In Memoriam

1940s

Wallace Stoepker ’43
On December 13, 2019, the Reverend Wallace (Wally) Robert Stoepker, a lifelong servant of God and loving husband to Dorothy Mae Stoepker for over 73 years, entered into fellowship with all the saints and with Christ, our Saviour. Wally was born on June 21st, 1921 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of Seward and Mary … Continue reading "Wallace Stoepker ’43"
Nellie Ritsema ’47 Vriesman
Nellie Mae Vriesman, age 93 of Lynden, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 30, 2019. Nellie was born in Saint Anne, Illinois on March 30, 1926 to parents Albert and Susie (Tallma) Ritsema. Nellie graduated from Hope College with a teaching degree and went on to teach high school English for five … Continue reading "Nellie Ritsema ’47 Vriesman"
Phyllis Dietrich ’48 Cornell
We are sad to announce that on December 6, 2019 we had to say goodbye to Phyllis Cornell (Dearborn, Michigan). Family and friends can light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Phyllis Cornell to show support. … Continue reading "Phyllis Dietrich ’48 Cornell"
Christian “Chris” Den Herder ’48
Christian Jacob DenHerder was born on June 26, 1925, to Harmon Matthew and Della Cornelia (Hospers) DenHerder of Zeeland, Michigan, and passed away January 22, 2020, in Zephyrhills, Florida.  Growing up near the shores of Lake Michigan, Chris enjoyed boating and outdoor sports of all kinds. Chris enlisted in the U. S. Navy in May … Continue reading "Christian “Chris” Den Herder ’48"
Joan DeYoung ’48 Hinkamp
Joan A. Hinkamp passed away in Portland, Ore. on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019 from pneumonia. She was a treasured wife, mother, nurse and friend. Joan was born to Dr. Thies and Aletta (Wyngarden) DeYoung on Sept. 7, 1923 in Grand Rapids, and was the oldest of five children. She attended a one-room grade school in … Continue reading "Joan DeYoung ’48 Hinkamp"
Eugene Vis ’48
Eugene Vis ’48 of Penn Yan, New York, died on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019. He was 95.
Genevieve Duiser ’49 Bos
Genevieve Duiser ’49 Bos of Holland, formerly of Muskegon, Michigan, died on Sunday, June 30, 2019. She was 92. Survivors include her children, Mary Bos ’73 (Robert ’74) Van Voorst, Charlene Bos ’75 (David) Alexander and Robert (Tamala) Bos ’80; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Theresa Staal ’49 Coleman
Theresa “Tess” Staal-Coleman, age 91, of Holland, MI went to be with her Lord and Savior, Wednesday, December 4, 2019. Tess was preceded in death by her husband James Coleman; sister Kay Teerman; brothers, Peter, Dr. Harvey, Marvin and Rev. John Staal. She will be lovingly missed by her sister, Anna Mae England and special … Continue reading "Theresa Staal ’49 Coleman"

1950s

Elton Bruins ’50
Elton John Bruins, age 92, peacefully passed away on March 23, 2020. Elton was raised on a farm in Fond Du Lac County, Wisconsin, as the second of five siblings. After a WW2 stint as a Navy recruiter in Chicago, Elton enrolled at Hope College. After graduating in 1950, Elton entered Western Theological Seminary receiving … Continue reading "Elton Bruins ’50"
Eleanor Van Dahm ’50 Hoffman
Eleanor Hoffman, 91, of Holland, went to be with her Lord, Thursday, November 21, 2019, at The Inn at Freedom Village. She was a longtime member of Third Reformed Church and a former member of Trinity Reformed Church in Holland. Eleanor was a graduate of Holland High School, class of 1946. She attended Hope College … Continue reading "Eleanor Van Dahm ’50 Hoffman"
Eugene (Gene) Scholten ’50
Eugene (Gene) Scholten ’50 of Holland, Michigan, died on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019. He was 91. Survivors include his children, John Scholten ’78, David (Beth) Scholten and Nancy Scholten ’82 (Todd ’83) Kamstra; five grandchildren; brothers, Leon Scholten and Allen (Carole) Scholten; and sister, Bea Scholten.
Dorothy Van Voorst ’50 Van Dort
Dorothy Van Voorst Van Dort died November 27, 2019, safe in the arms of God.  Dorothy lived in Zeeland most of her life and the past year resided at Meridian Acres in Sanford, Michigan near her family.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, and her grandson Jeffrey Mark Van Dort.  She is … Continue reading "Dorothy Van Voorst ’50 Van Dort"
Joyce Post ’51 Schipper
Joyce Schipper, of Holland, Michigan, passed away the morning of December 27 in Holland, resting peacefully in her bed. She was 90. The former Joyce Post was a Holland native, and a 1951 Hope College (Mich.) graduate. While at a summer camp she met a fellow Hope student, Ron Schipper. They both graduated from Hope College, and in 1951 they … Continue reading "Joyce Post ’51 Schipper"
Robert Van Dyke ’51
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Robert Van Dyke (Rock Hill, South Carolina), who passed away on January 11, 2020, at the age of 90, 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.
Donald Brinks ’52
Donald Brinks ’52 of Portage, Michigan, died on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. He was 89. Dad loved and served the Lord all the days of his life.  He loved Hope College; he was a graduate, all 5 of his children are graduates and 5 of his 13 grandchildren are graduates.  He loved Western Seminary, as … Continue reading "Donald Brinks ’52"
Ruth Brinkman ’52 Lenderink
Mrs. Ruth Lenderink, age 90, of Orange City, passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2019, at the Orange City Area Health System. Ruth Leone was born on January 28, 1929, at home in Matlock, the daughter of Gerrit and Ruth (Kreulen) Brinkman. She was raised at Matlock, where she attended the elementary school. She graduated … Continue reading "Ruth Brinkman ’52 Lenderink"
James Nordhoff ’52
James Ira Nordhoff, D.D.S. passed away on January 7, 2020. He was born in Muskegon, Michigan on August 17, 1930 to Ira Nordhoff D.D.S. and Connie (Top) Nordhoff. He grew up loving spending summers at Lake Michigan and climbing Pigeon Hill. Jim spent many happy summers at Camp Pendalouan where he was an honor camper … Continue reading "James Nordhoff ’52"
Ethel Fasch ’52 Salamone
Ethel M. (Fasch) Salamone of New Brunswick, New Jersey, age 89, beloved church member, dedicated community soup kitchen volunteer, theological seminary library volunteer, teacher, cook and baker extraordinaire passed into the nearer presence of God on January 13, 2020. Born and raised in New Brunswick, Ethel earned a B.A. from Hope College (Holland, Michigan). Professionally, Ethel was … Continue reading "Ethel Fasch ’52 Salamone"
Fredrick Yonkman ’52
Fredrick Albers Yonkman passed away peacefully on January 9, 2020. He was 89 years old and a resident of the Riverside Cottages in St. Augustine, Florida.  Fredrick Albers Yonkman was born August 22nd, 1930, in Holland, Michigan. His family moved to Massachusetts and then to New Jersey where he attended high school. He went to … Continue reading "Fredrick Yonkman ’52"
Anthony “Sheridan” Bolthouse ’53
Anthony Sheridan Bolthouse, Wilkes-Barre, formerly of Clarks Summit died Tuesday evening at his home.  His widow is the former Ellen Ferguson. The couple married in 1956. Born in Muskegon, Michigan, he was the son of the late Anthony Samuel and Lorene Dorothy Forberg Bolthouse.  Upon his early retirement from IBM, he was able to fulfill his … Continue reading "Anthony “Sheridan” Bolthouse ’53"
Roberta VanGilder ’53 Kaye
Roberta VanGilder ’53 Kaye of Surprise, Arizona, died on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. She was 90.
Donald (Doug) Monroe ’53
Donald (Doug) Monroe ’53 of Romeo, Michigan, died on Friday, Nov. 29, 2019. He was 91. Survivors include his wife Eleanor (Nan) Johnson ’54 Monroe; children, Martha White, Mary (Mark) McMinn, Matt (Debbie) Monroe and Mae (Woody) Lawson; 14 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.
Walter de Vries ’54
Walter Dale de Vries, 90, of Wilmington, N.C., died November 27, 2019, at his home. He was born in Holland, Michigan, on November 13, 1929, and was the oldest son ( of seven) of the late Martin and Catherine ( VanderLeek) de Vries, immigrants from The Netherlands. He was preceded in death by his beloved … Continue reading "Walter de Vries ’54"
Joyce Hofman ’54 McHugh
Joyce Hofman McHugh, age 87, passed from this life on Monday, December 2nd, 2019 at her home in Grand Rapids after a short illness. She was the daughter of the late Carl and Harriet Hofman and the wife of the late John McHugh. Joyce attended Lee High School in Wyoming, Michigan and graduated from Hope … Continue reading "Joyce Hofman ’54 McHugh"
Shirley Hand ’55
Predeceased by parents “Roy” & Ruth Hand. Survived by sister, “Betty” (Clark-deceased) Miller, and brother Ronald (Kathryn) Hand, beloved niece Karon (Walt) Simoni, five nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins. She was a life-long member of the RCA. Special thanks to Lifetime Care and Strong’s Palliative Care Unit 4-1200. Heartfelt thanks to Oksana Robinson for her … Continue reading "Shirley Hand ’55"
Marjory MacEwan ’55 Kempers
On September 21, 2019, Marjory Jean MacEwan Kempers died peacefully in her home in Grand Rapids, Michigan surrounded by family members. Marjory was born in Keyport, New Jersey to John Archibald and Elizabeth Smith MacEwan on November 14, 1933.  Marjory was an energetic, bright young student who played numerous sports, acted in plays and was … Continue reading "Marjory MacEwan ’55 Kempers"
Ernestine Brummeler ’55 Richardson
Ernie was born April 9, 1934 in Redlands, California, the third of four girls born to Ernest and Elizabeth Brummeler. She attended Redlands High School, and Hope College in Holland, Michigan, the first in her family to attend college. Following graduation in 1955, she returned to Redlands where she was a teacher at Cope Middle … Continue reading "Ernestine Brummeler ’55 Richardson"
Hope Schutmaat ’56 Hamilton
Hope Hamilton, 84 of Phoenix, passed away on September 23, 2019. Hope was born Dec 24, 1934 in Lake Odessa, Michigan. She was delivered by her uncle, a doctor. His delivery fee, a cup of coffee. She grew up in Hamilton, Michigan and moved to Holland where she attended High School and two years at … Continue reading "Hope Schutmaat ’56 Hamilton"
Clarence “Bud” Huizenga ’56
Bud Huizenga, age 84, of Sherman Oaks, CA, passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2019 following a brief illness. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, William and Elizabeth (Grit) Huizenga, brothers Raymond and Anne (Dethmers) Huizenga and Jonathon Huizenga, sister Lois Huizenga and an infant sister. Survivors include a niece, Rae & Mike Reed … Continue reading "Clarence “Bud” Huizenga ’56"
Marlin VanderWilt ’57
Marlin Anthon VanderWilt, age 83, died on January 25. 2020, at the Resthaven Care Center. He was predeceased by his parents, Adrian and Jennie Vander Wilt, and his brother, Jack Vander Wilt. Marlin graduated from Hope College with a major in biology and from McCormick Seminary with a Masters in Divinity and a Masters in … Continue reading "Marlin VanderWilt ’57"
Adele Cramer ’58 Bozeman
Adele Bozeman was born in Muskegon Michigan on January 25, 1937. She was greeted by Jesus her savior in Heaven on September 21, 2019 at age 82. Adele was the eldest daughter of Arend F. and Della (Zuidema) Cramer, who are deceased. Her loving sisters are Jean (Paul Becker) and Coreen (Craig Porter). She graduated … Continue reading "Adele Cramer ’58 Bozeman"
Richard Kelly ’58
Richard “Dick” John Kelly, 83, went home to glory on Monday July 29, 2019, at his home in Malta, N.Y. Dick was born January 10, 1936 the son of the late Sylvanus John and Hazel Marcella Kelly. He grew up in Schenectady and graduated from Mont Pleasant High School. Dick earned his BA in Sociology … Continue reading "Richard Kelly ’58"

1960s

Edna Wagner ’60 Kelly
Edna Mae Kelly, 83, went home to glory on Sunday, October 13, 2019. Edna was born in Waldwick, NJ, the daughter of the late Ada and Alfred Philip Wagner. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Hope College, where she met her husband, Richard Kelly, who passed away July 29 of this year. Edna worked as a … Continue reading "Edna Wagner ’60 Kelly"
Albert Timmer II ’62
Albert Timmer II ’62 of Beaver Valley, Ontario, Canada, died on Thursday, July 19, 2019. He was 82. Survivors include his nieces, Janet (Phil) Seaman-Mc Donald ’77 and Julia (Daniel) Drier ’75. He was formerly of Beaver Valley, Ontario.  Al was previously a psychologist in the mental health area.  Later, he ran a successful Apple … Continue reading "Albert Timmer II ’62"
Vincent Kleyla III ’63
Vincent Robert Kleyla III born May,16 1941 passed away peacefully on February 6, 2020. He was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2017 but rose to the challenge, keeping as active and engaged as was possible every step of the way. He wanted to make a difference and participated in a Lewy Body biomarkers study … Continue reading "Vincent Kleyla III ’63"
Lewis Scudder Jr. ’63
Lewis Scudder Jr. ’63 of Limassol, Cyprus, died on Nov. 1, 2017. Survivors include his wife, Nancy Scudder; children; and grandchildren. RCA newsletter
Gilmer Peterson ’63
Gilmer M. Peterson was born in Grand Haven Michigan March 7, 1941. He was an Alumni of Hope College, B.A. Degree, and Michigan State University Grad School, M.F.A. Degree & received the Herman Miller Award for sculpture in 1965. His Sculpture was shown in local galleries as well as the Crocker Kingsley 1988. Gil passed away May … Continue reading "Gilmer Peterson ’63"
Lois Breederland ’64 Skibins
Lois Breederland ’64 Skibins of Warren, Michigan, died on Tuesday, June 25, 2019. She was 79. Survivors include her sons, Steven and Andrew; and siblings, Marian McTavish, Raymond Breederland and Arthur Breederland. Preceded in death by her brother Henry Breederland.
Nancy Rypma ’64 Van Dam
Nancy J. Van Dam, age 77, of Grand Haven passed away November 9, 2019, at Mercy Hospital. She was born in Holland on January 7, 1942, to the late Donald and Julia (Seif) Rypma. Nancy married James A. Van Dam on January 25, 1963, in Holland and shortly thereafter they moved to Grand Haven. She … Continue reading "Nancy Rypma ’64 Van Dam"
Linda Bramwell ’65 Brooks
Linda Brooks, 76, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2020.  Linda was a well-known and respected business owner and beloved in the local communities. She is preceded in death by her husband Louie Brooks and survived by her daughter Maria Miller, son-in-law Kevin Miller and 3 grandchildren.  Linda was an integral part of Saugatuck, having … Continue reading "Linda Bramwell ’65 Brooks"
Michael McNeal ’65
Michael “Mike” Herrington McNeal passed at the Syracuse Veterans Medical Center on July 9, 2019. He was 77 years old. Mike was born on June 3, 1942 in Schenectady, NY to his parents, Harold and Viola McNeal. He graduated from Hope College and married Marie Wigfield in 1965. After serving in the Army, Mike owned … Continue reading "Michael McNeal ’65"
Rodney Broman ’66
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, Rodney Lee Broman, Ph.D., 75, of Grand Rapids, passed away Friday, January 24, 2020. He grew up in Spring Lake, MI and attended and graduated from St. John’s Military Academy in Delafield, WI where he was awarded medals of honor as a Cadet Captain. He went … Continue reading "Rodney Broman ’66"
Jeanne Ann Frissel ’66
Jeanne Ann Frissel ’66 of Hudsonville, Michigan, died on Thursday, May 2, 2019. She was 74. Survivors include her daughter, Keely Van Til ’95; and sister, Paula Frissel ’70 (Lawrence ’69) Bone.
Laura Manasek ’67 Cain
Laura Cain of Venice, Florida, formerly of Plano, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2019 at her Venice Florida home. She was blessed to be surrounded by her family during the last weeks of her journey. Born August 12, 1945, daughter of Lillian and Rudolph Manasek, Laura was raised on the east side of … Continue reading "Laura Manasek ’67 Cain"
Marilynn Hoffman ’67
Marilynn Hoffman, age 74, of Sylvania, passed away on September 27, 2019. She was born on April 21, 1945 to Herman and Edna Hoffman in Muskegon, MI. Marilynn attended Hope College and the University of Toledo where she received her master’s degree. She was a teacher for the Sylvania School System, retiring after 35 dedicated years. Marilynn … Continue reading "Marilynn Hoffman ’67"
Blanchard De Merchant ’68
Dr. Blanchard L. De Merchant of St. Charles, Missouri passed away Thursday, April 4, 2019 at the age of 76.  Husband of 51 years to Phillis K. De Merchant (who preceded him in death), son of the late Roy and Mereda; father of Sonya De Merchant and Nicole (Ramiro Pacheco) De Merchant; cherished grandfather of Nicolas Rivera; brother … Continue reading "Blanchard De Merchant ’68"
John “Jack” Waterman ’68
John “Jack” Waterman, age 74, of Ypsilanti, Michigan, formerly of Chicago and Boston, passed away Friday, August 23, 2019 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital after an extended illness. Jack was born on May 30, 1945 to the late Harold and Myra (Cleaveland) Waterman in Mobile, Alabama. Survived by his children Sarah (John) Henseler, Kathy (Sean) … Continue reading "John “Jack” Waterman ’68"

1970s

Beverly Glas ’70 Pace
Beverly Glas Pace, MD; beloved wife of John B. Pace, MD; loving mother of Randall F. Pace, Lauren M. Pace, DO, Rebecca L. (John) Tolle; grandmother of Blaise Baker, Samuel and Flynn Tolle; dear daughter of the late Charles and Dorothy Glas, and sister of the late Charles Glas. Beverly grew up in Calumet Park, … Continue reading "Beverly Glas ’70 Pace"
Robert Douglass ’72
Robert Owen Douglass (March 29, 1951- April 5, 2019)- peacefully, after a long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma. Beloved husband of Teresa, loving father of Elizabeth (Michael) Espinoza and Andrew (Kathryn).  Cherished grandfather of Drew, Zachary, Anna, Norah and Greta.  Devoted brother to Susan (Martin) Sandstrom, Wylie (Ardyth), John (Emily), David (Susan) and the … Continue reading "Robert Douglass ’72"
Rosetta Manus ’73
Rosetta Manus, M.Ed., age 68, of Erie, passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, at LECOM Senior Living. She was born in Erie, on March 21, 1951, a daughter of the late John Reed Manus, Sr. and Mary Lester Manus Sanford. Rosetta received her Bachelor’s Degree from Hope College in New Holland, Michigan and her Master’s and … Continue reading "Rosetta Manus ’73"
Daniel Case ’74
Daniel Thomas Case passed away peacefully on the evening of Christmas, 2019, at the Stonecroft Health Campus in Bloomington. Born to Raymond and Carolyn Case in Battle Creek, Michigan, Dan grew up all around the lower peninsula as his father relocated often for his career at A&P. He was the eldest of four siblings and … Continue reading "Daniel Case ’74"
Paul Hendricks ’75
Paul Hendricks, 66, passed Thursday, January 23, 2020 in Grand Rapids, MI after a 20+ year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Paul was born June 30, 1953 in Cadillac, MI to Roger & Barbara Hendricks, who preceded him in death. His childhood was spent traveling around Michigan to the communities that Pastor Roger served. Paul graduated … Continue reading "Paul Hendricks ’75"
Nancy Foster ’78
Nancy Foster passed away peacefully at home January 6, 2020, with family members around her. Nancy was born on September 21, 1956, in Dearborn, MI, to Wirt Wallace and Clara (McDowell) Johnson. Nancy graduated from Dearborn High School and attended Hope College, majoring in English and earning a Business/Accounting degree. Nancy sat for the CPA … Continue reading "Nancy Foster ’78"

1980s

Thurland Cole Jr. ’85
Thurland F. Cole  Jr., 56 of Belding passed away Friday November 29, 2019 at Spectrum health Butterworth Campus in Grand Rapids. Thurland was born on December 28, 1962 in Belding the son of Thurland F. and Carol (Peterman) Cole Sr. He graduated from Belding High School with the Class of 1981 and later graduated from Hope College with a BA Degree. He had worked … Continue reading "Thurland Cole Jr. ’85"
Lon McCollum ’88
Lon Eric McCollum, 54, passed away on November 22, 2019 after a short fight against melanoma. He was born on March 11, 1965, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Lonny Stuart and Marian Alice (Nelson) McCollum. Lon was a man of the world; he spent his life exploring the planet and bringing people light along his … Continue reading "Lon McCollum ’88"

2000s

Kevin Van Timmeren ’01
Van Timmeren, Kevin R. age 42, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 7, 2019. He is survived by his parents, Bob and Grace Van Timmeren; brothers, Chris and Gina Van Timmeren and Scott and Jennifer Van Timmeren; nieces, Brynn, Elle, Maya, and River; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and numerous friends.
Michael Poublon II ’06
Michael Poublon II ’06 Poublon, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening January 7, 2020 after a three-year courageous battle with consecutive cancers. Mike was born June 22, 1984 in Houston, TX the son of Michael and Sheryl (Streu) Poublon. He spent most of his childhood in Midland, MI where he earned his Eagle Scout. Mike graduated … Continue reading "Michael Poublon II ’06"

2010s

Blake Parmer ’18
Blake Parmer ’18 of Holland, Michigan, died on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. He was 23. Survivors include his parents, Vicki and John Parmer. As some of you may know, Blake went home to meet his Heavenly Father yesterday unexpectedly in his sleep. Our hearts are deeply broken with the loss of a dear brother, son, and friend. … Continue reading "Blake Parmer ’18"

Sympathy to

Shirley Beckman
Shirley Beckman, 83, of Holland, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2019. Shirley and her husband Stanley had been members of Grace Reformed Church.  She worked in the public safety department at Hope College until her retirement after over 20 years of service. In their retirement, Shirley and Stanley enjoyed spending time at their summer … Continue reading "Shirley Beckman"
Sophia Hamberg
Sophia M. Hamberg, age 89, of Holland, passed away Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Vista Springs Assisted Living Center. Sophia retired after 23 years as the Secretary in the Counseling and Placement Center at Hope College. Her joys were sailing with her husband and cooking for her family. She was a member of Maranatha Christian … Continue reading "Sophia Hamberg"
John Nordstrom
John Nordstrom, age 88, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 17, 2020. Those who knew John Nordstrom knew he was a big man, both figuratively and literally. He loved big ideas, big pieces of peach pie (with crumbly topping), and the big sound of pipe organs. He had a big heart … Continue reading "John Nordstrom"
Marvin Stadt
Marvin Stadt, entered his heavenly home on Thursday, January 2, 2020. Marvin was born on March 28, 1932, the only child of John and Allie Stadt of East Saugatuck. Marvin graduated from Holland High School in 1950, and married the love of his life, Julia Becksvoort, June 5, 1953. Marvin was a member of Graafschap … Continue reading "Marvin Stadt"
Sandy Tasma
The family of Sandy Tasma, of Holland, Michigan, who died on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. She was 65. She worked at Hope College for more than 40 years prior to retiring as office manager in the development and alumni engagement office. Survivors include her siblings, Cindy (Steve) DeWeerd and Rob (Nancy Bartels ’91) Tasma; and … Continue reading "Sandy Tasma"