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.
Doris Jean Frederick Failing, 98, passed away on Monday, December 25, 2023, at her home in Wilmington, NC surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 23, 1925, in Schenectady, NY, the daughter of the late Harvey J. Frederick and Vesta Feichter Frederick. Doris was preceded in death by her son, Bruce R. Failing … Continue reading "Doris Frederick ’47 Failing"
Vernon Wayne Houting, 100, died Thursday, December 21, at his home in Holland. He had just celebrated his one-hundredth birthday, having been born in his parents’ home on December 17, 1923, to Murvel and Susanna Houting. In those days, he recollected, families would call in “a woman from the neighborhood” to help with the birth … Continue reading "Vernon Houting ’49"
Marjorie Jean (Fenton) Davis, 94 years of age, passed on from this world suddenly on Thursday, January 4, 2024. Marjorie lived a long and diverse life. She was born in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada on November 24, 1929, where her father worked as an engineer in the nickel mines in that area. Her family moved to … Continue reading "Marjorie Fenton ’51 Davis"
Mary Elizabeth ( Voskuil) Haveman, age 96, of Holland died Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Resthaven – Jacob’s House. For the first 9 years of her life Mary lived in China where her heart for serving others blossomed. Her parents were devoted missionaries with the Amoy China Mission of the Reformed Church in America. Mary was … Continue reading "Mary Voskuil ’51 Haveman"
Frances Divine Scholten Rinkus of Holland, MI departed her earthly home to join her Savior December 26, 2023. She was born in Tarrytown, NY January 28, 1929 to The Reverend Walter Augustus and Frances Marion Thoms Scholten. In 1948, Frances attended Hope College in Holland, MI where she met Donald Eugene Rinkus; they married in 1949. She faithfully … Continue reading "Frances Scholten ’52 Rinkus"
John Rookus, age 92, passed peacefully at his home in Moline, surrounded by family, December 9, 2023. He was born in Zeeland, Michigan January 17, 1931, the son of Elizabeth (Betty) Rookus. He was raised in Zeeland, alongside his grandparents, John and Kate Rookus, and many loving uncles and aunts. In high school and throughout college, he worked … Continue reading "John Rookus Jr. ’53"
Sherwin Wayne Kamps, age 89, of Zeeland, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at his home. He was born on November 23, 1933, to George and Arendena (Cramer) Kamps. He married his beautiful bride, Ruth Laninga, on January 27, 1955. Sherwin served in the US Army from 1956-1958 … Continue reading "Sherwin Kamps ’55"
Rev. Thomas D. Keizer, age 90, of Grand Rapids, MI died Thursday, January 11, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Marguerite Keizer. Thomas is survived by his wife, Erma Van Dyke Keizer; children, Thomas B. ’80 (Celine) Keizer, Gretchen ’83 (Edward) Berry, Stephen ’86 (Marg0) Keizer; grandchildren, Jonathan (Alaina) Keizer, … Continue reading "Thomas Keizer ’55"
Richard Allen Bolt, age 89, was called to his heavenly home on Sunday, December 3, 2023. Richard was the beloved son of parents, Richard and Eva (Roskamp) Bolt. Following his graduation from Hope College, Dick (Rich to his family) served in the U.S. Navy. He retired in his 70’s from Good GMC after many years as the … Continue reading "Richard Bolt ’56"
J. Dean Hogenboom ’56 of Lombard, Illinois, formerly of Oak Park, Illinois, died on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. He was 89. He was born on May 25, 1934, in Fairview, Illinois, to the Rev. Josh ’25 and Dena (Habink ’22) Hogenboom. He graduated from Holland (Michigan) High School in 1952. He majored in mathematics at … Continue reading "J. Dean Hogenboom ’56"
Marilyn A. Idsinga, age 90, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 8, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 15, 1933, to Thomas and Lillian Kotlan in Berwyn, IL. She made her way to West Michigan with her family in her early 20’s. Upon moving here, she continued her education at Hope … Continue reading "Marilyn Kotlan ’56 Idsinga"
Helena J. Lawrence, 95, of Sioux City passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at a local care facility. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023 at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences may … Continue reading "Helena Joffer ’56 Lawrence"
Dr. John C. De Vries, of Lake Oswego, OR, passed away on November 26, 2023 at the Springs Lake Oswego after months of challenging health issues. An anesthesiologist practicing in Portland for over 30 years, John cared deeply about his family and friends while living a purposeful life taking care of patients. After retiring in … Continue reading "John De Vries ’57"
Joanna Marston passed away on November 21, 2023 in New Jersey, with her loving children and her husband of 40 years at her side. Joanna Marson McIntyre was born in Yonkers, NY, to Mary Snow (née Norton) McIntyre and Edwin P. McIntyre. She grew up in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, the youngest of three children. Joanna graduated from Hastings-on-Hudson … Continue reading "Joanna McIntyre ’57 Marston"
Anita Jean TeHennepe, 88, of Franklin, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday Dec. 20, 2023, in the company of her family. A gifted musician, artist, cook, teacher, friend, mother, and wife, she will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends. Anita was born in Central Park, Holland, Mich. She attended Hope … Continue reading "Anita VanLente ’57 TeHennepe"
Alice Marie Brink Kooyers, age 88, a blessing and joy to all who knew her, passed away on January 24, 2024. She was beloved by her family, kindhearted to all, and treasured by many friends and neighbors. Alice’s faith brought her peace throughout her life. As a devoted member of Trinity Reformed Church, she loved worshipping … Continue reading "Alice Brink ’58 Kooyers"
Dr. George Orthel Van Verst, 88, son of Katherine and Paul Van Verst, brother to David and Richard Van Verst, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, December 8th, 2023. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Ellen Vugteveen (d. 2004) and survived by their children, Janet ’83 and Scott ’62 Van Verst, husband to Mary Vosteen. George … Continue reading "George Van Verst ’58"
Janet Baird Weisiger, age 87 passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2024. Janet was a native of New Jersey, attended Hope College, Holland, Michigan and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City. She had held positions in public health, psychiatric and geriatric nursing. She also held … Continue reading "Janet Baird ’58 Weisiger"
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Larry Richard Ter Molen, a distinguished and foundational figure in the world of fundraising, a kind and generous community booster, and most of all a beloved and loving family man. Larry left this world on February 9, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of kind and supportive … Continue reading "Larry Ter Molen ’59"
Carl Jason De Jong was born Feb. 21, 1938, to Wilbur James De Jong and Jeanette (DenHerder) De Jong in Maurice, Iowa. The first of six siblings, he worked hard on the farm, waking early for chores. As a boy he was studious and loved playing basketball. After graduating from high school in Maurice, he attended Northwestern Junior Academy for an Associate’s Degree, and … Continue reading "Carl De Jong ’60"
Judith Mary (nèe Dorn) Balfoort, passed from this world to her heavenly home on Friday, January 19, 2024. Judith was born in Holland Michigan, on May 29, 1940, to Harold and Evelyn Dorn. She graduated from Holland High School, attended Hope College and Grand Rapids Junior College where she acquired an LPN degree in nursing. During … Continue reading "Judith Dorn ’62 Balfoort"
Marie Blauwkamp, 98, of Zeeland, passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024. Marie was born August 11, 1925, in Zeeland, to Jacob and Ada (Zwagerman) Geerlings. Marie went to Townline School and Holland Christian High School. She married Adrian Blauwkamp (while home on leave) in 1944. Newly married in 1945, Marie lived in New York … Continue reading "Marie Geerlings ’62 Blauwkamp"
After the 1840s, a spidery network of Dutch immigrant communities arose along the southern shoreline of Lake Michigan and extended into Iowa, Minnesota, and the Dakotas. South Holland, Illinois, when established in 1847, was among the least significant of those Dutch settlements. It had changed very little by 1940, when six-month-old Norman Kansfield and his parents, Orval … Continue reading "Norman J. Kansfield ’62"
Marcia Lou Williamson, 83, passed away on December 21, 2023, at Stratford Pines Nursing Home in Midland with her family by her side. Her passing brought to an end her long struggle with dementia and her brief encounter with Covid. Marcia was born on July 15, 1940, in Grand Rapids, Michigan the daughter of Bertha and … Continue reading "Marcia Hondorp ’62 Williamson"
James R. Vaccaro, 87 of Midland, passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at his home. Jim was born March 23, 1936 in Easton, PA to Genevieve and Anthony Vaccaro. He married the love of his life, Donna DeWalt on August 12, 1961. Together they raised two children; Lori (Larry) Parsons and Danny (Kim) Vaccaro. Jim was blessed … Continue reading "James Vaccaro ’65"
Janice Ruth Westlund (née Blakley), died December 22, 2023. Born in Webster, New York to Walter and Mary Ruth Blakley. She graduated from Hope College and held various teaching positions before meeting her husband Steve in Chicago. Together they worked in and eventually co-owned Bob’s Hardware in Rockford, IL. Janice enjoyed coming up with new ways to … Continue reading "Janice Blakley ’70 Westlund"
Carl John Folkert, born January 4, 1952, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 5, 2024, due to complications of cancer. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Barbara Koop Folkert ’74; his daughter and daughter-in-law, Kate Folkert ’99 and Erin Overmeyer; his daughter and son-in-law, Libby ’00 and Matthew McKinley; his son and daughter-in-law, Tim ’03 … Continue reading "Carl Folkert ’74"
On June 11, 1953, Renita Annette was born to William and Jeanette VanderMeulen. She was the oldest of 10 children, and spent her childhood years in Whitby, Ontario. Theirs was a God-fearing, church-going family, which would have a significant impact on the rest of Renita’s life. She accepted Jesus as her Savior when she was … Continue reading "Renita VanderMeulen ’75 Howat"
Born on April 11, 1954 in Morristown, New Jersey, United States Passed away on January 20, 2024 in Westminster, Colorado, United States This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Joseph Policoro, 69 years old, born on April 11, 1954, and passed away on January 20, 2024. Joe lived his life looking for … Continue reading "Joseph Policoro ’77"
Jeffrey Alan Tittle, aged 67 passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024. Jeff is survived by the love of his life, Donna, with whom he shared countless cherished moments. His legacy continues through his children: Ashley Tittle and husband Ryan Putans, Alyssa and husband Jeff Frey along with their children Molly, Emalyn, and Jeffery; Emily and husband TJ … Continue reading "Jeffrey Tittle ’79"
Scott W. Earl, 59, of Lambertville, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly January 29, 2024, in his home. He was born on June 19, 1964, in Port Clinton, Ohio, to William and Janyce (Sumney) Earl. He graduated from Blissfield High School in 1982 where he was a record-breaking track athlete. He attended Hope College and the University of Toledo to study … Continue reading "Scott Earl ’86"
Sherry Schuen‘s struggle with ALS ended on November 22, 2023 at the age of 55. She is survived by her husband, James, and her two adult children, Brendan and Abigail ’23, as well as, her furry family members, a golden retriever Finnigan, and two cats, Rue and Poppy. Also, she is survived by her mother and … Continue reading "Sherry Grupp ’90 Schuen"
Lloyd Aaron Quimby, age 42, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 18, 2023. Aaron was born in Coldwater, MI, on December 12, 1981, the youngest child of Lloyd and Nila (Golliver) Quimby. Aaron is survived by his beloved family, wife Michelle, sons Hayden (8) and Tyler (6), and stepsons Luke Gerlinger (20) and Evan Gerlinger (18), fur … Continue reading "Lloyd “Aaron” Quimby ’04"
Merrie Bannink, age 78, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Merrie was married to Jack Bannink for 57 years and together they had four children who were her biggest passion. She had a master’s in counseling, taught at Holland Christian, and worked for Hope College for 22 years. She was a longtime volunteer at the Holland Free … Continue reading "Merrie Bannink"
Leo Martonosi, at the age of 80, peacefully crossed the end zone for his final score to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday January 28, 2024, surrounded by his family. His Superbowl playoff run began with his parents Leo Sr. and Helen Martonosi in Gladwin, Michigan on July 18, 1943. Leo was a … Continue reading "Leo Martonosi"
Peter Schakel was born on August 1, 1941, in Knoxville, Iowa, to Clara and Tunis Schakel. After the family moved to a house outside Pella, Iowa, he attended sixth, seventh, and eighth grade at the Amsterdam school, a one-room schoolhouse down the road. He graduated from Pella Christian High School, and then became the first in his family … Continue reading "Peter Schakel"
