Muriel Elzinga ’55 Bolhuis
Muriel Bolhuis, 89
Heaven has gained another organist for their choir of Angels! With earthly sorrow and much love, we mourn the passing of Muriel Bolhuis. Her musical talent brought joy to all throughout her life.
Muriel was born March 24, 1933 in Hamilton, Michigan to John and Grace Elzinga. She attended the Little Red Schoolhouse in Hamilton before transitioning to Holland High School and later graduated from Hope College. She taught at Hudsonville Public Schools in the 1950’s and was a music teacher for Holland Public Schools in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Muriel was a certified Piano teacher, and began teaching lessons in her teens and retired in her 80’s. She was a member of the Michigan Music Teachers Association and charter member of the Holland Piano Teachers Forum. In her teenage years, she played piano for the Dutch Dancers during Tulip Time. Muriel was a Music Volunteer for the Day Center of Evergreen Commons for over 25 years. She also volunteered for Appledorn Care Center until 2015. Muriel grew up in Hamilton Reformed Church where she served as a Pianist and Organist starting in her early teens. She has been a member of Third Reformed Church since 1956 where she was active in Sunday School Youth & Music Programs.
Muriel was preceded in death by her parents and husband Jack Bolhuis.
Muriel is survived by her children: Dan (Tami) Bolhuis, David (Jackie) Bolhuis, and Mary (Eric) Libby. Her Grandchildren: Ryan(Sami) Libby, Jared (Kristal) Bolhuis, Amanda (Mike) Bolhuis, Carleigh Libby, Jami (Mitch) Walsh, Stephanie (Rob) Bolhuis, Jessica(Hugh) Urey, and Blayne (Brittany) Libby. And her Great Grandchildren: Ryker and Hudson Libby, Lane and Beau Bolhuis.
In 2010 with the help of her Piano students, Muriel recorded an album named Reflections. The album is a compilation of her favorite hymns she played as a teen at Hamilton Reformed church and also includes an original song (Serenity) composed together with her son Dan. The family uploaded the album to Soundcloud and you can listen to it by searching: Reflections-Muriel Elzinga Bolhuis