In Memoriam

1940s

Dorothy Curtis ’42 Dykema
Dorothy Curtis ’42 Dykema, 97, of St. Charles, Mich., passed away on March 16, 2018, at Hoyt Nursing Home, Saginaw after a brief illness. She was born January 2, 1921, in New London, CT, to Stanley and Lena Curtis. Dorothy grew up in Holland, Michigan, where she graduated from Holland High School in 1938 and … Continue reading "Dorothy Curtis ’42 Dykema"
Ruth Williams ’42 Vrieling
Ruth Williams ’42 Vrieling, passed away on January 30, 2018. She was born on March 18, 1921 in Holland, Michigan to Bertha (Hesse) Williams and Benjamin Harrison Williams. Ruth married her high school sweetheart Russell Vrieling on September 14, 1943, shortly before he went overseas to fight in World War II. Upon Russell’s return from … Continue reading "Ruth Williams ’42 Vrieling"
Robert Heasley ’43
Robert Heasley ’43 passed away peacefully the morning of May 22, 2018, just one month short of his 97th birthday. Bob was born on June 26, 1921 in Zeeland, Michigan. He was the son of Roy M. Heasley and Alyda (Veneklassen) Heasley. Bob’s childhood was spent in Holland, Michigan. After graduating from Holland High School, he attended Hope College, Michigan … Continue reading "Robert Heasley ’43"
Dorothy DeValois ’44 Wynia
Dorothy DeValois ’44 Wynia passed away May 17, 2018, at Bethany Manor in Story City, IA. A celebration of life will be held in Rock Valley, IA, at a later date. Dorothy was born Oct. 10, 1922 on a farm south of Boyden to Anna Scholten and Edgar DeValois. Her father was killed in a farm … Continue reading "Dorothy DeValois ’44 Wynia"
Dorothy Cross ’45 Braat
Dorothy Cross ’45 Braat died peacefully on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at the Rivercourt Residences in Groton, MA. She was born on June 17, 1923 in Hamilton, Ontario. She was a graduate of the Niagara Falls, New York High School and Hope College in Holland, Michigan. She started post-graduate work in Physiology at the University of Illinois, Urbana … Continue reading "Dorothy Cross ’45 Braat"
Edith Wolbrink ’46 McMullin
Edith Wolbrink ’46 McMullin, age 93, of Allendale, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on February 22, 2018. She was born July 11, 1924 in Coopersville, and was a lifetime resident of Allendale. She graduated from Coopersville High School, Hope College, and did graduate work at Western Michigan University. On June 1, 1945, … Continue reading "Edith Wolbrink ’46 McMullin"
Marian Reus ’47 Jacobson
Marian Reus ’47 Jacobson, long time resident of Mesa County, passed away recently at the age of 92. She was born on October 9, 1925, in the west Michigan village of Jamestown where her father was the General Practitioner/MD. She graduated from Zeeland High School (near Jamestown) and subsequently attended Hope College, the University of Michigan … Continue reading "Marian Reus ’47 Jacobson"
Barbara Bilkert ’47 Mulder and Donald Mulder ’48
Barbara Bilkert ’47 Mulder and Donald Mulder ’48 Donald Mulder Born in Hospers, Iowa, his family later moved to Blissfield, Michigan, where his father, Cornelius, had taken a position as School Superintendent. Early on, Don began to display a great love for athletics and friendly competition that would last throughout his life. He lettered in several … Continue reading "Barbara Bilkert ’47 Mulder and Donald Mulder ’48"
Lois Austin ’48 Horne
Lois Austin ’48 Horne, age 91, passed away Saturday, April 28, 2018. Lois was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. She graduated from West Side High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Hope College in Michigan, where she met her future husband Eugene (Gene) and did graduate work at Florida Atlantic University after moving to … Continue reading "Lois Austin ’48 Horne"
Ronald Korver ’48
Surrounded by his wife and children, Ronald (Ron) George Korver, 92, died peacefully on May 8, 2018, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Ron was born in Orange City, Iowa, second of nine children, to the late William George Korver and the late Anna Birdella (DeCook). He spent most of his life in Japan as a career missionary with the … Continue reading "Ronald Korver ’48"
Olga Kilian ’49 DeKok
Olga Kilian ’49 DeKok , 90, of Appledorn Living Center, died Sunday after a long illness. She was born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., on Sept. 5, 1927, to John L. and Olga Kilian, and grew up in Creston, Keokuk and Dubuque, Iowa. Her father, a foreman for Swift & Co., was transferred in 1945 to … Continue reading "Olga Kilian ’49 DeKok"
Anna Tallman ’49 Miedema
Anna Tallman ’49 Miedema, age 90, of St. Anne passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at her home. She was born September 17, 1927, in Wichert, the daughter of John & Christine Blankestyn Tallman. Anna Marie married Elwood Miedema, her devoted husband of 67 years, on August 9, 1950, in Wichert. He preceded her in … Continue reading "Anna Tallman ’49 Miedema"

1950s

James Patterson ’50
James Patterson ’50, age 92, of Manhattan since 1962, passed away peacefully at his home with family at his side on Sunday, April 29, 2018. He is survived by his loving children; Craig (Cheri) Patterson of South Carolina, Kathy (Lonnie) McCollum of Manhattan, and Karen (Joe-deceased, 2018) Boseo of Manhattan, his granddaughters; Corie (Brandon) Delimata, … Continue reading "James Patterson ’50"
Joan TenHoeve ’50 Paul
Joan TenHoeve ’50 Paul Joan was born on January 6, 1930, to Thomas and Adeline TenHoeve in Brooklyn, NY. There, she met her future husband, Daniel Paul, as members of the New Brooklyn Reformed Church, where Joan’s father was the pastor. While in high school, she performed with the select ensemble on NY All City Chorus. In … Continue reading "Joan TenHoeve ’50 Paul"
Elaine Brower ’51 Bouman
Elaine Brower ’51 Bouman, age 89, of Holland went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at her home surrounded by her family. Elaine grew up in Holland and graduated from Holland High School, Class of 1946. She attended Hope College with an interest in nursing. She was … Continue reading "Elaine Brower ’51 Bouman"
Jane Ver Meulen ’51 Buter
Jane Ver Meulen ’51 Buter, 88, died March 6, 2018 in St. Louis, MO. Jane was born January 24, 1930 in Grand Rapids, MI. She graduated from Central High School in 1948 and went on to Hope College before transferring to the National College of Education in Evanston, IL, graduating in 1952 with a BA in Education. … Continue reading "Jane Ver Meulen ’51 Buter"
Ruth Kroes ’51 De Young Cupery
Ruth Kroes ’51 De Young Cupery, of Waupun, WI, formerly of Friesland, died on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at The Christian Home in Waupun. A celebration of life service, with Rev. Carl Boersma officiating, will be held at First Reformed Church in Friesland on Monday, June 4, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation with the family … Continue reading "Ruth Kroes ’51 De Young Cupery"
Elaine Bolthouse ’52
Elaine Bolthouse ’52, age 87, of Spring Lake passed away Thursday, February 8, 2018, at Grand Pines Assisted Living Center. She was born August 20, 1930, in Spring Lake to Adrian and Nellie (Geerling) Bolthouse. Elaine had resided at Grand Pines for the last four years and previously lived 83 years in Spring Lake. She … Continue reading "Elaine Bolthouse ’52"
Owen Christensen ’52
Owen Christensen ’52 90, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, with his loving family at his side. Owen was born in the Bronx, New York in 1927. He was the son of the late Ove and Helmi (Torppa) Christensen. He grew up in Flushing, Queens, New York and graduated from Flushing High … Continue reading "Owen Christensen ’52"
O. Betty Cross ’52
Word has been received of the death of O. Betty Cross ’52 of Gaylord, Michigan, who died on Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. She was 90.
Randy Vande Water ’52
Randy Vande Water ’52 , age 88, of Holland, passed away Friday, June 22, 2018. Born March 5, 1930 in Zeeland, MI to William H. and Kathryn ( Kitty Van Ry) Vande Water, Randy and his family moved to Holland in 1937. He graduated from Holland High School in 1948. A 1952 Hope College alumnus, Vande … Continue reading "Randy Vande Water ’52"
M. Patricia Moran ’53 Schwarz
M. Patricia Moran ’53 Schwarz, 86, of West Milford, NJ passed away on May 30, 2018. She was raised in Teaneck, NJ and graduated Hope College, Holland, MI with a degree in Sociology and Psychology. She lived in Glen Rock, NJ, Punta Gorda Isles, FL and Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. She worked at Hudson City Savings Bank, … Continue reading "M. Patricia Moran ’53 Schwarz"
Harris Verkaik ’55
Harris Verkaik ’55, died Thursday, April 5, 2018. He was the son of the late Harry and Ann Verkaik of Yucaipa, CA. He received his BA degree from Hope College and MDiv degree from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI, and a doctorate degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. He served as vice president for … Continue reading "Harris Verkaik ’55"
Sammie Pas ’56 Birdsall
The family of Sammie Jane (Pas) Birdsall announces she went to be with the Lord and Savior April, 4 , 2018. She will join her husband of 55 years, Fredric Raymon Birdsall. Sammie was a resident of Freedom Village. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Holland. Sammie was born July, 14 1934 … Continue reading "Sammie Pas ’56 Birdsall"
John Winter ’57
John Winter ’57 John was born November 10, 1931 to Hartger and Katherine Winter in Allegan, Michigan. He graduated from Allegan High School in 1949 and from Hope College in 1957. John served from October 1952 to September 1954 in Korea in the U.S. Army. He married Emelyn Mae Curlee on June 7, 1958 in … Continue reading "John Winter ’57"
William Noorlag III ’59
William Noorlag III ’59 passed peacefully in his sleep February 8, 2018 at the age of 79. Bill was born on March 17, 1938 in Chicago to Bertha and William Noorlag Jr. He attended Chicago Christian High School, where he developed his love of music with a trio called the “Hillfloppers”. His love of music was … Continue reading "William Noorlag III ’59"

1960s

Marcia Baldwin ’60 De Jong
Marcia Baldwin ’60 De Jong passed peacefully into heaven at age 80 on March 30, surrounded by loving family and tremendous support staff at Brookhaven Estates. Beloved wife of Richard Hoskey, and the late Peter DeJong, Marcia loved her family and wide circle of friends. She touched many lives as a career educator, holding positions … Continue reading "Marcia Baldwin ’60 De Jong"
Peter Huizenga ’60
Peter Huizenga ’60, age 79, of Oak Brook, Illinois, died on Wednesday, May 2, and was received into glory by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was the loving husband of his cherished wife, Heidi of 50 years. Peter loved his children; Betsy (Dave) Bradley, Greta Huizenga, Peter Jr. (Abby) Huizenga, and Tim Huizenga. … Continue reading "Peter Huizenga ’60"
Nancy Long ’60 Huntley
Nancy Long ’60 Huntley, daughter of Frank and Blanche Long, died on May 8, 2018 at the age of 79. She grew up on the Long farm in the New Kingston Valley in upstate NY, graduated from Margaretville High School and studied for two years at Hope College in Michigan before settling in Northampton, Massachusetts for her … Continue reading "Nancy Long ’60 Huntley"
Frank Love ’61
Frank Love ’61 of Cheney, Washington passed away on Friday, April 27, 2018 at his home in Cheney, WA. Frank was born on December 14, 1933 in Arkansas City, Kansas to Doris Hamilton. Frank was a member of the Omaha Tribe of Macy, Nebraska and his given Indian name was Sau-Su, meaning half and half. Frank … Continue reading "Frank Love ’61"
Doris McCrea ’61 Schember
Doris McCrea ’61 Schember, 100 years old, left this world on Wednesday, May 30, 2018, after a long and full life through the colorful decades of the twentieth century. Born on October 3, 1917 in Muskegon during the First World War, she came to Grand Haven at the age of three with her parents, Frederick … Continue reading "Doris McCrea ’61 Schember"
Dianna Deems ’62 Smith
Dianna Deems ’62 Smith, 76, passed away on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, surrounded by her husband and two daughters, in the comfort of her own home, and supported by CHANS Home Health & Hospice. She led a fulfilling and fascinating life, having lived 15 years of her life abroad. She left this life with dignity … Continue reading "Dianna Deems ’62 Smith"
David Wyma ’62
David Wyma ’62, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2018, at Trillium Hospice. Dave was born on August 17, 1940, to John and Josephine Wyma of Grand Haven, MI. After graduating from Grand Haven High School, he graduated from both Hope College and Western Michigan University. He impacted the lives of many as an elementary … Continue reading "David Wyma ’62"
Kurt Van Genderen ’63
Kurt Van Genderen ’63, age 76, of Holland, died suddenly from cardiac arrest on April 15, 2018, while spending the night in Williamsburg, KY, as he and his wife Beverly were traveling to Michigan from wintering in Florida. He was born in Denver, Colorado and loved to ski but truly appreciated the values and lifestyle … Continue reading "Kurt Van Genderen ’63"
Georgia McCormick ’58 Brookstra
Georgia McCormick ’58 Brookstra was born on October 10, 1934 in Joplin, MO, the daughter of William and Lou (Woodruff) McCormick. Following high school, she attended Bradley University and Hope College, earning her bachelor’s degree in general studies. She was an independent interior designer for 55 years. She owned and operated “Interior and Bath Designs”, … Continue reading "Georgia McCormick ’58 Brookstra"
Peggy Buteyn ’65
Peggy Buteyn ’65, of Sheboygan, passed away on Sunday, March 4, 2018, at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.  Peggy was born March 22, 1925 in Kohler, WI to Cornelius and Cornella (Minnard) Buteyn. In her younger years, she enjoyed growing up on the land of the Kohler Stables where her father worked with the horses. … Continue reading "Peggy Buteyn ’65"
George Hubbard ’65
George Hubbard ’65, age 74 passed away on Saturday (April 7, 2018) at Strong Memorial Hospital.Friends may call Sunday (April 22) from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Spa Apartments Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m.In lieu of flowers friends may contribute to their favorite charity in George’s memory.George was born in Rochester, June 13, 1943 … Continue reading "George Hubbard ’65"
David Lane ’65
David Lane ’65 died March 9, 2018 at Harbor Point in Centerville after a long illness. Born in New Jersey on November 3, 1943, he was the son of Cecile and Norman Lane. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, his Master of Arts from Texas Tech, and his Master of … Continue reading "David Lane ’65"
Donald Battjes Jr. ’67
Donald Battjes Jr. ’67 of Pasadena, CA, former Chief of Operations at Los Angeles County Museum of Art, died unexpectedly May 15 while on an extended visit to his home in Seillans, France. He was 73 years old. Donald was born in 1944, in Battle Creek, MI, to Donald I. Battjes, Sr., and Maxine Van Zylen … Continue reading "Donald Battjes Jr. ’67"
James Poppink ’67
James Poppink ’67 of Raleigh, North Carolina, died on Monday, Jan. 1, 2018. He was 73. He owned his own business. Survivors include his sisters, Grace Poppink ’63 Hodgson and Sue Poppink ’75.
Richard Formsma ’68
Richard Formsma ’68 We mourn the loss of our wonderful husband, father and grandfather, Richard Formsma. Dick entered heaven on February 10, 2018 at the age of 72, after a very brief battle with a serious fungal infection. We have joy and comfort knowing of his faith and trust in his Savior, the Lord Jesus … Continue reading "Richard Formsma ’68"

1970s

John White ’73
John White ’73 passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, April 22, 2018. Born September 19, 1951 in Brooklyn, NY to Agnes (Aitken) White and Robert Gordon White, he graduated from Hope College and received his Ph.D. from Syracuse University, where he studied statistics, logic, and philosophy. He enjoyed a career in human resources, rising to Vice … Continue reading "John White ’73"
David Kieffer ’76
David Kieffer ’76, 63, of Broomfield, Colorado, with courage and resolve, went home to God on March 17, 2018. He was continuously surrounded by his family and loved ones; he has never been alone. Born in Dearborn, Michigan, to parents Bob and Iris Kieffer, David attended parochial school throughout high school. He attended Hope College … Continue reading "David Kieffer ’76"
Dale Quackenbush ’79
Dale Quackenbush ’79, 62, formerly of Warwick, NY passed away on Friday, March 16, 2018 at his home in Holland, MI after a long battle with chronic kidney disease. Dale was born December 8, 1955 in Middletown, NY. He was the son of the late Wallace and Marion (Shorter) Quackenbush of Warwick, NY. Dale was … Continue reading "Dale Quackenbush ’79"

1980s

Kristine Barnes ’85 Bradfield
Kristine Ann Bradfield, age 55 of Holland, died at her home Tuesday June 26, 2018 following a short illness. Kristine was born in Lansing, Mi., and graduated from Hope College in 1985. She was formerly employed by Jo Ann Fabrics, a teacher’s aid at Holland Public Schools, Sheldon Cleaners and Macatawa Bank on Lakewood Blvd. … Continue reading "Kristine Barnes ’85 Bradfield"

1990s

Sonya Hamm ’92 Brown
Sonya Hamm ’92 Brown, age 50, passed away May 17, 2018, at her home, surrounded by her family. Sonya was born December 23, 1967 to James and Helga (Kluge) Hamm II in Muskegon. She attended Mona Shores High School and was a Young American for two years following her graduation. She also traveled to, and … Continue reading "Sonya Hamm ’92 Brown"