Class Year: 1970

Jim McFarlin ’74

Jim McFarlin ’74 of Champaign, Illinois, was one of six outstanding journalists inducted into the 2023 class of the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame in April for his outstanding contributions to the profession. McFarlin, a member of the Hope College Board of Trustees, is an award-winning author and freelance journalist with extensive newspaper and media-relations… Continue Reading →

David DeKok ’75

David DeKok ’75 recently had his first bylined stories in the New York Times in a long journalism career. Based in Harrisburg, Pennslvania, he covered the extradition hearing in the Poconos for Bryan Kohberger, accused killer of four Idaho college students, and the aftermath of the deadly chocolate factory gas explosion in West Reading, Pennslvania.… Continue Reading →

Nancy Blackwell ’77

Nancy Blackwell ’77 reports that after long careers in information technology, 27 years for her and 44 years for her husband, they have both finally retired and have begun traveling, spending winters in the state and national parks of Florida and summers camping all over the country. When they’re not on the road, they are… Continue Reading →

Paul Hansen ’78

Paul Hansen ’78 had his second book published: Thematic Expressions for the Lord’s Supper. The book deals with the weeks-long period between the announcement of an upcoming communion service and how to lead people to the table in a biblical fashion. He is currently working on his third book on forgiveness, called Sin and Forgiveness. Continue Reading →

Charles Bigelow ’70

Rev. Charles “Chuck” Bigelow, age 75, died surrounded by his family on Thursday, March 9, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was a faithful servant of God who brought warmth, kindness, and humor to so many throughout his life. He spoke often of an idyllic childhood in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he was raised in a… Continue Reading →

Joan Westhuis ’70

Joan Westhuis, 76, of Fond du Lac, passed away Friday, April 28, 2023 with family by her side. Joan was born October 3, 1946 to Wesly and Jean (Lemmenes) Westhuis in Waupun. She attended and graduated from Waupun High School and then later went to Hope College in Holland, MI where she graduated with a degree in Religion.… Continue Reading →

Roger Jones ’72

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John, Chapter 14, verses 1-2 Roger Lee Jones of Holland, MI, age 74, passed away at home on… Continue Reading →

Candy Carey ’72 Porter

Candy Carey Porter, 72, passed peacefully into the arms of her loving Father while surrounded by her family on April 5, 2023 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While her family and friends are thankful that she is at rest, they will miss her love, friendship, quick wit, and genuine affection for those around her. After having been… Continue Reading →

Thomas Jeltes ’73

Dr. Thomas C. Jeltes (TJ), age 72 , of Dade City, Florida, passed away with his family by his side on May 16th, 2023. He was born to Clara and Simon Jeltes on March 8th, 1951 in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. Thomas graduated from Lee Highschool in 1969 and went on to receive his BA from Hope College in… Continue Reading →

Margaret Francis ’73 Swieringa

Peg Swieringa died unexpectedly on February 23 at the family home in Custer, WA, of heart failure. All who knew her mourn at her loss. Our light is gone but the glow remains. Peg was born on May 26, 1951, in Midland, Michigan, to Joe and Molly Francis. She was born on the opening day of trout… Continue Reading →

Margaret Byl ’76 Amstutz

Margaret Byl Amstutz, 68, of Montague, was called home to be with the Lord she dutifully served, Sunday, April 23, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born April 28, 1954, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Dutch immigrants Peter and Jakoba (Westers) Byl. A farm girl and big sister to four brothers, Margaret was… Continue Reading →

Kathleen VanPelt ’76 Gross

Kathleen Gross, 69, was reunited with the love of her life on May 29, 2023. She was born October 14th, 1953 in Perth Amboy, NJ. She was the first of 5 children to Stanley and Louise (French) VanPelt. After graduating from the Hillsborough School System, Kathy studied at Hope College in Michigan as well as abroad… Continue Reading →

William Seiberling ’79

William “Bill” M. Seiberling passed away on April 29, 2023 at the age of 67 in Sarasota, Florida. He was born in Akron, Ohio on May 27, 1955 to William C. and Jeanne M. Seiberling. Bill had a wonderful childhood growing up in Columbia, Turkey, and Taiwan. In high school, he developed a love of rock and roll… Continue Reading →

Charles Van Engen ’70

Charles Van Engen ’70 was awarded the lifetime achievement award by the American Society of Missiology at its annual meeting, held in June at St. Mary’s University in South Bend, Indiana. He received the award for his lifetime of forming church and mission leaders for greater service through Bible preaching, teaching and writing so that… Continue Reading →

Donald Steele ’72

Donald Steele ’72 had his monologue piece, Jacoe and Me presented by Artistic New Directions in New York as part of its Go Solo presentation. It was performed in October and is also available on YouTube. Continue Reading →

Christian Fenton ’73

Christian Fenton ’73 was appointed interim superintendent of the Grosse Pointe Public School system while the board searches for a permanent superintendent. He retired from Grosse Pointe after more than 37 years, with the performing arts center at GP North High School named after him. Continue Reading →

Russell Gasero ’73

Russell Gasero ’73 received the Sister M. Claude Lane, O.P., Memorial Award given by the Society of American Archivists in conjunction with the Society of Southwest Archivists. The award honors an archivist who has made a significant contribution to the field of religious archives. He has been an archivist for the Reformed Church in America… Continue Reading →

Richard “Blue” Williams ’75

Richard “Blue” Williams ’75 is in final editing of his dad’s letters (more than 300), postcards and photos sent to his family during World War II, when he served with the 234th Engineer Combat Battalion. The letters, woven with the narrative written after the war about the battlion, covers his training in the U.S. and… Continue Reading →

Gordon J. Alderink ’76

Gordon J. Alderink ’76 co-authored a text book, Clinical Kinesiology and Biomechanics, A Problem-Based Learning Approach. He is a retired associate professor from the department of physical therapy and athletic training at Grand Valley State University. Continue Reading →