Class Year: 1970

Jon Post ’77

Jon Post ’77 reports that since marrying his wife, Diane, on a church-planting team in Alaska in 1985, they have served as missionaries in Russia (1992-96), Kyrgyzstan (2001-09), Nepal (2014-21) and Romania (2021-present) with ggvo.org. Continue Reading →

Scott Dwyer ’78

Scott Dwyer ’78 was included in the 2023 edition of the Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine. He is an attorney at Mika Meyers, PLC, helping people with employment and labor issues. Continue Reading →

Carolyn MacGregor ’70 Getty

In loving memory of Carolyn MacGregor Getty October 24, 1948 – November 12, 2023. On November 12, 2023 Carolyn MacGregor Getty, a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, was gently embraced by her Savior after more than a yearlong courageous battle with cancer. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, William, her infant daughter, Renee Louise,… Continue Reading →

Linda Glendening ’70

Howard and Helen Marian (Vander Linden) Glendening gave birth to two children: Richard Norman and Linda Kay. They were living in Moline, Illinois when Linda was born on May 12, 1942. In 1947 an employment opportunity for Howard brought them back to Leighton, Iowa where he eventually became president of the Leighton State Bank, formerly… Continue Reading →

Thomas Stack ’71

Thomas Michael Stack, 74, formerly of Ellenville, NY entered into Glory peacefully in his sleep on October 12, 2023 in his new home of 3 months in Wimberly, Texas. Tom was born on Nov. 6, 1948 in Troy, NY to parents Eugene and Ruth Stack. He graduated from Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School in Burnt… Continue Reading →

Rebecca Tate ’71 Zurcher

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Rebecca Lynn Zurcher of Pomeroy, Ohio, born in Cleveland, Ohio, who passed away on November 4, 2023, at the age of 74, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them… Continue Reading →

Jack DeJong ’72

Jack is survived by his wife of 27 years, Sybille DeJong, of DeWitt, MI; his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, Matthew, Jane, and Thys DeJong, of Plymouth, MI; his daughter, Melissa DeJong of Los Angeles, CA; his step-daughter & step-grandson, Debra and Van Wirtz, of Marshall, MI; and several in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded… Continue Reading →

Marlene VandenBerg ’72 Kuite

Marlene VanDenBerg Kuite went to her heavenly home on July 30, 2023 at the age of 87. Marlene was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Kuite of 70 years, son Mark Kuite and great granddaughter Kimberly, Kuite. Marlene will continue to live on thru her family. Daughters Kristi Wiersum, Robbin McGee, grandchildren Gina Gerfen,… Continue Reading →

John Brown ’76

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of John H. Brown of Holland, Michigan, who passed away on September 1, 2023 at the age of 69. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. Continue Reading →

Ben Tubergen ’76

Ben D. Tubergen, age 69, of Holland passed away on Saturday morning, July 15, 2023. He died in the comfort of his home following a cancer diagnosis in April 2023. Ben was born in Holland on December 12, 1953. He was a graduate of Holland Christian High School, attended Calvin College and graduated from Hope… Continue Reading →

Robert VandenBerg ’71 and Sharon Brown ’71 VandenBerg

Robert VandenBerg ’71 and his wife, Sharon Brown ’71 VandenBerg, have now retired. After practicing medicine for 40 years and living in the state of Washington, they have sold their home and retired to Arizona. He reports that the Lord has richly blessed them and allowed them to build a home in a beautiful retirement… Continue Reading →

Chuck Brooks ’74

Chuck Brooks ’74 retired in 2020 from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Washington, D.C. His duties included: U.S. Domestic Operations, Special Events Office, executive protection for Secretary of State, POTUS, FLOTUS and high-ranking U.S. military and foreign dignitaries, Turkish Embassy, Russian Embassy, DACHA Russian Compound, senior security liaison specialist for U.S.… Continue Reading →

Michael Toscano ’75

Michael Toscano ’75 reports that after more than 40 years, he retired from a career in the pharmaceutical industry as of December 2023. In February 2024, the Michigan Pharmacists Association honored him with its Executive Board Medal. This leadership award is the highest honor a non-pharmacist can receive and was presented at the association’s annual… Continue Reading →

Dr. Robert Motzer ’77

May 16-18 “Milestone Weekend” a Chance to Enjoy Hope without Exams or Papers Talks by alumni and faculty on topics ranging from mountain climbing around the world to brain-regeneration research at Hope, campus tours and updates about the college, and opportunities to connect with other members of the Hope family will all be among the… Continue Reading →

Karen Siebenthal ’79

Karen Siebenthal ’79 retired from Pfizer, Inc. after more than 30 years working in clinical development, specializing in the support of inspections of clinical trial data by regulatory agencies worldwide. Continue Reading →

Janice Blakley ’70 Westlund

Janice Ruth Westlund (née Blakley), died December 22, 2023. Born in Webster, New York to Walter and Mary Ruth Blakley. She graduated from Hope College and held various teaching positions before meeting her husband Steve in Chicago. Together they worked in and eventually co-owned Bob’s Hardware in Rockford, IL. Janice enjoyed coming up with new ways to… Continue Reading →

Carl Folkert ’74

Carl John Folkert, born January 4, 1952, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 5, 2024, due to complications of cancer. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Barbara Koop Folkert ’74; his daughter and daughter-in-law, Kate Folkert ’99 and Erin Overmeyer; his daughter and son-in-law, Libby ’00 and Matthew McKinley; his son and daughter-in-law, Tim ’03… Continue Reading →

Renita VanderMeulen ’75 Howat

On June 11, 1953, Renita Annette was born to William and Jeanette VanderMeulen. She was the oldest of 10 children, and spent her childhood years in Whitby, Ontario. Theirs was a God-fearing, church-going family, which would have a significant impact on the rest of Renita’s life. She accepted Jesus as her Savior when she was… Continue Reading →