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.
Florence Jean Dykema Morgan, 96, passed away December 25, 2017. A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Stone Presbyterian Church, South Park Row, Clinton. There will be no public calling hours. Her burial will be in the spring at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Clinton. Arrangements by Owens-Pavlot & … Continue reading "Florence Dykema ’43 Morgan"
Irene Lundie Rypstra (1923-2017) of Hamilton, OH passed away on October 27, 2017. Irene is survived by her daughter, Ann L. Rypstra of Oxford, OH, and her brother and sister-in-law, Watson and Sandra Lundie, long-term residents of Holland, MI that recently relocated to Grand Rapids. She also has many nieces and nephews spread around the … Continue reading "Irene Lundie ’45 Rypstra"
Mary Lou Hemmes Koop, 93, of Hamilton, loved people, had a multitude of friends, and lived her life in the power and strength of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born March 19, 1924, in Grand Rapids to Rudolph and Mary Riekse Hemmes, Mary Lou graduated from Central High School and Hope College, where she … Continue reading "Mary Lou Hemmes ’46 Koop"
Marian L. Hoekstra of Kalamazoo went to be with her Lord, Monday afternoon, Oct. 23, 2017. Marian was born in the Trinity Reformed Church parsonage in Holland Oct 19, 1925, the daughter of Rev. Clarence “CP” and Anna (DeHerder) Dame. She was a graduate of Grand Rapids Central High School in 1943 and Hope College … Continue reading "Marian Dame ’47 Hoekstra"
Arlene Ligtvoet, age 91, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2017. Arlene was born in Holland, MI on November 3, 1926 and was a graduate of Hope College. Early in life she was a teacher until she and her husband John started their family. She was a wonderful mother and faithful wife. In retirement, they … Continue reading "Arlene Eilanded ’48 Ligtvoet"
Rev. Paul J. Alderink ‘Preacher’, age 91, died Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017. Born in Holland, Nov. 5, 1926. Graduate of Central High School, Hope College and Western Theological Seminary. Married Doris Jean Prins in 1950. Married for 67 years, they have 5 children Enlisted in the Navy 1944, served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater during … Continue reading "Paul Alderink ’50"
Maxine Joyce Paesens, age 89; went to her heavenly home on August 24, 2017 with her beloved family surrounding her. Maxinewas born on July 13, 1928 to parents Peter and Gertrude (Everars) Waalkes in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The doctors told her parents that she had a weak heart and wouldn’t live long. Later she was told not to … Continue reading "Maxine Waalkes ’50 Paesens"
Shirley Dean Nienhuis Proctor, 89, died peacefully with family by her side Jan. 7, 2018. Shirley was born and grew up in Holland. She attended Hope College and Western Michigan University, married Jim Proctor, and came to Indianapolis some 60 years ago. Shirley Proctor was a member of First Friends Meeting, rug hooking groups, volunteer … Continue reading "Shirley Nienhuis ’50 Proctor"
Lois Appledorn, Beverly Hills, CA – Age 89 January 5, 2018. Beloved wife of the late William Appledorn, Jr. Beloved mother of Steven (Karen) Appledorn, James (Denise) Appledorn, and Martha (Peter) Littrup. Cherished grandmother of Ann (Bradley), Kate, Thomas (Kristen), Rebecca, William, Gerrit, and Gunnar. Great-grandmother of Ellora and Charlotte. Sister of Albert Timmer, II, the late Chester Timmer, … Continue reading "Lois Timmer ’51 Appledorn"
Cupery, Harold & Verna 1/19/2018 Kalamazoo Harold S. (age 87) and Verna J. (age 86) Cupery went to be with their Lord on January 19, 2018. Both were born near Friesland, WI and graduated from Cambria High School. After graduating from Hope College and Western Theological Seminary, Harold was ordained as a minister in the … Continue reading "Harold Cupery ’52"
Donald ( Curly) R. Lokker, 87, of Holland, died Tuesday Nov. 14, 2017 at his home following a lengthy illness. Born in Holland, Don graduated from Holland High School and served in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was employed as an accountant for Dunn Manufacturing and was a long time member … Continue reading "Donald Lokker ’52"
Elizabeth Anne “Betty” Smouse, 87 years old, passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at home with her family at her side after a long illness. Betty was born April 4, 1930 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to the late Leslie W. and Ruth Ann (nee Minar) Dowd. She attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan where she met Ken … Continue reading "Elizabeth Dowd ’52 Smouse"
Kenneth “Fuzz” Bauman, 88, of Holland, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017, at Holland Hospital. Born March 23, 1929, in Holland, he went on to marry the love of his life Dorothy, who he was married to for 66 years. He was a graduate of Hope College, and received his Master’s degree from University of … Continue reading "Kenneth Bauman ’53"
Jackie Beerthuis, 87, went home to be with her Savior on Jan. 4, 2018. She was born in Allegan. Her claim to fame was starting a restaurant in Holland which she named Jackie’s Place. She lovingly called herself “ the original Jackie.” Jackie had a lifelong dream of living in Florida and that dream came true … Continue reading "Jacquelyn Ferris ’53 Beerthuis"
Word has been received of the death of Jack DeWaard ’53 of Mesa, Arizona, who died on Monday, June 5, 2017. He was 86. Survivors include his wife, Catherine Jones ’55 DeWaard
Robert N. Perkins, Jr. was born in New York, NY on April 6, 1928. He was the son of Robert N. Perkins and Katherine Milham Perkins. Most of his childhood was spent in upstate New York. A move to Arlington, VA was where he spent his teen years. Following high school, Bob joined the U.S. … Continue reading "Robert Perkins Jr. ’53"
John DeWeert, 85, of Holland, died peacefully Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018. He was born and raised in Holland on 17th St., graduated from Holland High School in 1950 and Hope College in 1954. John married his high school sweetheart, Jean Cook, who he was happily married to for 64 years. He served his country in … Continue reading "John DeWeert ’54"
It is with sadness and joy that we announce the peaceful passing of David LeRoy Kempker on Tuesday, February 20, 2018. He was a wonderful brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. Wherever he went, he brought a smile and a word of advice or encouragement. Dave grew up in Holland, and attended the Holland Public … Continue reading "David Kempker ’54"
Jeananne K.Thomas, Kalamazoo Went to be with the Lord, Tuesday morning, November 28, 2017. Jeananne was born November 11, 1931 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of the late Harry and Anna (Mullie) Bondhouse and had been a lifelong resident in the Kalamazoo area. She was a lifetime member of Bethany Reformed Church where she was active … Continue reading "Jeananne Bondhouse ’54 Thomas"
AVIS BOELKINS, 84 “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.” I John 3:1 Avis Irene Boelkins, a child of God, died Friday, December 22, 2017 surrounded by her family. Born January 29, 1933, in her grandparents’ farmhouse in Vriesland to … Continue reading "Avis South ’55 Boelkins"
Barbara Jean (Lowing) Brink, 86, of Holland, entered her heavenly home on Thursday, Feb. 08, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. Barbara was born October 25, 1931 in Jenison, Michigan to Harold and Doris (DeNef) Lowing. She graduated from Hudsonville High in 1950. Upon graduation she worked for the high school for several years … Continue reading "Barbara Lowing ’56 Brink"
Audrey Mae Nienhouse Fritts was born November 6, 1934 to Edward and Gladys Nienhouse in Oak Park, IL. From an early age, she loved music and pushed to start piano lessons at the age of seven. Audrey attended Oak Park River Forest High School. In her senior year, she met the love of her life, Bob Fritts, when … Continue reading "Audrey Nienhouse ’56 Fritts"
Evon Pluister of Boyne City passed away December 9, 2017 at the Georgia House in Charlevoix. She was born April 28, 1933 in Holland, MI the fourth daughter of Ben & Eunice Dalman. She attendedHope College in Holland and later the Butterworth School of Nursing in Grand Rapids. She dearly loved her family, her Church, her … Continue reading "Evon Dalman ’56 Pluister"
Bernard “Bunk” Van Ark, 83, passed peacefully into the everlasting arms of Jesus on Friday, October 6, 2017 with his family by his side. Bunk is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Norma; sisters Gloria Slagter and Sandy (Bob) Katsma; daughters Cindy (Jim) Kessel, Jill (Kelly) Paffhausen; grandchildren Josh (Brandy) Zoet, Shannon (Mike) … Continue reading "Bernard “Bunk” Van Ark ’56"
Elsie Hamrick went home to be with her heavenly father on December 13, 2017. She was born in Muskegon, Michigan, and graduated from Hope College with a BA Degree in Elementary Education. She taught at schools in Michigan and Florida for 34 years. Her loving husband, Dr. Wallace Hamrick, passed away in January 2010. They have three … Continue reading "Elsie Lower ’57 Hamrick"
Charles E. Lindahl died November 17, 2017 at age 82 from complications of melanoma. Charles is survived by beloved wife, Patricia Dunphy Lindahl; children, Kristin (Neena Malik) Lindahl, Soren (Stephanie) Lindahl, Colin Lindahl; grandchildren Austin, Jesse, Conor, Hannah, Liam; sister-in-law Bonnie Lindahl; brother-in-law Edward Dunphy; seven nieces and nephews. Friends may call Sunday, November 26, 2-5 … Continue reading "Charles Lindahl ’57"
A memorial service for Georgia L. Brookstra, 83, of Davenport will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 15th at First Presbyterian Church, Davenport. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church. Private family inurnment will be held at the Rock Island National Cemetery at a later date. … Continue reading "Georgia McCormick ’58 Brookstra"
Marie Lois Cossin Bakker Hansen lived a full life and was loved by many. She was born in Detroit, MI to Helga (Bostrom) and Hursle Cossin with brothers David Cossin and Russell Cossin. She passed gracefully from this life to her new eternal home with her Lord on December 10, 2017. This year she will … Continue reading "Marie Cossin ’58 Hansen"
David L. Woodcock passed on January 4, 2018, from old age. He was born to Ray and Pauline (Oakes) Woodcock on April 27, 1935. He attended Holy Family Grade School and St. Mary’s High School in Saginaw, MI. David graduated from St. Mary’s on June 6, 1953. While at St. Mary’s, he was a member … Continue reading "David Woodcock ’58"
Dr. Austin A. Aardema, M.D. of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2017 after a brief illness. He was 80. Austin was originally from Muskegon, Michigan. He graduated from Hope College in 1959, and earned his medical degree in 1963 from Wayne State University. He was a family physician for over 50 years, practicing … Continue reading "Austin Aardema ’59"
Reverend Paul A. Benes HIGH FALLS- Reverend Paul A. Benes of High Falls, N.Y., passed away quietly and peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, at 80 years of age with his wife and five daughters at his side. Paul was born on April 15, 1937 in Grand Rapids, Mich. He was the youngest of four … Continue reading "Paul Benes ’59"
Wayne D. Platzer, born at Albany Medical Center in 1939, died on Saturday, October 14, 2017. He taught biology at Niskayuna High School for 26 years. A graduate ofHope College, Holland, Mich., he completed a master’s degree at Syracuse University in 1961 and was awarded three NSF graduate study awards in bacteriology, genetics and cytology, … Continue reading "Wayne Platzer ’60"
Robert Bronk, ‘61, of Fuquay-Varina, NC, died August 22, 2017. He was 80. He worked in many capacities throughout secondary and higher education in New York State. He also served in the U.S. Army and received an advanced degree from Syracuse University. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Susan Bronk, children Juli LaDue and … Continue reading "Robert Bronk ’60"
Ron Snyder was supposed to be in class on Wednesday morning. He got a call from Western Washington University telling him he had missed the class he was auditing. Sunday night, when sitting with friends at his dinner table, he said, “I love to learn. I like taking classes. I like learning new things.” At … Continue reading "Ronald Snyder ’61"
Sara L. (VandePoel) VanHekken, 77, of Holland, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018. She inspired many as she fought multiple battles with cancer with Dutch determination and graceful resolve. Sara was born Sept. 15, 1940, to Russell and Olive VandePoel in Holland. She graduated from Holland High School and Hope … Continue reading "Sara Vande Poel ’62 Van Hekken"
Bruce A Roe January 01, 1942 November 09, 2017 Bruce Allan Roe, age 75, of Grantsburg, WI, passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2017 in Saint Paul, MN. Bruce was born on January 1, 1942 in New York, NY, to Sanford and Ann (La Marca) Roe. An Eagle Scout who never lost a love of the outdoors, Bruce was a 1960 graduate of New Hyde Park … Continue reading "Bruce Roe ’63"
Roger John Mulder, 75, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017, surrounded by his family at Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids due to complications from a fall. Roger is a graduate of Hope College and Western Seminary. Following retirement, he worked in maintenance at Camp Geneva for 16 years. He had a passion for people and … Continue reading "Roger Mulder ’64"
Larry Walter TenPas, 75, of Sheboygan, passed away on Monday, August 28, 2017, at Pine Haven Christian Home in Sheboygan FallsLarry was born on April 9, 1942, in Sheboygan, to Edwin and Johanna (Van De Wege) TenPas. He was a graduate of Central High School and continued his education at Hope College. Larry owned and operated … Continue reading "Larry TenPas ’64"
Dr. Eugene and Mrs. Charlene Axelrod, of Plymouth, Michigan, died May 20 and May 14, 2017, respectively; both of cancer. Dr. Axelrod was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Jack and Bessie Axelrod. In his lifelong pursuit of knowledge he earned degrees in mathematics, chemistry, medicine, and business from the University of Michigan, the University of … Continue reading "Charlene Leong ’66 Axelrod"
Thomas Michael Cook age 72, of Cascade, Michigan, joined his parents in heaven peacefully Wednesday morning, January 24, 2018 after a nine-month battle with brain cancer. He was a 1963 graduate of Grand Rapids Christian High and received his BA from Hope College in Holland, Michigan in 1967. While at Hope he enjoyed playing sports and was … Continue reading "Thomas Cook ’67"
Sharon Anne Vaughn, 74, of Allegan, MI passed away Friday, October 27, 2017 at the Allegan County Medical Care Community. Born October 25, 1943 in Zeeland, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Neil Pluister and June Applegate. Ms. Vaughn was a graduate of Zeeland High School and Hope College. She had worked over 25 … Continue reading "Sharon Pluister ’67 Vaughn"
Janice Lynn Currie passed away in her home in Grand Rapids, MI on Monday, October 30, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on April 1, 1948 in Paterson, NJ to John and Florence DeBoer. Janice is survived by her husband, Bill; her four children, Mike (Missy), of Grand Rapids, and their … Continue reading "Janice DeBoer ’70 Currie"
Cecile Marie Kalamazoo Cecile passed into the presence of Jesus, her Lord and Savior, on October 13, 2017. She was born March 7, 1948, the daughter of Rev. Gerard and Janet (Bareman) Gaillard. Cec was employed by Gull Lake High School for close to 24 years and loved being around the young students every day. … Continue reading "Cecile Gaillard ’70 Spitters"
Larry Smith, age 68, of Hudsonville, was welcomed home into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, November 16, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Elaine Smith; children, Jennifer (Curt) Day, Jason (Michelle) Smith of Winnipeg, MB, Jillian (Steve) Branderhorst, Jaclyn Smith, Justin Smith and fiance Sara Burgess, Joshua Smith, Jordan Smith of Plymouth, MI; … Continue reading "Larry Smith ’71"
Dale Hillermeir , of Ridgefield Park, formally of Dumont, age 68 entered into eternal life peacefully on December 7, 2017. Dale was a graduate of Hope College. Until her illness Dale was an active member of the Old Reformed Church of Dumont, where she was in the senior choir and a Deacon. She was also a … Continue reading "Dale Merrick ’71 Hillermeier"
James A. Watters, age 69, of Friesland, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, January 1, 2018, at his home in Friesland. Jim was born on October 1, 1948, to Joseph and Kathryn (DeYoung) Watters. Jim graduated from Cambria-Friesland High School as valedictorian of his class in 1966. He was also … Continue reading "James Watters ’71"
Mary Judith Welton born May 25, 1939, in Muskegon, to Leonard and Bonnie VanRegenmorter. Mary passed away in Holland surrounded by her family on Jan. 19, 2018. Mary was a loved member of the Holland community who was well known for opening her heart, humor and home to not only friends of her children but also others in need. She … Continue reading "Mary VanRegenmorter ’71 Welton"
William “Bill” Smith died peacefully on Wednesday evening, December 13 surrounded by his family and friends. Bill never saw a vegetable he didn’t like or couldn’t grow, and without being cliché, he loved long walks on the beach – usually accompanied by one of his dogs, Luca or Fredo. Bill was the Lance Armstrong of … Continue reading "William Smith ’74"
Mark E. McCullough, a former Glen Rock councilman known for his sense of humor and commitment to his hometown, died Oct. 25 after a battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease. A memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Anthony’s R.C. Church, Hawthorne, with visiting Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Vander … Continue reading "Mark Mc Cullough ’76"
Dr. Jan Ergenzinger December 12, 1956 to October 25, 2017 With love and gratitude we have to say goodbye to my son, father, brother, brother-in-law and uncle. Heidi Ergenzinger Claus Ergenzinger Ulrike Regenzinger Dr. Kathrin Ergenzinger-Bergeest and husband, Dr. Thomas Bergeest (and their children, Liv, Lu and Lale Bergeest) Dr. Manuela Schuller and Angehorige The … Continue reading "Jan Ergenzinger ’79"
Sara Neevel, 55, of Zeeland, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017, after a six-month battle with cancer. Born in Morrison, Ill., to Phil and Alice (Maisie) Renkes, Sara graduated from Hope College, where she met her husband, Ken. She worked at Haworth for 20 years, and later for MacMillan Publishing, primarily on psychology textbooks with … Continue reading "Sara Renkes ’84 Neevel"
Sharon D Fales, age 52, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 10, 2017 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital. Sharon was born in Grand Rapids to Jack and Mary (Burmania) Walburg and was the oldest of three children. She had a fond love for gardening and going on motorcycle rides with her husband. After graduating high … Continue reading "Sharon Walburg ’87 Fales"
Mary Annah ( Heering) Hoats, 86, died on January 3, 2018, after a battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Orlando and Lily Ann ( Penney) Heering; her brother, David Penney Heering ( Joanne), and her former husband, Claude L. Hoats. Surviving are her children, Jacqueline Shields ( Gary), Charles Hoats ( Holly), and Betsy Hoats; grandchildren … Continue reading "Mary Heering ’91 Hoats"
Kerstin Waltraud Byorni Manley, beloved Latin teacher who inspired hundreds of students, passed away Jan. 6, 2018. She was 47. Kerstin helped found two Arizona schools during her 21-year teaching career, Tempe Preparatory Academy and Scottsdale Preparatory Academy. She joined John B. Connally High School in 2016 in Austin, Texas. A valedictorian of Trinity High … Continue reading "Kerstin Byorni ’92 Manley"
Geoffrey D. Legg, age 45, of Holland, passed away Friday, December 15, 2017, at his home, ending a courageous battle with cancer. Geoff worked at Holland Public Schools in many different positions; technology was his favorite. He loved the outdoors and biking and especially enjoyed being involved in his children’s sports. Geoff is survived by … Continue reading "Geoffrey Legg ’94"
Brent (“B-Dub,” “Brentley”) Williams, 43, died unexpectedly and peacefully at his home early on the morning of Wednesday, November 8, 2017, in Arlington, MA. Born on January 4, 1974, he grew up in Fruitport, MI, and was a graduate of Fruitport High School. Brent earned a BS in Chemistry and Biology at Hope College in Holland, MI, … Continue reading "Brent Williams ’96"
Chris VanderSlice, age 40, of Grandville, left his broken and battered body to run into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus on Saturday, October 28, 2017. Chris is finally free of the cancer that he suffered from for the past four years, and the paralysis that held him back for the past two years. … Continue reading "Christopher VanderSlice ’99"
Nancy Ramirez ’17 of Dallas, Texas, died on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018. She was 22. Survivors include her parents, Martin (Leticia) Ramirez; sisters, Veronica, Sirah and Irina Ramirez; brother, Martin Joshua Ramirez; and grandparents, Jesus Gonzalez and Teresa Rodriguez.
The family of Ion Agheana of Holland, Michigan who died on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. He was 80. He was a member of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages from 1979 until retiring as professor emeritus of Romance languages in 2014. He taught primarily Spanish but also French, Italian, Portuguese and Romanian. He joined … Continue reading "Ion Agheana"
The family of Landrum Bolling of Arlington, Virginia, who died on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018. He was 104. His career included serving as president of Earlham College from 1958 to 1973. While at Earlham, he played a leadership role in the 1961 creation of the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA), of which Hope is among … Continue reading "Landrum Bolling"
Harry entered his final home on October 23rd, following a brief illness. Harry was a beloved husband, father, Opa, brother, uncle and friend. We deeply mourn our loss and sadly release the natural ties to him, but we anticipate with holy joy the resurrection reunion with him and all who have gone before him, and … Continue reading "Harry Boonstra"
The family of Ann Farley of Huntington Beach, California, who died on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018. She was 89. She was an administrative assistant to the dean for fine and performing arts and arts and humanities at Hope for 25 years. Survivors include her children, Martha Farley ’77, Ann Farley ’85 and Richard Farley ’83. … Continue reading "Ann Farley"
Ruth Van Kampen, 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017 at Lakeside Vista of Holland. She was born in Diamond Springs, Michigan on August 4, 1926. She attended Holland Public Schools and graduated in 1944. While in high school Ruth met the love of her life, Warren Van Kampen and … Continue reading "Ruth Van Kampen"
