Class Year: 1950

Catherine Sharp ’51 Kranendonk June 17, 2023, Succasunna, New Jersey Continue Reading →

Molly Angela Baker, 92, of Saugatuck, MI and Key Largo, FL passed away on March 5th, 2023. Molly was born on May 6, 1930 to Marion and Angela Buttles in Zeeland, MI. She and her twin, Mary, were the first twins born in Zeeland Hospital. After graduating from Holland High School and then Hope College, she… Continue Reading →

Paul N Buckhout, 92, a resident of Lake Havasu City, passed away Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, peacefully at his home. He was born Nov. 16, 1930 to Madelyn and Joe Buckhout in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan. He attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and studied in Mexico for a semester, which… Continue Reading →

Mary Jane (“Janie”) Van Zyl was born on August 14, 1929 to Nellie Beatrice Carpenter and James Arthur Wright in a farmhouse in Winterset, Iowa. On June 14, 2023 at the age of 93, Janie went home to be with her Lord and Savior and is now joyfully reunited with her husband and great love of fifty years,… Continue Reading →

On May 6, 2023, Arthur Sidney Veltman passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to be reunited with his beloved wife of 66 years, Donna Mae Veltman. Art is survived by his children Warren (Julie) Veltman, Elizabeth Veltman, Brenda Veltman and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Emily (Om) Shankar (Isla), Austin Veltman, Gerrit (Kim) Veltman, Gina (Nathan) Schau (Eleonore, Joanna), Grant Veltman,… Continue Reading →

Mary Ellen Overbeek, formerly of Long Lake in Pavilion Township, Michigan, passed away peacefully May 16, 2023 at Oak Trace Lifespace Community in Downers Grove, Illinois. Mary Ellen was born on July 25, 1931 in Kalamazoo to Henry and Jennie Weessies. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and Hope College with a degree in… Continue Reading →

John L. Van Riper died on June 10, 2023. He is survived by his wife Joanne Van Riper, his three children Karen Van Riper Martin and her husband Shannon; Cheryl Van Riper Walker and her husband Scott; and Ken Van Riper and his husband Dave; stepdaughters Tracey Lopez and Wendy Lopez-Swiatek; grandchildren Rebecca, Samantha, Christopher and Benjamin and stepgrandchildren Justin, Jonah and John, as well as his two sisters… Continue Reading →

Joyce Ward, nee Van Drunen, died February 11, 2023, in Annapolis, Maryland, with family members by her side. She was 91 years old. Mrs. Ward was born in South Holland, Illinois, the daughter of Luke and Agnes Van Drunen. She was raised on a farm alongside her siblings and went on to study math at Hope College. Her… Continue Reading →

Allan Howard Russcher, M.D., age 90, quietly and peacefully entered eternity on Friday, June 16, 2023. Allan was born on July 28, 1932, to George and Theresa (Smallegan) Russcher in Shelby, MI and spent his childhood in Muskegon. He graduated from Hope College and received his medical degree from the University of Michigan. He was a pathologist and… Continue Reading →

Passed away Thursday afternoon, June 15, 2023. Helen was born December 23, 1931 in Kalamazoo, MI the daughter of Harold and Annetta (Sterenberg) Van Loo. She was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and Hope College. Helen taught English and Social Studies in several middle and high schools in Grandville, Palm Beach County, Portage, Grosse Pointe,… Continue Reading →

Dr. Lawrence Earle Veenstra, 91, was surrounded by loved ones on March 14, 2023, when he passed from this world to his heavenly home, where he now sings with the angel choirs. Larry was born and grew up in NW Grand Rapids, Michigan, the oldest of eight children born to Bernie and Marie Veenstra. In 1977, he… Continue Reading →

Donald Albert Baker went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 18, 2023. He was residing at the Diamond Care Center in Bridgewater, SD at the time of his death. Don was born April 28, 1933 in St Anne, IL to Albert & Catherine Baker. Growing up, Don lived in several towns in the Midwest. He… Continue Reading →

Rev. Gerald Anthony Vander Velde, age 92, passed away at home in Grand Rapids, Michigan on April 10, 2023. Jerry was born on December 25, 2030, to the late Harry and Mattie (Elhart) Vander Velde in Grand Rapids. Jerry married Ardythe Andree in 1953. Jerry attended Calvin College and later Hope College, where he obtained a BA in sociology.… Continue Reading →

Marlene was born September 11, 1934, the fifth child of Henry and Lillian (Pekelder) DeVette at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon. She had four siblings: Jack, Russ, Ben and Kathy. Marlene was a graduate of Muskegon High School Class of 1952 and attended Hope College. On December 29, 1956, she married Jack Louis Dykstra at Central Reformed Church in… Continue Reading →

Ms. Nelvie Jonker, age 95, of Orange City, passed away on Wednesday, April 5, at the Prairie Ridge Care Center in Orange City. A visitation with the family present will be held on Saturday, April 8, from 10:00am to 11:00am, at the First Reformed Church in Orange City. There will be a funeral service on Saturday, at… Continue Reading →

Kay Diana Peelen DeWitt, 87, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2023. She was the devoted wife of the late Earl M. DeWitt. Kay was born July 28, 1935 in Chicago, IL to the late Dr. John and Daisy Peelen. She grew up in and around Kalamazoo, MI, after traveling the country with her family… Continue Reading →

Donald K. Knoll, age 87, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 2, 2023. Don was born and raised in Holland, MI for much of his childhood before moving to Grand Rapids. He went to Ottawa Hills High School and graduated with the Class of 1953. Don attended the University of Michigan… Continue Reading →

Robert Bruce Veltman, of Hart, passed away Thursday, May 4, 2023, at his residence. Bob was born December 28, 1931, in Holland, Michigan, the son of Bruce and Belle Veltman. A veteran of the Korean Conflict, Robert enlisted in the Navy, serving as a medic with multiple branches of the military wherever he was needed. Bob was… Continue Reading →

John Docherty III ’58 After graduation he served in the US Army and had duty stations in NJ, MA and Okinawa, Japan. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service at Torri Station, Okinawa. He was employed by the National Security Agency in Ft. Meade, MD and held various security positions form 1962-1995… Continue Reading →

Donna Mae Hardenberg departed on her next adventure on May 12, 2023. The oldest of three children, she was born to James and Ruth Hardenberg on February 27, 1936 in Zeeland, Michigan. Donna, an alumnus of Hope College, taught for 30 years, befriending countless students while introducing them to the writers, poets, playwrights, and musicians she loved. In the… Continue Reading →