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.
Gerald “Jerry” Bax ’42 Having sung in church choirs all his life in Holland, Pontiac and Grand Rapids, Gerald has now joined the heavenly choir after passing away on May 27, 2020. Gerald was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor; his sisters Ruth (Tony) Kempker; Phyllis Swierenga; and brother-in-law John (Arlene) Ligtvoet. Jerry is … Continue reading "Gerald “Jerry” Bax ’42"
Ted Edgar Boeve died Sunday, March 22, in Holland, MI. Born in Akron, Ohio he spent most of his youth in Zeeland. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marie Boeve; sister, Delores Cliffman and in- laws, John and Mary Vande Wege. He is survived by his wife Mary Juliann (“ Muncie”) … Continue reading "Ted Boeve ’49"
Roger J. Rietberg was united with his loved ones on Tuesday, May 19—the postlude to 97 years of service on earth and prelude to eternity. Born in 1922 to Jay and Katherine Rietberg of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Roger was the oldest of four children (Eleonor and Verna, who predeceased him, and Warren, who lives in … Continue reading "Roger Rietberg ’47"
Hazel (VanderWoude) Kragt of Spring Lake, Michigan, passed away peacefully on the morning of her 92nd birthday, May 20, 2020. Hazel was born in Missaukee County, Michigan on May 20, 1928 as the only child of Janet (Abbring/Buikema) and Harold Vander Woude. Hazel graduated from McBain high school as the valedictorian of her class and … Continue reading "Hazel Kragt ’49"
Donald Bulthuis, age 93, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. Donald served in the US Army in WWII. He was a graduate of Hope College and University of Michigan where he earned his Master’s in Education. He was a member of Graafschap Christian Reformed Church, former member of … Continue reading "Donald Bulthuis ’50"
Ruth Elaine (Vander Ploeg) Carson, 91, passed away June 3, 2020 at her home. She was born to Theodore Leslie and Pearl Johanna (Tanis) Vander Ploeg in Grand Rapids Michigan on September 2nd, 1928. A 1946 graduate of Ottawa Hills High School, Ruth went on to complete her undergraduate work at Hope College and graduate work at Michigan State University where she met the … Continue reading "Ruth Vander Ploeg ’50 Carson"
“The song is ended but the melody lingers on” – Myron E.Hermance, Jr. joined the heavenly choir on January 28th when his soul returned to his Maker. His demise at Ellis Hospital was due to 2 strokes, leaving him unable to recover. “Deep River” He was born in Hudson, NY on May 7, 1928, the … Continue reading "Myron “Zeb” Hermance Jr. ’50"
Caryl Anne (Paarlberg) Koopman passed into eternal rest on May 9, 2020. Caryl was born on February 2, 1928 in South Holland, Illinois, to Cornelius P. and Mary ( Veld) Paarlberg. While attending Hope College in 1946 she began dating Don Koopman. Their courtship continued through her nurses training in Chicago. Don and Caryl were … Continue reading "Caryl Paarlberg ’50 Koopman"
Barbara Ann (Van Neuren) Taylor died peacefully Wednesday, March 25, 2020, after nearly 91 fruitful and happy years on this earth. Barb was born on April 5, 1929, in Grand Rapids, MI, the daughter of John and Henrietta VanNeuren. While she grew up during the Depression, her father always made the days seem special, and … Continue reading "Barbara VanNeuren ’51 Taylor"
After a brief illness, Dr. Glenn E. Petroelje, 88, of Holland, MI passed away Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Blodgett Hospital surrounded by his children. Glenn was born on February 23, 1932 in Zeeland to Gerrit and Georgianna Petroelje and was the second of their 5 sons. Glenn attended Holland Christian High School. While there, … Continue reading "Glenn Petroelje ’52"
Douglas van Gessel ’52 of Artesia, California, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2019. He was 89. Survivors include his daughter, Jerrianna Kimmons ’76 van Gessel
Dr. George J. Hoekstra, age 88, of Holland (formerly of Kalamazoo and West Olive), passed away on Monday, February 17, 2020. He was born on December 18, 1931, in Chicago, IL, to Louis and Lena (Bosch) Hoekstra. George graduated from Holland Christian High School, attended Hope College for three years, and then went on to … Continue reading "George Hoekstra ’53"
Robert F. Langwig March 21, 1932 May 30, 2020 Bob Langwig was born in Albany, New York, on March 21, 1932 and entered into life eternal on May 30, 2020. His life’s calling was to the pastoral ministry and he attended Hope College and New Brunswick Theological Seminary. He served the Presbyterian Church through pastorates in Michigan, … Continue reading "Robert Langwig ’53"
Don Miller passed away peacefully in Bellevue, Washington on February 6 at age 88, surrounded by his loving children, grandchildren and wife of 67 years. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 30, 1931, the only child of C. Edgar and Erma Miller. The family of three later settled in Michigan where Don attended … Continue reading "Donald Miller ’53"
Reverend Joseph B. Muyskens of Homewood passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2020 at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife Jean (nee Harmelink); his children Karen (Tom Ryan), Paul (Holly), Ruth (Philip Postlewaite), and JoAnne; and his grandchildren Jeffrey, Nikki (Greg Birdsall), Kate (Ray Hsiao), and Matthew. Joseph was born to … Continue reading "Joseph Muyskens ’53"
Robert J. Nelsen, on December 20, 2019, of Rutherford, NJ, age 92. Robert was born in Union City, NJ and was a WWII Army Veteran. Before retiring, he had worked as a teacher for the Rutherford Board of Education.
Laverne “Vern” Barkel, 88, of Holland, Michigan passed away on April 19, 2020. Vern, a devout husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to countless others was taken by the COVID-19 virus and he is home with his Lord and Savior. He was eternally devoted to his wife of 62 years, Marjorie, family and extended family. Vern … Continue reading "Laverne “Vern” Barkel ’54"
Gerald Jacobson ’54 of Whitehall, Michigan, passed away peacefully April 19, 2020. He was born April 29, 1931, in Muskegon, the son of Helen and Jacob Jacobson. Gerald grew up in Muskegon Heights and attended Muskegon Heights Public School System. Gerald’s athletic legacy began playing ball for the “Tigers” as well as the “City League.” … Continue reading "Gerald Jacobson ’54"
Richard Weisiger, age 90, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. Richard was born in Brooklyn, NY. He served in the US Army from 1951-53 in Leipheim, Germany as an instructor at NCO Academy. He graduated from Hope College with his education degree. He was a school principal for most of his career at Coolidge … Continue reading "Richard Weisiger ’54"
Don Maxam, a 1955 graduate of Hope college passed away at home on June 3, 2020. He is survived by his wife Elsie Maxam of Silver Spring Maryland, daughter Leslie Maxam and grandson Luka of Kensington Maryland and his son Daniel Maxam of Grandville Michigan. Dr. Maxam was a sociology professor at Central College In … Continue reading "Donald Maxam ’55"
Donald J. Barkel, age 86, of Holland, died Friday, May 29, 2020, at Vista Springs Holland Meadows. Don was a graduate of Holland High and attended Hope College. He graduated from Michigan Technical University with a BSME, MSME and Western Michigan University with an MBA. He was a lifelong member of First Reformed Church in … Continue reading "Donald Barkel ’56"
Mr. Brookstra passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at Manor Care in Davenport. Cunnick-Collins Mortuary and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements. Donald Lee Brookstra was born on August 1, 1934 in Chicago, IL, the son of Clarence and Gertrude (Norlag) Brookstra. He married Georgia Lee McCormick on June 8, 1956 in … Continue reading "Donald Brookstra ’56"
Mary H. Kopp, 85, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2020. Born in Utica, NY on March 28, 1934, she was the daughter of Henry and Evelyn Hospers. Following her graduation from Hope College in Michigan, she taught Junior High science in Willow Run and Hamilton, Michigan for several years. She then moved to Schenectady, New York, … Continue reading "Mary Hospers ’56 Kopp"
Janet M. Ortquist, 87, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 21, 2020, surrounded by her family. She was the second of three daughters born to loving parents Reverend Delbert and Clara Kinney. She graduated from Clifton High School in Clifton, NJ, and obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology from Hope College … Continue reading "Janet Kinney ’56 Ortquist"
Reverend Dr. John Henry Spaulding was born on October 30, 1933 in Delray, Michigan, to Ivabel and Henry (Daddy Hank) Spaulding. He passed away on Friday, February 14, 2020. His older brothers were Robert Bruce Spaulding (Margaret) and James Mason Spaulding (Jean), now deceased. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan, graduated from Hope College, Holland, … Continue reading "John Spaulding ’56"
Robert DeWilde, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. Robert was a loving and supportive father and grandfather. Grandpa was a great storyteller and enjoyed sharing memories of his youth and adventures eventually ending with the entire family laughing. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was … Continue reading "Robert DeWilde ’57"
Richard A. Rhem, age 85, passed into Life Eternal at his home on the shore of Lake Michigan on February 23, 2020. Richard was born on February 11, 1935 in Kalamazoo, MI earmarked for ministry from the womb through his father’s prayer for a son. Richard excelled in education at all levels, being honored as … Continue reading "Richard Rhem ’57"
Roger Gordon Roelofs, age 83, of Grand Rapids, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 21, 2020. He was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, John Meengs and Richard Campbell; and sister-in-law, Florence Campbell. Roger will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Marilyn (Campbell) Roelofs, children, David … Continue reading "Roger Roelofs ’57"
Dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend Dr. Raymond E. Beckering, Jr. passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 3, 2020. Ray was born in Chicago, Illinois to the late Rev. Raymond and Harriet (Hasper) Beckering. Ray graduated from Calumet High School in 1954 and then attended Hope College on a scholarship from the Pullman Educational Foundation. … Continue reading "Ray Beckering Jr. ’58"
Virginia De Vries, passed away suddenly on March 29, 2020 from a cardiac event while she was live-streaming church service of Valley Community Presbyterian Church Virginia De Vries, passed away suddenly on March 29, 2020 from a cardiac event while she was live-streaming church service of Valley Community Presbyterian Church from self-isolation at home with … Continue reading "Virginia “Jini” Vanderborgh ’58 De Vries"
Joanne Izenbart, age 84, of Zeeland, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, February 22, 2020. Joanne was born in Ghent, Belgium, to missionary parents on Jan. 2, 1936. Her family had to come back to the Holland area because of the dangers of World War II. They moved to Detroit, Michigan for her grade … Continue reading "Joanne Van Lierop ’58 Izenbart"
Ron Sisson, 84, ended his battle with Parkinson’s disease on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. He was born on December 11, 1935, to Darford and Mabel Van Lente Sisson. He grew up in St. Joseph, MI, where he was very active in all sports and the National Honor Society. He attended Hope College where he played … Continue reading "Ronald Sisson ’58"
Jay Veldman of Coopersville went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 25, 2020. Jay was born on May 29, 1935 to Clifford and Marian (Busman) Veldman who preceded him in death. Jay was preceded in death by brother-in-law, Bert Schipper, sister Marilyn and brother-in-law Cal Meindertsma, and sister Sharon Young. Jay is … Continue reading "Jay Veldman ’58"
Theodore A. Du Mez, 06/27/1937- 05/15/2020, of Holland, Michigan died unexpectedly and comfortably on Friday, May 15, 2020. An accomplished and talented youth, he earned his Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts and graduated from Holland High School. After completing his undergraduate degree at Hope College, he went on to earn his master’s degree … Continue reading "Theodore Du Mez ’59"
Carol Ann Garthwaite of Kalamazoo, Michigan, age 81, passed away Tuesday morning, March 3, 2020, following a lengthy illness. Carol was born in Muskegon, Michigan, on April 1, 1938, the daughter of Carl E. and Pauline Sikkenga. Carol was very well-known as an accomplished artist and had a true talent for painting. She had an … Continue reading "Carol Sikkenga ’60 Garthwaite"
Gary L. Baas, age 81, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2020, in Grand Haven, Michigan. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on June 27, 1938, to the late Edward M. and Margaret (Dornbos) Baas. Gary and his wife, Paula, have resided in Grand Haven for over 50 years. After moving to Grand Haven … Continue reading "Gary Baas ’61"
Ralph Richard Cook, MD, MPHOf Dexter, formerly of Detroit, Midland, Ann Arbor, Trout Lake, age 81, died peacefully at home of natural causes on June 8, 2020. He was born Feb. 21, 1939 in Detroit, the son of George R. & Florence Irene (Armstrong) Cook. Ralph graduated from Hope College and Wayne State University Medical School. He … Continue reading "Ralph Cook ’61"
On April 10, 2020, Karen Elizabeth Abell Marlin passed away and became an angel to her children and grandchildren.Karen was a friend to everyone she met. People would always remark about her pretty, sparkling eyes and her smile. She had the gift of being able to connect with everyone. In her first year of high … Continue reading "Karen Abell ’61 Marlin"
Teusink, John Tillman, Age 79 of Cedar Springs, passed away Saturday, February 29, 2020 at his home and leaped into the arms of his Lord and Saviour. John was born May 3, 1940 in Grand Rapids, MI the son of Dr. J. Harvey and Dorothy (Bower) Teusink. John graduated from Cedar Springs High School in … Continue reading "John Teusink ’62"
Rev. Ralph S. Houston, age 78, of Holland died Saturday, May 2, 2020 at his home. Ralph was a faithful servant of Jesus serving in the ministry for 53 years. He pastored at the Doster Reformed Church in Michigan, the Forreston Reformed Church in Illinois and the Fennville Immanuel Reformed Church for 27 years. Ralph … Continue reading "Ralph Houston ’63"
The Rev. John Herbert Jenner, ‘Jack’ to so many, was called home on Monday, June 1, 2020,” his family wrote in a tribute. He was 78. He was born in Gloversville, New York on Dec. 9, 1941 to Richard and Dorothy Jenner. His mother was the long-time school nurse at Guilderland High School, starting in … Continue reading "John Jenner ’63"
Barbara Kemme, age 78, of Coopersville, formerly of Zeeland and Hamilton, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Barbara taught Jr. High Science at Hamilton Schools for many years and traveled the world during the summers. She was a member of Faith Reformed Church in Zeeland. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and … Continue reading "Barbara Kemme ’63"
Linda Hendricks, age 76, a resident of Carol Stream, IL, passed away on March 31, 2020 at Central DuPage Hospital due to complications from a major surgery. She was born on July 17, 1943 in Davenport, IA to Lester Lindblade and Merle Meyers. Linda grew up in Moline, IL and attended Augustana College and Hope College. … Continue reading "Linda Lindblade ’65 Hendricks"
Tom was born January 5th 1949 in Dayton Ohio at Good Samaritan Hospital. Tom grew up in Dearborn Michigan and attended Hope College in Holland Michigan where he received a Bachelor’s of Science majoring in Chemistry in 1970. Tom then attended the University of Michigan medical school and received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1974. It … Continue reading "Thomas Henderson ’70"
Steven Post ’71 of Adairsville, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Adairsville, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stuart and Helena Post of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is survived by his sister Kathryn Post, of Las Cruces, New Mexico and his brother Jim Post, of Riverview, Florida, nephew Scott Rosenthal … Continue reading "Steven Post ’71"
Louise “Lou” Kay Farrell, age 69, of Comstock Park, passed away peacefully in her sleep and went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Lou leaves behind and will be deeply missed by her loving and caring husband, David Farrell; daughters and sons-in-law, Stacey and Troy Hill, Carrie and James Hoffman; her … Continue reading "Louise Boogard ’72 Farrell"
Lynda Marie Wierenga, 69, of Portland, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2020 at Middlesex Health Care Center. Born in Grand Haven, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Marvin and Marian (Verolme) Wierenga. Lynda lived in Portland for over fifteen years moving from Deep River. She received a BA from Hope College in Michigan and … Continue reading "Lynda Weener ’73 Wierenga"
The Reverend Gregg Alan Mast, Ph.D., president emeritus of New Brunswick Theological Seminary (NBTS) and General Synod Professor emeritus of the Reformed Church in America (RCA), died on Monday afternoon, April 27, at Albany Medical Center Hospital, Albany, New York, after being ill with the COVID-19 virus for several weeks. Gregg Mast was born on … Continue reading "Gregg A. Mast ’74"
of Lamoni, Iowa, the son of Alan Richard and Mary Lou (Weber) Waterstone, was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 25, 1955. Jeff entered into eternal rest on April 14, 2020, at Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Jeff attended Franklin High School and enjoyed playing baseball. Jeff graduated from high school in … Continue reading "Jeffrey Waterstone ’77"
Faith Joanne VerLee Shives passed from this life to her heavenly home on May 30, 2020 at home. She was born to Dr. James and Mary VerLee on January 8th, 1957 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She grew up in Niger Republic, West Africa where her parents were missionaries with SIM (then Sudan Interior Mission) and … Continue reading "Faith VerLee ’81 Shives"
James Vande Guchte, 59, of Hamilton, died Sunday, February 16, 2020. Jim was a loving father and grandfather, and an avid sports fan. He was born October 4, 1960, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Rev. Howard and Virginia Vande Guchte. Jim grew up in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and graduated from Hope College. He … Continue reading "James Vande Guchte ’83"
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Scott Amrhein on March 30, 2020.Scott was the most doting and adored husband for 35 years to Karen Amrhein, a loving father to Lauren and Justin Amrhein and four-legged Pinky, beloved brother to Sheryl Kiscadden and cherished son of Carolyn Smith and the late … Continue reading "Scott Amrhein ’84"
Lois Jean Groteler, 74, passed away Friday, April 17, 2020, following a long and courageous battle with Breast Cancer. She was born on April 15, 1946, to The Rev. John and Jeanette VanHarn. She was a graduate of Holland Christian High School and Hope College. She attended Fellowship Reformed Church and was a member of … Continue reading "Lois Van Harn ’87 Groteler"
Bill Van Faasen, 54, of Kaukauna, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 25. He was born in Holland, Michigan, and graduated from Holland High School and Hope College. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul, in 2015, and is survived by his wife Susan, his mother Jan, his brother Carl (Pamela), his … Continue reading "William Van Faasen ’94"
Alyson Robertson of Chicago, Illinois took her last breath surrounded by family and loved ones on March 11, 2020 at 3:45 PM. Born in Madison, Wisconsin in December 1974, Chicago became her home in 1984. Her love for swimming began with the South Shore Swim team and continued at Kenwood High School and then Hope College. … Continue reading "Alyson Robertson ’96"
