News from Hope College is published during April, August and December for alumni, friends and parents of Hope College by the Division of Public Affairs and Marketing.
Born on October 22nd, 1918 in New York, and entered into rest on October 8th, 2016 in Fremont, California at the age of 97. Survived by her sons, Fred Rohrer (Diana) of Pleasanton, CA, and Tom Rohrer (Ann) of Lafayette, CA; granddaughters Erin Alves (Joe) of Arroyo Grande, CA, and Carrie Rohrer of Tangier, Morocco; … Continue reading "Gladys Van Lare ’39 Rohrer"
Eloise Boynton ’41 Bosch, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away on Friday, October 7, 2016 after a brief illness. She was a friend to so many and lived her retirement years in her beloved Oman with her late husband, Dr Donald Bosch. She spent her working life in Oman as a teacher … Continue reading "Eloise Boynton ’41 Bosch"
Donald J. Van Ark, age 96, passed away on January 27, 2017, to be united with his wife Lileeth in heaven. He is survived by his brother, Mike and Mae Van Ark ’51 of Holland; a nephew, Jon and Gwen (son Daniel) Van Ark of Chapel Hill, NC and a niece Elizabeth Van Ark of … Continue reading "Donald Van Ark ’42"
Marjorie “Marge” Hass, one day short of reaching 95, passed away on Tuesday, October 4 at Oliver Woods Assisted Living. A Celebration of Life service will be held at noon on Saturday, October 8 at the Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Jennings-Lyons Chapel. Reverend Alice Lewis will officiate with burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. … Continue reading "Marjorie Borgman ’43 Hass"
Anna Laura Parsons ’44 Smith, age 94, passed away Monday, September 26, 2016 at home with family by her side. Born March 24, 1922 in Durand, Michigan, Anna Laura grew up in Holland and later lived in East Lansing. She graduated from Hope College in 1944. Anna Laura met her future husband, Fred B. Smith, in … Continue reading "Anna Parsons ’44 Smith"
Janet Bogart ’45 Wolbrink of Holland was born in Sea Cliff, NY, to Joseph H. and Ann E. Bogart. Her husband of 49 years, Robert Wolbrink; and her sister, M. Esther Bogart; preceded her in death. She moved to Holland in 1941 to attend Hope College, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. Shortly … Continue reading "Janet Bogart ’45 Wolbrink"
Elizabeth Romaine ’46 Hillegonds passed away peacefully with her family and Holland Hospice at her side on Oct. 10, 2016, after a long and blessed life. She is survived by her grateful sons and their families, Paul and wife Nancy (Phillips), Timothy ’72 and wife Lynn ’72 (Klaasen); grandchildren, Sarah and husband Jeff Beauregard, Michael Hillegonds, … Continue reading "Elizabeth Romaine ’46 Hillegonds"
Arthur Kerle ’46 of Grayling, passed into Glory on Wednesday, October 12, 2016. Born September 22, 1920 to Gustav and Elsie (Palubniak) Kerle in Passaic, NJ., his active life included achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in high school. Art married the love of his life, Helen Wilhelm Kerle, on June 12, 1947. They raised … Continue reading "Arthur Kerle ’46"
Vivian Dykema ’47 Krause of Westwood, MA, formerly of Dover, MA, died peacefully at home on November 3, 2016 at age 91. Beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Vivian is survived by her husband of 62 years Carl K. Krause, and children: Kathryn Krause of Millis, MA, Mary Recchia and husband Carl of Charlotte, VT, Paul … Continue reading "Vivian Dykema ’47 Krause"
M. Jean Meulendyke ’47 Millard of Zeeland passed away on Thursday, October 20, 2016. Jean was a charter member of Faith Reformed Church in Zeeland. She was a graduate of Hope College and taught high school before retiring to be a stay at home mom. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and … Continue reading "M. Jean Meulendyke ’47 Millard"
Carol Hermance ’48 Kennedy of Saginaw, MI Devoted and beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend ,”Romper Room’s” Miss Carol, teacher to hundreds of children, actress, Carol Jean Hermance Kennedy passed away peacefully at the age of 90, December 20,2016 at the Cartwright Hospice Residence. Carol Jean was born in Hudson N.Y. December 5, 1926 … Continue reading "Carol Hermance ’48 Kennedy"
Rosemary Finlaw ’48 Commeret Penn went to be with her Lord. She was 91 years old. She resided at Brookcrest Christian Nursing Home. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Rev. Raymond Commeret ’45 in 2003 and her second husband, Maury Penn, in 2011. She is survived by her four children, Timothy (Lelia) … Continue reading "Rosemary Finlaw ’48 Commeret Penn"
Carolyn Ingham ’49 Chandler a resident of Media for 55 years and a retired mathematics teacher from the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, died on September 23, 2016 at the age of 88. Born in Holland, Michigan, Carolyn was a graduate of Hope College in Holland and received her Master’s degree in Education from the University of … Continue reading "Carolyn Ingham ’49 Chandler"
Harold Dykstra ’49 died peacefully after an extended illness. He resided at a senior living facility in Chandler, Arizona. Rev. Dykstra was born in 1920 to parents Henry Dykstra and Florence Veldman Dykstra in Holland, Michigan. After service in the United States Army during WWII, he attended Hope College and Western Theological Seminary, both in … Continue reading "Harold Dykstra ’49"
William Dykstra ’49 of Grand Rapids, Michigan, died on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016. He was 89. He had a very quick mind and dry sense of humor. He had a passion for education which was fueled by great curiosity throughout his life. He was a true entrepreneur in every sense and had a gift of … Continue reading "William Dykstra ’49"
Chester Schemper ’49 of Oak Park, Illinois, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. Chester was born in Holland, to Harry and Edith (Kooyers) Schemper. He graduated from Hope College and Calvin Theological Seminary. He married Garrietta Petroelje in 1946. Chester served as a pastor in Christian Reformed Church congregations in Allendale, Chicago … Continue reading "Chester Schemper ’49"
Robert Becksfort ’50 88, of Niles passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at Woodland Terrace. He was born April 16, 1928, to the late Henry and Johanna (DeYoung) Becksfort in Holland. On June 16, 1951, he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Bedell ’50 who preceded him in death on Aug. 9, 2001, following their … Continue reading "Robert Becksfort ’50"
Annette Cousins ’50 Bonzelaar, age 92, of Holland, passed away peacefully in the arms of her Savior on Tuesday, December 6, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin ’45; a son, Robert; and a sister, Katherine Gast. Annette was a member of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, graduated from Hope College, and … Continue reading "Annette Cousins ’50 Bonzelaar"
Howard Bruggers ’50 of Lafayette, Louisiana, died on Friday, Sept. 30, 2016. He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 66 years Henrietta Weener ’50 Bruggers; his son, Dr. Barry Bruggers (Linda); his daughters, Dr. Karen Bruggers (Dr. Mark Odom), Kathy Moses (Dr. Michael Moses), and Kristy Thompson; his seven grandchildren, Dr. Jennifer Bruggers, Jessica … Continue reading "Howard Bruggers ’50"
Clair De Mull ’50 age 90, of Holland, died Friday, November 25, 2016 at an area care center. He was preceded in death by his wife, Genevieve in 2013, a son-in-law, Dennis Huisman in 2005, and a great grandson. Clair was a member of Maplewood Reformed Church and taught and coached in Allegan and West Ottawa … Continue reading "Clair De Mull ’50"
Robert DeYoung ’50 of Kalamazoo, MI passed away on Tuesday afternoon, December 27, 2016 at the age of 91. Bob, the son of Peter and Minnie (Smith) DeYoung, was born in Holland MI on April 30, 1925. He graduated from Holland High School in 1943. He served in the US Navy in the South Pacific … Continue reading "Robert DeYoung ’50"
Bernard D. Hakken Jr. ’50 age 89, went to be with his Lord, Saturday, December 24, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Elda Hakken and his brother, James Hakken ’51. Bernard will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Donna Hoogerhyde ’56 Hakken; his children, Ruth Hakken ’78 (Douglas) Roosien, … Continue reading "Bernard D. Hakken Jr. ’50"
Donn Lindeman ’50 of Saint Cloud, Florida, son of Marvin and Nelle Lindeman, passed away on Dec. 3, 2016. He was born on Dec. 6, 1926. Donn graduated from Holland High in 1942 and served in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific. He is survived by his wife, Pam (Weeks) of 35 years; children, David Lindeman … Continue reading "Donn Lindeman ’50"
Isla Schipper, 88, of Holland, died on Jan. 22, 2017. She was born in Holland on Oct. 18, 1928, to Gordon and Emma Streur. Isla was a graduate of Holland High School ‘46 and Hope College ‘50. She was married to Vern Schipper ’51 for 56 years, who predeceased her. Isla is survived by her … Continue reading "Isla Streur ’50 Schipper"
Maurice Boon ’51 age 90 of Grand Haven passed away Sunday, December 4, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Moon was born June 1, 1926 to Dirk and Mary (Ruster) Boon in Grand Haven. After graduating from Grand Haven High School, Moon proudly served his country in the US Navy during WW II. He attended Hope … Continue reading "Maurice Boon ’51"
Kenneth Etterbeek ’51, , age 87, of Holland died Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016, at Appledorn North in Holland. Ken was born in Zeeland, raised in Holland and graduated from Holland High School. He attended Hope College for two years before transferring to Michigan State and graduating in 1951. Ken was a member of Christ Memorial Church … Continue reading "Kenneth Etterbeek ’51"
Nancylee Corp ’51 Marema, a choirmaster, organist and educator who for six decades helped congregations, students and family make a joyful noise unto the Lord, died Oct. 26, 2016. She was 87. Nancy was born in 1929 in Auburn, N.Y. Her father, Clarence Corp, was a pharmacist, and her mother, Alpha Monteith Corp, operated an antique … Continue reading "Nancylee Corp ’51 Marema"
Russell VanDyke ’51, 86, of Rochester, MN. passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Mayo Clinic Hospital – St. Marys Campus in Rochester. Russell was born on February 8, 1930 in Rochester, NY to Russell H. and Mary Geneva (Austin) VanDyke. He graduated from high school in Rochester, NY and attended Hope College and … Continue reading "Russell VanDyke ’51"
John Willits ’51 of Naples, Florida, age 88, passed away at the home of his daughter Debra, husband Michael Hoefling and daughter Lisa Hoefling on December 8, 2016 in Naples, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents: Dr. Paul and Alice Willits; his son, Michael Voigt Willits, his brother Paul Willits Jr and … Continue reading "John Willits ’51"
Annette Siderius ’52 DeWolf passed away gently and gracefully on Sunday, July 17, 2016. She follows her loving husband of 62 years, John E. DeWolf Jr. ’51, who passed in January of this year. She is survived by 4 children, John (Sue) DeWolf III; Leigh Ann DeWolf ’79 (Mark ’79), Frederik (Margaret Gallo) and Ivonne DeWolf … Continue reading "Annette Siderius ’52 DeWolf"
Richard Reinemann ’53 a Medfield resident since 1965, died on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He was 85 years old. Born in Oradell, New Jersey to the late Louis and Henrietta (Arnold) Reinemann, he was raised and educated in the Oradell Public Schools, graduated with the class of 1949, … Continue reading "Richard Reinemann ’53"
Stanley Vander Aarde ’53, age 85, of Orange City, passed away on Saturday, November 19, 2016, at the Orange City Area Health System. Stanley Bernard was born on September 26, 1931, in Orange City, the son of Bernard John and Christina (Luchtenburg) Vander Aarde. He attended the public school and the Northwestern Academy and Junior … Continue reading "Stanley Vander Aarde ’53"
Frederick Bauer ’54 died unexpectedly at his home in Swannanoa. Born in Queens, New York, he was a graduate of Hope College, Holland, Michigan. Following his graduation he completed his military duty in the US Army. He worked in New York City until retiring to Western North Carolina in 1996. He is survived by his beloved … Continue reading "Frederick Bauer ’54"
Lois Huizenga ’54, age 87, of Holland, passed away Sunday, September 25, 2016, at the Inn at Freedom Village. Lois was preceded in death by her parents, William and Elizabeth ( Grit) Huizenga; brothers, Raymond ’47 and Anne ( Dethmers) Huizenga and Jonathan Huizenga; and an infant sister. Survivors include a brother, Clarence Huizenga ’56 … Continue reading "Lois Huizenga ’54"
Joyce Kobes ’54 Proechel, 84, of Holland, passed away on Dec 30, 2016. She was preceded in death by previous husbands, Hardy Ensing ’52 and Bill McQueen; and her brother, Ronald Kobes. She is survived by her husband, Donald Proechel; her four children, Gregory (Kelly) Ensing, Diane (Mike) Butcher, David (Gretchen) Ensing, and Michael ’91 … Continue reading "Joyce Kobes ’54 Proechel"
Carolyn Lange ’54 VanderWoude of Albert Lea, Minnesota, died Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the ThorneCrest Retirement Center in Albert Lea. She was 86 years of age. Carolyn was born November 27, 1929 in Pipestone, MN, the daughter of Walter and Cecelia (Meyer) Lange. She graduated from Pipestone High School in 1948, attended Hamline University, … Continue reading "Carolyn Lange ’54 VanderWoude"
Donald Baird ’55, 82, passed away on Dec. 7, 2016 at Scotia Village. Born on December 11, 1933 in Hudson County, New Jersey, he was the son of the late John MacGregor Baird, Jr. and Beatrice Lucretia Sprague. He is survived by his wife Charlene Swears Baird and his sister Janet Baird ’58 (Richard ’54) … Continue reading "Donald Baird ’55"
Mary Yeomans ’56 Hobeck, age 82, of Holland, passed away peacefully Monday, October 24, 2016 at Maple Leaf Health Care Center in Manchester, New Hampshire after living with Parkinson’s for 10 years. Mary graduated from Holland High School and attended both Hope College in Holland and National Teacher’s College in Evanston. She was an elementary … Continue reading "Mary Yeomans ’56 Hobeck"
Ethel Peelen ’57 Van Istendal 81, of Louisville, KY went home to be with her Lord on November 29, 2016. She was so happy to be with her family in Holland, Mi. for the last month of her life. Her perseverance, strong hope in Jesus, amazing attitude of gratitude enabled her to endure nine cancers. Ethel … Continue reading "Ethel Peelen ’57 Van Istendal"
Thomas Harris, Jr. ’58 was born on September 23, 1932, to Thomas James Harris, Sr. and Elizabeth Gillespie Harris, in the small coal mining town of Blakely, Pennsylvania. His father was a coal miner, and his mother was a homemaker. Tom’s family relocated to Philadelphia when he was a child. That is where he and his … Continue reading "Thomas Harris, Jr. ’58"
Bruce Brink ’60 M.D., 78, died peacefully Nov. 27, 2016, in the Palliative Care Unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital. His wife Patty was by his side. Bruce was born in Holland, on Jan. 22, 1938, to parents Amy (Voorhorst) Brink and John Brink Jr. Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Priscilla (Patty) DeJong ’63 Brink. They … Continue reading "Bruce Brink ’60"
William Holleman ’62, Ph.D., ended his journey on this earth sooner than expected, the result of injuries suffered in a car accident. Born August 18, 1940, at Wilhilnor Farm on Byron Road to Hilbert and Norma (Freeman) Holleman, his life was a product of the American soil. Although he pursued 22 years of formal education … Continue reading "William Holleman ’62"
Margo Meengs ’62 Johnson, 76, transitioned into her new life in heaven on Oct. 19, 2016 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born and raised in Holland and graduated from Holland Public Schools and Hope College. Margo was a member of First Presbyterian Church for 54 years. She was a teacher … Continue reading "Margo Meengs ’62 Johnson"
Judith Hoffman ’63 Ganeff, age 75, passed away Monday, October 31, 2016, following a short illness. Judith was born August 24, 1941 in Muskegon to Herman and Edna (Medema) Hoffman. She received her B.A. degree in history from Hope College, and later received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago. Judy … Continue reading "Judith Hoffman ’63 Ganeff"
Wayne Kiel ’63, 87, died peacefully at his home on Dec. 19, 2016. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Donna; and by his children, Dan ’77, Scott ’79 (Caroline), Beth (Scott) MacGregor; grandchildren, Katie ’07 (Joe) Pitcher, Ross (Courtney) MacGregor, Abigail Kiel, Maxwell (Arianna) Kiel, Megan (Ryan) Lane, Andrew (MacKenzie) Kiel, … Continue reading "Wayne Kiel ’63"
James Wiegerink Jr. ’63, 79 of, Honey Brook, PA, died Thursday October 18, 2016 in the Crozer-Keystone Hospice, Ridley Park, PA. Born in Columbus, OH, he was the son of the late James G ’33 and the late Frieda (Vander Schore ’34)Wiegerink,Sr. Jim was a resident of Honey Brook for the past 10 years coming … Continue reading "James Wiegerink Jr. ’63"
Sally Kooistra ’65 Ransford passed from this life at home in the early hours of January 10, 2017. Mourning her loss but celebrating her life and future are her husband of 51 years, Paul ’65; her three daughters and their spouses, Kristin ’91 and Hans ’89 Hiemstra of Chapel Hill, Becca and Lee Champion of Charlotte, … Continue reading "Sally Kooistra ’65 Ransford"
Linda VerMeer ’65 Van Dam passed away in Portland, Oregon, on December 4, 2016, after battling a rare debilitating muscular disease for many years. She was 73. Linda was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on November 11, 1943, to Henry and Leona Peelen Vermeer. Her family moved to the village of Forest Grove, Michigan, when she … Continue reading "Linda VerMeer ’65 Van Dam"
Phyllis Baker ’66 Sharpe of Ocala, Fla., died Sept. 24, 2016, after a courageous ten month battle with Amyloidosis. She died peacefully surrounded by her loving family. She was born at home to Margaret and Paul Baker and raised in Holland. She graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1962. She attended Hope College and Northwestern … Continue reading "Phyllis Baker ’66 Sharpe"
Lawrence Cain ’67 , age 72, passed away Saturday, October 8, 2016, at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX where he had been receiving treatment for Leukemia since June 23, 2016. Larry was born July 31, 1944, in Chicago, IL to Merle Belmont Cain and Doris Viola Johnson Cain. He graduated from Hope College … Continue reading "Lawrence Cain ’67"
Ann Christensen ’67 Olendorf, 72, died on Nov. 20, 2016, in Grand Rapids, following a Hemorrhagic Stroke. Mrs. Olendorf was born on Sept. 25, 1944, in South Haven, to her parents, Leonard and Neva Christensen. She graduated from Hope College in 1969 and acquired a master’s degree from Grand Valley State University in 2005. She married … Continue reading "Ann Christensen ’67 Olendorf"
Thomas Working ’69, of Zeeland, passed away on Friday, January 13, 2017, at his home. Thom was born in 1947 and raised in Holland, graduating from Holland High School in 1965. Thom received his Bachelors of Music Degree in Music Education from Hope College in 1969 and received a Masters of Music Degree in Performance … Continue reading "Thomas Working ’69"
Patricia Lang ’69 Young of Davidsonville, Maryland passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2016. Pat was a mathematician with the Department of Defense at Ft. Meade, MD from 1971 until 2013. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Hope College in 1969, her Master of Science from the University of Illinois in 1971 and her … Continue reading "Patricia Lang ’69 Young"
Rose Bursey ’72 Guthrie of Boone, North Carolina, born April 25, 1947 was promoted to glory in her home in Boone NC, Wednesday October 19, 2016. Rose was a native of Muskegon, Michigan, and moved to the Highlands in the 90s. She was preceded in death by her dear husband William G. Guthrie III, parents … Continue reading "Rose Bursey ’72 Guthrie"
Norman Hamm ’74 was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, December 18, 2016. Norman Charles Hamm was born March 12, 1952 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, New York. He grew up on the farm on Burgoyne Road and graduated from Schuylerville Central School in 1970. He earned a Bachelor of Arts … Continue reading "Norman Hamm ’74"
Loren Kleis ’77, age 61, of Holland, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, knowing the hope of the resurrection in Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Adelaide (Lezman) Kleis; and was a member of Maplewood Reformed Church for many years. This kind and gentle … Continue reading "Loren Kleis ’77"
Robin Berens ’82, 56, passed away unexpectedly on October 7, 2016. Robin was the daughter of Hessel and Lucille Berens. She graduated from Holland High School and Hope College, and she worked for USF Holland. Robin is survived by her sisters, Sandy (Jason) Wolters, Soni VanDam, Kerri (Tom) Gebben; nieces and nephews, Alex Gebben, Madison … Continue reading "Robin Berens ’82"
Kristine Berndt ’83 Heeren went to her heavenly home on January 13, 2017 at the age of 54. In November of 2013, Kris was diagnosed with colon cancer. She valiantly lived the following three years through multiple treatment and surgeries. In December 2016 she moved into the Avera Dougherty Hospice House. Kris was born May … Continue reading "Kristine Berndt ’83 Heeren"
Nancy Sward ’89 D’Angelo, age 48, a resident of Naperville, IL since 1999, formerly of Skokie, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 24, 2016. She was born October 26, 1967 in Chicago, IL. Beloved mother of John F. and Isabel S. D’Angelo, loving daughter of John and Mary Sward, adored sister of Karen (Kenneth) … Continue reading "Nancy Sward ’89 D’Angelo"
Kerri Rutgers ’92 DenBleyker, of Hamilton, passed from this earth to her heavenly home on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. She was a graduate of Hamilton High School and attended Hope College and GRCC. She was a stay at home mom, enjoying volunteer work at her children’s elementary school. She leaves behind her husband, Richard; son, … Continue reading "Kerri Rutgers ’92 DenBleyker"
Robert Starr ’92 Rob was born in Angola Indiana to Robert and Kathleen (Martin) Starr. He left this Earth at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital after a lengthy illness. He graduated from Romeo High School and Hope College, Holland. Rob was a talented artist and graphic designer. He volunteered for the Macomb Literary Partners teaching English … Continue reading "Robert Starr ’92"
Sara Kauffman ’05 Pappenheimer, beloved mother, daughter, sister and friend, joined her heavenly father Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, after a heroic battle with cancer. Born Nov. 21, 1981, Sara spent the last 34 years spreading joy through her memorable laugh, brilliant smile and fun-loving spirit. With Sara, it only took a moment for a stranger … Continue reading "Sara Kauffman ’05 Pappenheimer"
Ruth Elise Upadhyaya ’20 was born November 26, 1997, and passed away unexpectedly March 8, 2017. She was the dear daughter of Raj and Jill (nee Sampe); fond sister of Julie; loving granddaughter of Fred Sampe and Jane Sampe. A freshman at Hope College in Holland, MI, she will be missed by many friends and … Continue reading "Ruth Upadhyaya ’20"
Dr. Donald Cronkite, 72, of Holland, passed away on March 15, 2017, after many years of living with Parkinson’s disease. Professor Cronkite taught at Hope College for 32 years, offering classes in cell biology; embryology; genetics; introductory biology; evolution; history of biology; science and human values. He was also known as the Academic Director of the … Continue reading "The family of Donald Cronkite"
