Class Year: 1950

Donald J. Barkel, age 86, of Holland, died Friday, May 29, 2020, at Vista Springs Holland Meadows. Don was a graduate of Holland High and attended Hope College. He graduated from Michigan Technical University with a BSME, MSME and Western Michigan University with an MBA. He was a lifelong member of First Reformed Church in… Continue Reading →

Mr. Brookstra passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at Manor Care in Davenport. Cunnick-Collins Mortuary and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements. Donald Lee Brookstra was born on August 1, 1934 in Chicago, IL, the son of Clarence and Gertrude (Norlag) Brookstra. He married Georgia Lee McCormick on June 8, 1956 in… Continue Reading →

Mary H. Kopp, 85, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2020. Born in Utica, NY on March 28, 1934, she was the daughter of Henry and Evelyn Hospers. Following her graduation from Hope College in Michigan, she taught Junior High science in Willow Run and Hamilton, Michigan for several years. She then moved to Schenectady, New York,… Continue Reading →

Janet M. Ortquist, 87, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 21, 2020, surrounded by her family. She was the second of three daughters born to loving parents Reverend Delbert and Clara Kinney. She graduated from Clifton High School in Clifton, NJ, and obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology from Hope College… Continue Reading →

Reverend Dr. John Henry Spaulding was born on October 30, 1933 in Delray, Michigan, to Ivabel and Henry (Daddy Hank) Spaulding. He passed away on Friday, February 14, 2020. His older brothers were Robert Bruce Spaulding (Margaret) and James Mason Spaulding (Jean), now deceased. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan, graduated from Hope College, Holland,… Continue Reading →

Robert DeWilde, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. Robert was a loving and supportive father and grandfather. Grandpa was a great storyteller and enjoyed sharing memories of his youth and adventures eventually ending with the entire family laughing. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was… Continue Reading →

Richard A. Rhem, age 85, passed into Life Eternal at his home on the shore of Lake Michigan on February 23, 2020. Richard was born on February 11, 1935 in Kalamazoo, MI earmarked for ministry from the womb through his father’s prayer for a son. Richard excelled in education at all levels, being honored as… Continue Reading →

Roger Gordon Roelofs, age 83, of Grand Rapids, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 21, 2020. He was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, John Meengs and Richard Campbell; and sister-in-law, Florence Campbell. Roger will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Marilyn (Campbell) Roelofs, children, David… Continue Reading →

Dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend Dr. Raymond E. Beckering, Jr. passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 3, 2020. Ray was born in Chicago, Illinois to the late Rev. Raymond and Harriet (Hasper) Beckering. Ray graduated from Calumet High School in 1954 and then attended Hope College on a scholarship from the Pullman Educational Foundation.… Continue Reading →

Virginia De Vries, passed away suddenly on March 29, 2020 from a cardiac event while she was live-streaming church service of Valley Community Presbyterian Church Virginia De Vries, passed away suddenly on March 29, 2020 from a cardiac event while she was live-streaming church service of Valley Community Presbyterian Church from self-isolation at home with… Continue Reading →

Joanne Izenbart, age 84, of Zeeland, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, February 22, 2020. Joanne was born in Ghent, Belgium, to missionary parents on Jan. 2, 1936. Her family had to come back to the Holland area because of the dangers of World War II. They moved to Detroit, Michigan for her grade… Continue Reading →

Ron Sisson, 84, ended his battle with Parkinson’s disease on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. He was born on December 11, 1935, to Darford and Mabel Van Lente Sisson. He grew up in St. Joseph, MI, where he was very active in all sports and the National Honor Society. He attended Hope College where he played… Continue Reading →

Jay Veldman of Coopersville went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 25, 2020. Jay was born on May 29, 1935 to Clifford and Marian (Busman) Veldman who preceded him in death. Jay was preceded in death by brother-in-law, Bert Schipper, sister Marilyn and brother-in-law Cal Meindertsma, and sister Sharon Young. Jay is… Continue Reading →

Theodore A. Du Mez, 06/27/1937- 05/15/2020, of Holland, Michigan died unexpectedly and comfortably on Friday, May 15, 2020. An accomplished and talented youth, he earned his Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts and graduated from Holland High School. After completing his undergraduate degree at Hope College, he went on to earn his master’s degree… Continue Reading →