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.
Julia Bruischat ’32 Drost, 103, of Fillmore, peacefully passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at Resthaven Care Center. Julia was born on March 12, 1914, in Holland to John and Dena Bruischat. She fondly remembered her days at Hope College/ High School and was proud to be a graduate of the Class of 1932. Throughout … Continue reading "Julia Bruischat ’32 Drost"
Ruth Muilenburg ’36 Jeffery died peacefully at the incredible age of 102. Born November 30, 1914, Ruth, also known Mom, Mud, Gma, and GG, saw and touched more in her lifetime than most. Ruth was a woman of many talents and passions. She taught 3rd grade for 23 years,was an accomplished cellist for 86 years, and … Continue reading "Ruth Muilenburg ’36 Jeffery"
James Hinkamp ’40, 98, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2017. The son of Rev. Paul and Martha Hinkamp, “Jim” was born and raised in Holland and attended Holland High School. He graduated from Hope College, where he met his wife, Theodora “Teddy” Meulendyke. He then pursued graduate studies at The Ohio State University and … Continue reading "James Hinkamp ’40"
Harold Van Heuvelen ’40 known as “Van” to his friends, was a musician, acclaimed music educator, retired U.S. Army Colonel and World War II veteran, and lay preacher. He passed away on April 26, 2017 in Kalamazoo, MI, at the age of 98. Van was born in Yakima, WA, on March 30, 1919, to Rev. … Continue reading "Harold Van Heuvelen ’40"
Hulda Rigterink ’41 Folkert, 97, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 3, 2017, at American House in Holland. Hulda was born in 1919 to Henry and Hattie Rigterink. She was a graduate of Hope College with a degree in education, was an active member of Overisel Reformed Church, served as a Sunday school teacher and … Continue reading "Hulda Rigterink ’41 Folkert"
June Baker ’42 Heasley passed away peacefully the morning of April 28, 2017 just seven weeks short of her 96th birthday. June was born on June 12, 1921 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was the daughter of Theodore Baker and Laura (VanderVelden) Baker. June’s early life was spent in Grand Rapids, Holland and Hickory, North Carolina. … Continue reading "June Baker ’42 Heasley"
Kenneth Geelhood ’43 was born on August 10, 1920 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to his parents Abraham and Margaret Geelhood. He passed away on March 6, 2017 in Fort Myers, Florida at the age of 96. Ken is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Alice (Vandenberg) Geelhood; children Judy (Jeff) Sabin, Greg (Lindsay) … Continue reading "Kenneth Geelhood ’43"
Elsie Piersma ’43 Weeber, 96, of Holland, went home to Glory on March 17, 2017. Elsie was born in Holland and was a lifelong resident of the area. She was a devoted mother of five children, and a registered nurse, spending most of her career working at Holland Hospital. She graduated from Butterworth Hospital School … Continue reading "Elsie Piersma ’43 Weeber"
Vivian Tardiff ’44 Cook, 95, of Holland, passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at Resthaven Care Center Cottage. Vivian graduated from Holland High School and continued her education at Hope College receiving her BA degree. She was an English teacher at Zeeland High School for over 20 years. Her love of flowers prompted her to … Continue reading "Vivian Tardiff ’44 Cook"
N. Ione Strick ’44 Lemmen, age 94, went to be with her lord Saturday, April 15, 2017. She was born in Byron Center, Michigan on November 17, 1922 to Albertus & Stella (Haase) Strick and married Lloyd Lemmen on June 29, 1946. Mrs. Lemmen received a Bachelors Degree from Hope College and remained a generous supporter her … Continue reading "N. Ione Strick ’44 Lemmen"
Richard Hine ’45 passed away on December 14, 2016 at the age of 92. He is survived by his wife Barbara (Tazelaar) ’46, children Judy Strom ’71, Rick ’72, and Beth Frost ’77, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. After graduation from New Brunswick Seminary, Rev. Hine served Reformed Churches in Walkill, New York, Clifton, New Jersey, Schnectady, … Continue reading "Richard Hine ’45"
Harriet Stegeman ’46 Van Donkelaar, age 92, passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2017 at Christian Haven Home in Grand Haven. She was born on January 19, 1925 in Lucas, MI to Rev. James and Ella (Atwood) Stegeman and resided her entire life in the area. Harriet was a teacher for both Muskegon Heights and … Continue reading "Harriet Stegeman ’46 Van Donkelaar"
Lowell Heneveld ’47 passed away early Tuesday morning, Jan. 24, 2017, after a short illness. Born in 1923 in Muskegon, Michigan, the family moved to Wyckoff, New Jersey when he was two years old, where his father served as minister in the Reformed Church in America for 25 years. One of three children, he is survived … Continue reading "Lowell Heneveld ’47"
Earl Holkeboer ’48, age 93, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, in New York City, his home in recent years. Born in Holland, MI., Earl attended Midshipman School, Northwestern University (Chicago) and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, including the final campaign at Okinawa; he graduated from … Continue reading "Earl Holkeboer ’48"
Gerald Boerman ’50, 87, of Green Valley, Arizona, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017. Jerry passed away peacefully at Northwest Hospital surrounded by many of his loved ones. Jerry was born in Grand Rapids, MI, to Rev. Jacob and Catherine Boerman. He was preceded in death by his dear … Continue reading "Gerald Boerman ’50"
Albert Cronheim ’50, aged 94, of Norton Shores, formerly of Grandville, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, November 19, 2016. He was preceded in death by his wife, Clara and his stillborn child, Fredrick. Surviving are his children, Paula and David Lickfeldt, Tamara and Michael Fleckenstein, Rebecca and Peter Gawkowski, Pete and Miranda … Continue reading "Albert Cronheim ’50"
Clair DeMull ’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 DeMull ’50"
Lorraine Drake ’50 Gramm, 88, of Saint Petersburg, FL passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2017, at Westminster Palms. Born in Rochester, NY, on November 15, 1928 to the late Hugh B. Drake and the late Anna C. Kesel. She was married for over 50 years to Charles F. Gramm, who preceded her in death. … Continue reading "Lorraine Drake ’50 Gramm"
Donald Lee ’50 of Aquebogue died April 4, 2017 at Southampton Hospital. He was 89 years old. He was born in Flushing on January 7, 1928 to Harold and Grace (Milne) Lee. He attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan. He served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952. On April 24,1965 he married Carol Bird in Manhattan. … Continue reading "Donald Lee ’50"
Howard Millard ’50, 88, of Zeeland, passed away Monday, April 17, 2017. Howard was born in Brunswick on April 20, 1928, to Alvie and Hazel (Brouwer) Millard. Howard graduated from high school and went to college. He married the love of his life, Jean Meulendyke in 1950, and they raised their family in Zeeland. Howard … Continue reading "Howard Millard ’50"
Duane Clark Sutfin ’50 died February 3, 2017 at Porter Hospice Johnson Center. Survived by daughters Pamela (Mike) Guthrie, Cynthia Sutfin, sons Mark (Roberta) and Paul Sutfin, five grandchildren, and brothers Roger of Wheaton IL and Frank of Naperville IL. Preceded in death by his wife, Lillian “Billie” Martinez Sutfin .
William Hinga ’51 of Pella died in his sleep at Jefferson Place in the early morning hours of May 9, 2017. He was 88. Bill was born Feb. 20, 1929, in Holland to Gladys Kendrick Hinga and Milton “ Bud” Hinga. Their second child, he grew up under the watchful eye of his sister, Connie, who … Continue reading "William Hinga ’51"
Edward Kerle ’51, 87, of Granville, at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, June 3, 2017 in Heritage Hall at First Presbyterian Church, 110 W. Broadway, Granville. Ed died Thursday, May 4, 2017 at his home in Granville. He was born in Passaic, New Jersey to the late Gustav and Elsie (Palubniak) Kerle July 5, 1929. After graduation from Passaic High … Continue reading "Edward Kerle ’51"
Howard Van Dahm ’52, age 86, passed away Monday evening, February 20, 2017 in Illinois. He was born November 19, 1930 in Chicago, IL to Thomas and Sarah (Toren) Van Dahm. Howard attended Hope College and served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He had worked for Shaw Walker for over 40 years … Continue reading "Howard Van Dahm ’52"
Mary Jo Geerlings ’53 Bergstrom, age 85, of Bel Air, MD passed away on March 17, 2017 at Awakenings Assisted Living in Bel Air. Born in Lowville, NY, she was the daughter of Clyde Henry and Ardean (Van Arendonk) Geerlings and was the wife of the late Robert Loyal Bergstrom. In 1953, she earned a … Continue reading "Mary Jo Geerlings ’53 Bergstrom"
Stanley McClure ’53 and Florence Passed away of natural causes within hours of each other over the weekend at Spectrum Health of Ludington. They were married for over 66 years. Florence was born January 16, 1931 in Muskegon. She was a housewife, and the daughter of William & Josephine (Sadlejia) King. She attended Muskegon Heights High … Continue reading "Stanley McClure ’53"
Edward Viening ’53, 87, of Jenison, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 13, 2017. He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 50 years, Anne. Ed was a former pastor who served the Dunningville Reformed Church for many years and then at Zondervan Publishing Company until … Continue reading "Edward Viening ’53"
Carolyn Lange ’54 VanderWoude 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, the University of Utah, and received her BA in music from Hope College in Holland, MI. In 1987 she received her Master’s degree … Continue reading "Carolyn Lange ’54 VanderWoude"
Phyllis Wierenga ’55 Muilenburg quietly left this earth on Sunday, April 2, 2017, to be with her loving husband, Bob. Phyllis was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., to Ella and Raymond Wierenga. She attended Hope College in Holland, Mich., where she met the love of her life, Robert William Muilenburg. They were married for 66 years, until … Continue reading "Phyllis Wierenga ’55 Muilenburg"
William Bouwer ’56, 82, of Oostburg, passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Pine Haven Christian Homes. William was born on May 27, 1934 in Grand Rapids Michigan to Claude and Katherine (Ossewaarde) Bouwer. Following his graduation at Grand Rapids Christian High School, he studied at Hope College. He completed his education after receiving … Continue reading "William Bouwer ’56"
Harvey Mulder ’56, 85, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017 at University Hospital Conneaut. The son of Dick Henry and Irene Dorothy (Brakesma) Mulder, Harvey was born on Feb. 2, 1931, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A proud Veteran of the United States Army and having served in Germany during the Korean Conflict, he was … Continue reading "Harvey Mulder ’56"
David Markusse ’57 of Kalamazoo, David Markusse, age 81 died on Friday, February 10, 2017. He was born on November 10, 1935 in Kalamazoo, the son of Jacob and Lena (Marker) Markusse and grew up in the Milwood neighborhood where he formed many lifelong friendships and learned the value of hard work with his paper route. … Continue reading "David Markusse ’57"
Lawrence Su ’59, 80 of Okemos, died November 17, 2016. Lawrence is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann; sons, Lawrence (Angela) Su, William (Mary) Su, John (Cindy) Su and Robert (Laura) Su.
Norma Wallace ’60 Allen, age 78, of Little Silver, NJ passed away on March 17, 2017. She was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and was a graduate of Hope College, Holland, MI with a degree in education. As a beloved mother and nurturing nanny she instilled a love of learning and creativity. She loved children, nature, drawing, … Continue reading "Norma Wallace ’60 Allen"
Thomas Moore ’60, 83, of Swannanoa, passed away Monday, March 6, 2017. Mr. Moore was born August 29, 1934 in upstate New York to the late Robert and Margaret Moore. He served in the Armed Forces before obtaining his bachelor’s degree from Hope College, and went on to earn an MBA. He moved to the Swannanoa … Continue reading "Thomas Moore ’60"
Howard Plaggemars ’60, 79, of Holland, died Friday, Feb. 17. Born in Holland, he had many years of experience pertaining to fine art and oriental carpets. He served in the Army and was a graduate of Culver Military Academy and Hope College, with post graduate studies at the University of Michigan, Indiana University, as well … Continue reading "Howard Plaggemars ’60"
Lorraine Hellenga ’60 Toji was a member of the chemistry faculty at Hope College from 1961-65. In 1964 she received the prestigious Danforth Teacher Grant and took leave to begin her studies at Stanford University. Following her marriage to Dr. Masuo Toji and the completion of her PhD in biochemical pharmacology at the University of Pennsylvania, she joined … Continue reading "Lorraine Hellenga ’60 Toji"
Carol Yonkers ’61 Johnson died December 16.2016. She was preceded in death by her husband Gary Johnson, her parents Clifford and Inez Yonkers, and her brother Russell C. Yonkers ’59 who died in December 2013. She is survived by her two sons, Ronald and Michael Johnson and their wives, daughter Cyndee Johnson, five grandchildren one … Continue reading "Carol Yonkers ’61 Johnson"
Carl Benes ‘62,76, peacefully went to be with his Lord on February 25, 2017 at his home surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his parents (Angie & James) and Step-mother (Virginia). He is survived by Sandy, his soul-mate and devoted wife of 39 years. He is also survived by a large family … Continue reading "Carl Benes ’62"
Carol Buteyn ’62 Berberian, of Englewood (formerly of Demarest) passed away on January 25, 2017. Loving mother of Cathy Berberian-Strandes and her husband Peter, Mark and his wife Lauren. Dear sister of Jack Buteyn and his wife Linda. Loving Grammy of P.J., Nicholas, Michael, and Zachary. Dear fiance of Paul Olsen. Beloved aunt of Leslie … Continue reading "Carol Buteyn ’62 Berberian"
David Bringedahl ’63, age 75, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2017. He was born on August 9, 1941 to Theodore and Gladys (Shriver) Bringedahl in Muskegon. Dave graduated from Muskegon Heights High School and then went on to receive his Education degree from Hope College, followed by his Master’s from Antioch. Dave spent two years … Continue reading "David Bringedahl ’63"
Jack Cooper ’63 , age 87, of Grand Rapids, formerly of Amsterdam, NY and Glenmont, NY was called to his heavenly home on Thursday, February 23, 2017. Jack graduated from South High School in Grand Rapids and served as an instructor in the Naval Reserves before graduating from Hope College and Western Seminary. As a Reformed Church minister, … Continue reading "Jack Cooper ’63"
Leonids “John” Riters ’63 formerly of Muskegon Mr. Leonids (John) Riters, age 77 & husband of Denise (Olsen) Riters, went home to be with his Lord, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, February 26, 2017.
Carol Cronk ’64 Dalman, 74, died unexpectedly on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, at her home in Holland. She was born May 18, 1942, in Paterson, N.J., and graduated from Passaic Valley High School in Little Falls, N.J., and Hope College in Holland. She taught first grade in Warren for four years then lived in St. … Continue reading "Carol Cronk ’64 Dalman"
Gilbert Ogonji ’64 of Silver Spring, Maryland, died on Monday, March 13, 2017. He was 77. He was a professor of biology and chair of Coppin State University’s Department of Natural Sciences. See full obituary from The Baltimore Sun.
Mary Jo Suydam ’66 Willis, 72, of Fairview, IL, passed away Monday, April 24, 2017, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. She was born on November 16, 1944, to Clifton Davies and Jessie L. (Burnett) Suydam in Fulton County, Illinois, at Graham Hospital in Canton, Illinois. She was raised in Fairview, Illinois, … Continue reading "Mary Jo Suydam ’66 Willis"
Richard Wolters ’66, 72, passed away, Saturday, February 04, 2017. He was born October 24, 1944, in St. Louis, Mo., to Mark J. Wolters and Anne Melegh Wolters. He had a B.A. in philosophy from Hope College in Holland, Mich., and a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst Mass. He was professor of … Continue reading "Richard Wolters ’66"
Judith Pell ’67 Conn Mrs. Conn was born on July 25, 1945, and passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2017. Mrs. Conn was a resident of Fremont, Michigan, at the time of her passing. She was married to Michael.
Edward Ericson Jr. ’61 Longtime Calvin English professor Edward Ericson once described himself as a man who “aimed to be a high school English teacher and missed.” Instead, he spent his entire career in higher education, teaching in the English departments of Hope College, Westmont College, Northwestern College and ultimately Calvin, where he would spend … Continue reading "Edward Ericson Jr. ’61"
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 Master of … Continue reading "Patricia Lang ’69 Young"
Cynthia Wray ’70 Dannenberg, 68, former Holland resident recently residing in Hiram, Ga., went to be with her Lord on April 17, 2017, after a battle with cancer. Cindy loved the Lord, His Word, prayer and world missions. After graduating Hope College and Columbia Graduate School of Bible & Missions, Cindy entered the mission field … Continue reading "Cynthia Wray ’70 Dannenberg"
William Wolters ’72 passed away on May 9, 2017 in Deland, Florida. He was born in Muskegon, MI, March 26, 1950. He leaves behind his wife of 45 years Pamela (Hurst), his two daughters Alicia (David Petry) and Linnea, seven grandchildren, his sisters Mary Jo (Brent) and Paula (Alan VanDuinen), his brother Philip, and many nieces … Continue reading "William Wolters ’72"
Leigh Ann DeWolf ’79 Eriks, age 59, from Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away on April 12, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Leigh was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Annette De Wolf. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Mark, her children, Lauren and Lauren’s husband Kyle, Martin and Matthew, … Continue reading "Leigh Ann DeWolf ’79 Eriks"
Jeffrey Krehbiel ’82 died at home on Thursday, April 27, 2017 with family by his side. A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, he studied political science at Hope College where he met his wife of 35 years, Cheryl. Together they moved to Chicago where Jeff earned his Master of Divinity from McCormick Seminary in 1986. A … Continue reading "Jeffrey Krehbiel ’82"
Lafon Joy Kortman ’83, 56, of Yale, past away Tuesday, May 23, 2017 while in hospice care. She was born and raised in Holland, Michigan to Harris and Joyce Kortman. She was a longtime resident of Toledo, OH and of Yale, MI. She is survived by two adored children, Joshua J. Rutt and Kathryn J. … Continue reading "Lafon Joy Kortman ’83"
Dale Beukema ’84, 54, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2017 in his home in San Mateo, California while surrounded by family. Dale earned his bachelor’s degree at Hope College. He worked for the State of Michigan as a Disability Examiner for 20 years before moving to California to be with family members. Dale loved … Continue reading "Dale Beukema ’84"
Bonita “Bonnie” Hopp ’92 Postma lost her hard fought battle against cancer the morning of Saturday, March 25, 2017, in the loving arms of her husband Dave. They were the love of each other’s lives for more than 43 years. She is now planting a wonderful garden in heaven with her father James. Bonnie had more … Continue reading "Bonita “Bonnie” Hopp ’92 Postma"
Scott Werley ’94, 51, passed away peacefully with family by his side Friday, May 26, 2017. Scott was born in Las Vegas, raised in Holland, and resided in San Antonio, Texas. A graduate of Holland High School, he attended Hope College, and worked for JCI for over 30 years. He enjoyed baseball, golf, football, and … Continue reading "Scott Werley ’94"
Shannon Laursen ’97 , age 41, wife, mother, daughter, and dear friend, passed away suddenly on Friday, February 10, 2017. Shannon was a passionate, caring and fun-loving woman that adored her family and friends, and whole-heartedly embraced being a wonderful mother for her three children. Shannon met her college sweetheart, adventure partner and soul mate, Travis … Continue reading "Shannon Laursen ’97"
Ross Baldwin ’00 was born April 26, 1978 in Lansing, the son of Frank and Kathleen (Fast) Baldwin, and passed away on May 17, 2017 at the age of 39. Ross loved being a St. Thomas Tartan, LCHS Cougar, and Hope College Flying Dutchman. He lettered all 4 years with the Hope College football team. Ross was passionate about teaching … Continue reading "Ross Baldwin ’00"
Shannon Dykema ’04 Schamback, age 33, went home on March 3, 2017. Shannon lived a life of abundant generosity–she gave wholly of her time, talents, resources, and heart to her family, friends, and patients. Shannon obtained her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Michigan in 2014. She worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner … Continue reading "Shannon Dykema ’04 Schamback"
Stephen Gonthier ’06, 35, of Holland, died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017. John graduated from Hope College majoring in computer science. He enjoyed camping, canoeing, playing pool and spending time outdoors. John loved to make friends with anybody and everybody from children to older people; he could always make them happy and laugh because he was … Continue reading "Stephen Gonthier ’06"
Andrew Carmody ’11, 27, of St. Joseph, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph. Drew was born October 24, 1989 in Grand Rapids the son of Kevin Raymond and Mary Lynn (Syswerda) Carmody. On July 30, 2016 Andrew married Julia Danielle La Bounty. He graduated from … Continue reading "Andrew Carmody ’11"
John Stathakis ’14 Praise God who granted John life to enjoy among us and eternal life that he now shares with all the saints in heaven. John was born into his loving family on Sunday, August 4, 1991, reborn through water and God’s Word in baptism the next day, confirmed in the Christian faith as … Continue reading "John Stathakis ’14"
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"
Norman James Norton died on Friday, March 24, 2017 at Palmetto Health Baptist Hospital in Columbia, S.C. He was born in Du Quoin, on April 26, 1933, the oldest son of James Harlan Norton and Helen Riley Norton. He grew up in Cutler, where his family ran Norton’s Store – a family owned general store … Continue reading "The family of Norman James Norton"
