Class Year: 1960

Margie Otto ’65 Meyer

Margie “Marj” Lynne Meyer, age 79 of Spring Lake, passed away the morning of Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at home. She was born on January 5, 1943, in Sturgis, Michigan, the daughter of Edward and Waneta (Lantz) Otto. Margie graduated from Sturgis High School, Class of 1961, and in 1965 she graduated with a B.A. from… Continue Reading →

John Ver Steeg ’65

John H. VerSteeg, of Kalamazoo, went to be with his Heavenly Father on June 10, 2022. John was born March 9, 1943 in Sheldon, Iowa, son of Melvin A. Sr. and Eunice M. (DeBruin) VerSteeg. He had resided in the Kalamazoo area since graduating from Hope College in 1965. He served in the Air Force National Guard… Continue Reading →

Gregory DePree ’66

Gregory DePree was born the twelfth of April, 1944 in Columbus, Ohio; the oldest of three brothers born to Hugh and Ruth DePree. Growing up in Zeeland, Michigan, Greg attended Zeeland High School, where he excelled in golf and football. Greg was a graduate of Hope College in Holland, Michigan and earned his graduate degree from American University in Washington,… Continue Reading →

Henry Dykema ’67

James Dykema, age 76, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2022. Henry was born to Frederick & Elizabeth Dykema on November 12, 1945. Henry grew up in Grant, MI, studied chemistry in college and then became a teacher at Grant Public Schools. He was initially a 5th grade teacher for a short time, then he became a high… Continue Reading →

Calvin Kempker ’68

Calvin (Cal) Kempker, age 77, passed away unexpectedly on April 7, 2022. Cal was a man of many loves. He enjoyed gardening, biking, and a good walk downtown Holland. He was an avid reader and visited the library often. He was passionate about travel, especially by train internationally. He loved his dog; Piper and he will… Continue Reading →

Lenora DeBoer ’69 Ridder

In her own writing, Lenora stated, “The Lord always had a plan for me. It was good, very good, and a hope for the future.” Lenora (De Boer) Ridder was raised in South Holland, Illinois on July 8, 1927 by Peter and Lena De Boer. She was encouraged to attend Calvin College by her pastor, and by… Continue Reading →

David Ross ’69

David was the son of the late Clara Gouger Ross and William Myron Ross. David grew up in the Winton Road / Main Street area of Rochester, New York. He graduated from East High School in 1965 and received his undergraduate degree from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. He received his Master of Education degree from Wayne State University. David… Continue Reading →

David Styf ’69

David Styf, age 75, passed away Monday, July 11, 2022. Dave was born and raised in Zeeland, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sherry. Dave and Sherry raised their three children in Hastings, MI and retired to Sarasota, FL and Wyoming, MI, before Dave moved to Marietta, GA in 2021. Dave was… Continue Reading →

Stephen VanderWeele ’69

Stephen F VanderWeele passed away May 2022 in Ft. Worth TX after a long illness. He is survived by 2 children , Christopher VanderWeele and Carrie Grace, and 2 grandsons. No obituary. His ashes were brought back to Michigan. Continue Reading →

Jim Kaat ’60

The week before his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame (as featured on page 46), Jim Kaat ’60 was honored by the Minnesota Twins by having his number retired. He is pictured at center with former Hope teammate (and fellow pitcher) Al Kober ’60 and current Hope coach Stu Fritz. Continue Reading →

Al Kober ’60

The week before his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame (as featured on page 46), Jim Kaat ’60 was honored by the Minnesota Twins by having his number retired. He is pictured at center with former Hope teammate (and fellow pitcher) Al Kober ’60 and current Hope coach Stu Fritz. Continue Reading →

Darrel Staat ’64

Darrel Staat ’64 had his eighth book published by Rowman and Littlefield: Centers of Excellence: Niche Methods to Improve Higher Education in the 21st Century. Darrel is still working full time as associate professor in the Thayer School of Graduate Studies at Wingate University. He finds working with doctoral students a great pleasure. Continue Reading →

Neal Sobania ’68

Neal Sobania ’68 of Lakewood, Washington, is co-author, with longtime scholarly collaborator Dr. Raymond Silverman, of the book Ethiopian Church Art: Painters, Patrons, Purveyors. The image-rich study chronicles a tradition that has been part of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity for more than 1,500 years. It is based on research they conducted for 25 years in the… Continue Reading →

Jon Smoker ’69

Jon Smoker ’69 of Elkhart, Indiana, set a world bench press record of 216 pounds for 75+, 165 lb. class. It was previously held by a lifter from Azerbaijan. Continue Reading →

Gary Looman ’60

Gary Looman, of Webster Groves, MO, passed away Friday, August 5, 2022 at the age of 84. Loving husband to the late Roberta “Robin” Looman; beloved son of the late Abraham and Jeanette Looman; loving father of Sue Kristin ’89 (Russell ’91) Dittmar, Karen Beth ’91 Looman, and Ann Michelle ’96 (Dave) Hunter; cherished grandfather… Continue Reading →

Douglas Neckers ’60

DOUGLAS NECKERS OBITUARY News story By Alexa Scherzinger Blade Staff Writer Douglas Neckers, whose dedication to the study of photochemistry helped pioneer 3D printing technology, died Tuesday in his Perrysburg home. He was 84. Mr. Neckers, who also gained recognition for his commentaries and interest in various scientific and cultural topics, had been in good… Continue Reading →

Christine Pindar ’61 Van Eck

Mrs. Christine Van Eck, age 94, of Grand Haven passed away Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at home. She was born December 19, 1927, in Albany, New York toWilliam and Beatrice (Dow) Pindar. On December 24, 1949, she marriedMarvinVan Eck and he preceded her in death in 1998. Christine was a member of Fellowship Reformed and… Continue Reading →

Gerald Nieusma ’62

Capt. Gerald Edwin (Jerry) Nieusma passed away quietly, in the company of his family, at his home in Morgantown, WV, on Sunday, August 7, 2022. He is preceded in death by his parents, an older sister, Bobbie, and a younger brother, Bill. He is survived by his spouse of 60 years, Judy Nieusma; four children… Continue Reading →

Daughn Schipper ’63 Greenwood

Daughn Lee Schipper Greenwood passed away on August 30, 2022, at age 81. She was born November 13, 1940, in Coopersville, MI to Lee C. Schipper and Arlene Fern Schipper. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, and then by her husband Terry in 2009. She is survived by her brother Max… Continue Reading →