacturing, landscaping, and transportation. Today he's involved with family-owned businesses Accent Landscape Management and Bullship Logistics, an expedited freight company serving manufacturers throughout Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois.

"Life is definitely busy," Yvonne admitted. "Between work, family businesses, community events, and spending time together, there's always something happening, but this is how we prefer it."

Giving back has always been important to the Bullingers. Yvonne is active with the White Lake Area Chamber Leads Group, the Muskegon Chamber of Commerce, and The Chamber–Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg, where she enjoys supporting fellow local businesses and strengthening community relationships.

"We truly believe it's the people who make Spring Lake such an incredible place to live," she said. "We've been blessed by this community, and it's important to us to give back whenever we can." They are also members of The American Legion and The Eagles in Grand Haven and The Elks in Norton Shores. 

Around town, the family enjoys patronizing several places like Windermere House, Grand Finale, Two Tony's, Fuel, Weesies, Ace Hardware-all locally owned! 

  

When it's time to relax, you'll find the Bullingers doing what many West Michigan families love most: boating aboard the "Bullship," swimming at Barrett's marina, enjoying bonfires at home or the Elk's Campground in Muskegon, spending weekends at their cottage on Vineyard Lake near Brooklyn, Michigan, or simply watching another unforgettable lakeshore sunset.

"Some of our favorite memories aren't from big vacations," Yvonne reflected. "They're the simple evenings spent together on the water, around a fire, or gathered around the grill with family."

After four generations, countless memories, and a lifetime of community connections, one thing is certain: the Bullinger family's story is still being written, and Spring Lake remains at the heart of every chapter!