Class Year: 1980

Darlene Hiemstra ’86 Shotmeyer

Darlene Hiemstra ’86 Shotmeyer has been elected the New Jersey Bergen County Republican State Committeewoman serving for her third term. She was recently elected as the vice-chair of the New Jersey Republican State Party for the the entire state of New Jersey Continue Reading →

Imelda Martinez ’80 Ramirez

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Imelda (Martinez) Ramirez, beloved wife, step-mother, sister and aunt. Imelda died peacefully on July 9, 2021 with her husband, Nick Ramirez, and family by her side. On Nov 18, 2017 she was united in marriage to her loving husband, Ignatius (Nick) Ramirez, who survives,… Continue Reading →

Stephen Attanasio ’81

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Stephen Anthony Attanasio of West Islip, New York, who passed away on April 22, 2021, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. Continue Reading →

James Pratt ’81

James Michael Pratt Jr.”Jamie,” 61 of Zeeland, passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at his home. Jamie was born October 4, 1959, in St. Louis, Missouri, to James Sr. and Helen ” Betty” ( Cook) Pratt. Jamie grew up in Lansing, Michigan and went to Hope College. He majored in Biology and met Paula… Continue Reading →

Lawrence Nyboer ’82

Lawrence ” Larry” Nyboer, age 61 of Holland, passed away Thursday, July 8, 2021. Larry was born in Holland, graduated fromWest Ottawa High School, and Hope College. He taught social studies for many years in the Holland Public Schools. Larry was a history buff, an avid reader, and loved watching Jeopardy. Larry was preceded in… Continue Reading →

Deborah Brookstra ’82 Orendorf

Deborah Lynn Brookstra Orendorff, 61, of Bettendorf, Iowa, died Friday, August 27, 2021, at home. Deborah Lynn Brookstra was born November 3, 1959, at the Great Lakes Naval Base, the daughter of Donald and Georgia Brookstra of Davenport, Iowa. She graduated from Davenport West High School in 1978, and went on to attend Hope College… Continue Reading →

Brenda Grevel ’83 Griswold

Brenda Kay Griswold, age 60 of Grand Haven, passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Mercy Hospital. She was born on December 11, 1960 in Grand Haven, MI to Allan and Marilyn (Dyksterhouse) Grevel. Brenda graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1979 and then Hope College in 1983 with her BA in Business… Continue Reading →

Martha LaMaire VanLonkhuyzen ’83 Hules

Martha Joanne Hules, loving wife, mother, stepmother and grandmother, died July 23, 2021 unexpectedly after a health complication. Born August 7, 1949 to Martin & Johanna LaMaire, in Oak Park IL, sibling Paul followed 3 years later. Martha grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and was active in theater and the high school band.… Continue Reading →

David Bast ’88

David John Bast, aged 55, of Holland, MI, passed away from cancer on July 8, 2021. He was born on April 9, 1966 in Orange City, Iowa to Robert and Janet (Wessels) Bast. His family moved to Chicago and then Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1984. He graduated… Continue Reading →

Sue Sharp ’80 Anker

Sue Sharp ’80 Anker retired as a school social worker seven years ago from Farmington Public Schools. She has been on the Young Life staff for the past four years as the Young Life Eastern Great Lakes Regional Capernaum coordinator and team leader for Metro Detroit Capernaum. Capernaum is a Young Life outreach ministry to… Continue Reading →

John Vander Ven Jr. ’81

John Vander Ven Jr. ’81 and his family moved to Otsego, Michigan, from Australia, where he lived for almost 30 years. He reports that it is great to be back living in small town, rural America. Continue Reading →

Paul Van Heest ’82

Paul Van Heest ’82 was a finalist in the 2021 International Artprize competition held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His series of color pencil drawings, titled Four Calling Birds, also earned the artist four cash awards. Continue Reading →

Tim Kasten ’82

Tim Kasten ’82 has returned to Nairobi to the headquarters of the UN Environment Progamme (UNEP), where he serves as director of the policy and programme division responsible for UNEP’s strategic planning, results-based management, and setting the organizational programme to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, loss of biodiversity and pollution. Continue Reading →

Eva Dean Folkert ’83

Eva Dean Folkert ’83 of Holland, Michigan, retired from the Hope College staff in February. She had served most recently as interim director of public affairs and marketing, but since 1985 had served in a variety of capacities at the college, including as a writer and editor in the public relations office; a member of… Continue Reading →

John Brender ’84

John Brender ’84 is author of the book Millennial Expats in China: Experiences and Observations, published in December 2021. He is director of special initiatives with the office of international programs at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Continue Reading →

Wendy Vander Hart ’85

Wendy Vander Hart ’85 finished a call as interim senior minister at First United Church of Christ in Northfield, Minnesota, and is now serving as interim senior pastor of Union Church in Waban, Massachusetts. Continue Reading →

David McWatters ’86

David McWatters ’86 returned into the woods, one hundred yards from Lake Michigan, spending the COVID years renovating Manitou Lodge. He reports that he is grateful to wake up each morning with a beautiful girl beside him, albeit one with a large nose and hairy ears. He and his Great Dane, Gracie, go to the… Continue Reading →

Diana Krahe ’86 Steketee

Diana Krahe ’86 Steketee is a registered play therapist serving children in the Jenison, Michigan, area. She has a primary interest in the issues related to foster care and adoption, having previously worked in the child welfare system for 20 years. In March, she became president of the Michigan Association for Play Therapy after previously… Continue Reading →

Chad Bergman ’89

Chad Bergman ’89 recently purchased Farnham’s Furniture in Casper, Wyoming, where he has worked for the past 28 years. Farnham’s carries medium- to upper-end furniture and mattresses in a 45,000-square-foot showroom. Continue Reading →