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.
Dr. Vernon L. Boersma died peacefully in his sleep at his home on June 19, 2021. He was born the son of Henry and Grace Boersma on January 17, 1922 in Holland, Michigan. He married Lois Mary Hinkamp in 1945 and they recently celebrated their 75th anniversary. He was graduated from Holland Christian High School, … Continue reading "Vernon Boersma ’44"
Pauline Mildred (Stegenga) Breen, 94, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on February 5, 2021. She was born on the farm of her parents, Dirk and Maggie (Deur) Stegenga, in North Holland, Michigan, in 1926. Pauline was the granddaughter of some of the first Dutch immigrants to western Michigan. She attended East … Continue reading "Pauline Stegenga ’48 Breen"
Stark, E. Jacquelyn “Jackie” Muskegon Mrs. Emily Jacquelyn “Jackie” Stark, 93, passed away August 27, 2020 in Muskegon. She was born May 5, 1927 to Jacob and Catherine (VanderWall) Boerman in Hudsonville, and lived in the Muskegon area for most of her life. Jackie graduated from Hackley School of Nursing and worked as a Registered … Continue reading "Emily “Jackie” Boerman ’48 Stark"
Alida R. VandeBunte, 94 of Grand Rapids, Michigan moved to heaven on Sunday, March 7, 2021. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Howard J. VandeBunte, parents James and Angeline Keizer, and brother Ronald Keizer. She is survived by her children David and Barbara VandeBunte, Lee and Nancy Vande Bunte, Jane and Todd … Continue reading "Alida Keizer ’49 Vande Bunte"
Helen Mae DeLoy of Lancaster, SC passed away peacefully and without pain on Saturday, February 13, 2021 after living a glorious 93 years. She was born September 21, 1927 in Muskegon, Michigan the second oldest of 7 children to Joseph and Helen (Fanny) Dykstra and is preceded in death by her parents; brother Harold (Joyce), … Continue reading "Helen Dykstra ’50 DeLoy"
Marion Reichert ’50 Fairbanks of Huntington, Connecticut, died on Tuesday, May 12, 2020. She was 97. Survivors include her children, Carol (Terry) Fairbanks and Robert (Tracey) Fairbanks; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Marcia Ann (Den Herder) Kempers, 92, went to be with her Lord on April 6, 2021, at Charter House, Rochester, Minnesota. Born in Grand Rapids on August 24, 1928, to Harmon and Della (Hospers) Den Herder, she grew up in Zeeland and graduated from Zeeland High School. She attended Hope College where she was a … Continue reading "Marcia Den Herder ’50 Kempers"
Laurence R. Masse passed away on February 13, 2021, at JourneyCare of Barrington, IL. Born in Holland, MI, July 27, 1926, Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Pamela; his four children, Laurel Masse, Babette (Christopher) Brown, Heather (Gene) Tipton and Edward Reavey; also three grandchildren, Charlotte Hodgson, Alexander Brown and Peter … Continue reading "Laurence Masse ’50"
Dr. Robert Jay Westerhoff passed, peacefully on May 3, 2021 in Springdale, AR after 94 years of adventure and caring. Born September 29, 1926 in Chicago, IL to Jacob and Helen (Westerveld) Westerhoff, he was the first of 3 sons. His mother signaled his arrival for family and friends with newspapers over the kitchen windows. … Continue reading "Robert Westerhoff ’50"
Russell Lee Korver passed away in peace at home on Monday, December 14th, 2020. He was born in Orange City, Iowa to parents William and Anna Birdella (DeCook) Korver and had eight brothers and sisters. He has many stories that he enjoyed reminiscing about with friends and family and his hospice care takers, or anyone that would listen. He attended … Continue reading "Russell Korver ’51"
Tom McCloud, third-generation owner of McCloud Services, South Elgin, Ill., died Jan. 8, 2021 at age 93 at a nursing home in the Kansas City, Kan., area. He is remembered by his colleagues and family as a compassionate industry leader with strong ties to the National Pest Management Association and Copesan Services, an alliance of … Continue reading "Thomas McCloud ’51"
Beth T. Murley, 92, of Adrian formerly of Lansing, died Tuesday afternoon April 27, 2021 at Brookdale of Adrian with her daughters by her side, while under the care of Hospice of Lenawee and the Brookdale staff.Born March 21, 1929 in Middlebush, NJ, she was the daughter of Ralph C. and Mabel (Stryker) Thomson. Following … Continue reading "Beth Thomson ’51 Murley"
John Phillip Van Eenenaam, 91, passed away peacefully on Easter morning, April 4, 2021, after a brave fight against cancer, at Heartwood Lodge, Hospice House, in Spring Lake. He lived an active 91 years infused with family, faith, fun and lasting friendships. A man full of life and love, John gave generously to his family … Continue reading "John Van Eenenaam ’51"
Nancy H. Van Hall, 91, went to be with her Savior and Lord Jesus on Saturday May 29th 2021, at Mid-Michigan Medical Center. Nancy was born in Rochester, New York and has lived all her adult life in Michigan after graduating from Hope college in 1991 with an A.B. degree in biology and secondary education.She … Continue reading "Nancy Vyverberg ’51 Van Hall"
Raymond Culver Bishop, Jr., of Old Bridge, NJ and formerly Park Ridge, NJ passed away peacefully with his devoted daughter at his side on Monday, October 26, 2020. He was 91 years old. Beloved husband of the late Sherrill for 47 years. Devoted father of Beth Ann Romano and her husband Thomas. And Scott M. … Continue reading "Raymond Bishop ’52"
n Saturday, March 27, 2021 Chaplain, Lt. Colonel (USAF ret.) Michael (Mike) Romano, loving husband and father of three children, passed away at the age of 93. Mike was born on May 5, 1927 in Harrison, NJ, the only child of Guy and Mary Gailey Romano. Mike’s mother died at an early age and he … Continue reading "Michael Romano ’52"
Roger D. Vander Meulen age 83, of Holland, died Saturday, June 5, 2021 at his home. He was the son of Rhine and Cornelia Vander Meulen and was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon in 2003. Rog was a member of Christ Memorial Church, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1956-1958. … Continue reading "Roger Vander Meulen ’53"
Warren Westerhoff ’53 of El Cajon, California, died on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020. He was 89. Survivors include his wife, Kathleen Westerhoff; children, Lisa, Eric, Shawn and Dana; and brother, Robert Westerhoff ’50.
John E. Busman, age 89 of Grand Haven, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 11, 2021. He was born September 13, 1931 in Coopersville, MI to the late Jacob and Minnie (Veeneman) Busman, and was the second-youngest of ten children. John graduated from Hope College and Western Theological Seminary in Holland and began his 40-year … Continue reading "John Busman ’54"
Joseph Fowler ’54 of White Lake, New York, died on Saturday, May 22, 2021. He was 88. Survivors include his wife of nearly 67 years, Bernice Keizer ’54 Fowler; children, Aleta (David), Nicholas (Sheila), Jane (Denise), and Timothy (Suzanne); three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
John “Jack” Colfax Lamb, age 89 of Holland, Michigan, passed away on June 10, 2021. He was happily married to Lois Lamb for 45 years. Jack enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and loved golfing and fishing. Jack was a National Champion pole vaulter in the Senior Olympics. His competitive spirit and giving … Continue reading "John “Jack” Lamb ’54"
Carole (Estroe) Bakker, age 87, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2021. Born and raised in New Jersey, to Richard Estroe and Alice (Luetzow) Estroe. She attended Hope College in Holland MI, where she received a degree in teaching. She eventually settled in Barkhamsted CT where she raised her family and still lived independently. Carole had an … Continue reading "Carole Estroe ’55 Bakker"
William Peter Siderius, age 87, of Elmhurst, IL, native of Lansing, IL, passed away in his home, surrounded by his loving family after courageously living the past 17 years with the effects of a stroke. He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Lee, nee Rice, of 35 years. Bill graduated from the University of … Continue reading "William Siderius ’55"
Richard Franklin Spieldenner passed to his heavenly home on May 13, 2021. He died peacefully at home in his own bed an hour after returning home from two days in the hospital. Richard was born May 26, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois to Lewis and Margaret Spieldenner, joining an older brother, Robert, as part of the … Continue reading "Richard Spieldenner ’55"
With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Barbara Klett (New York, New York), who passed away on January 28, 2021. Family and friends can send flowers and condolences in memory of the loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Barbara Klett to pay them a last tribute.
Marjorie A. Lanier, of East Glenville, NY, died March 19, 2021 at Albany Medical Center from complications of Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome. She was born June 22, 1934 in Palisades, NY, a daughter of William and Florence (Walden) Newton. On June 30, 1962, in Old Tappan, NJ, she married W. Terrell Lanier, who predeceased her on … Continue reading "Marjorie Newton ’56 Lanier"
Richard Theodore “Dick” Richard Theodore Ortquist, Jr., “Dick” passed away on March 23, 2021, in Baytown, Texas, in the company of those who loved him. He had enjoyed a DQ hot fudge sundae earlier in the day.Dick was born on December 22, 1933, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Beatrice Ortquist nee Bushman and Richard Theodore Ortquist, … Continue reading "Richard Ortquist ’56"
VanderLaan, Karl Edwin 8/24/1934 – 5/6/2021 Ada age 86, died in the early hours of May 6, 2021 due to complications from COVID-19 after suffering a stroke two years prior. Karl was born on August 24, 1934 to the late Helen and Sieger VanderLaan. He was the second of four boys, Richard, Robert, and Ronald … Continue reading "Karl Vander Laan ’56"
Lois Joan (VanDelinder) Wright died Monday, February 1, 2021 after a lengthy battle with dementia. Services are pending. Arrangements and cremation are by Rector Funeral Home Osage Chapel, 2800 S. Osage. Her light will be missed by her family and friends, as she could light up a room with her presence. Born to Melvin and … Continue reading "Lois Vandelinder ’56 Wright"
Joan E. Souder, age 86, of Holland, passed away Sunday, June 6, 2021, at her home. Joan graduated from Holland High School and Hope College and was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, where she was very involved. Joan loved animals and her “little acre in the woods”, and was selfless and adored … Continue reading "Joan Fendt ’57 Souder"
George F. Vande Woude Jr. was born on December 25, 1935 to Alice Leudesdorff VandeWoude and George F. Vande Woude Sr. in Brooklyn, NY. He spent his childhood in Queens Village, NY, just a few blocks from Dorothy “Dot” Stapel, who became his wife in 1959. By all accounts George was a mischievous and inquisitive … Continue reading "George Vande Woude Jr. ’57"
James Michael Cook, 84, of Apopka, Florida, passed away February 03, 2021. He was born March 24, 1936 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mr. Cook is survived by his loving wife Nancy Lynne Cook; children Wendy (Tom) Lyons, Mary (Jim) McGee and Amy Cook; sister Elsie Kloote; grandchildren Jennifer, Jaclynne, Tyler, Katy, and Molly as well … Continue reading "James Cook ’59"
Carol Hondorp Wagner, age 83, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2021. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Jan Wagner and children Ken (Jill) Wagner, Bob (Sandy) Wagner, and Jeanne (Pat) Kellner; grandchildren Marc, Matthew, Erin, Ben, Samantha, Carlyn, Alyson and Madelyn; great-grandchildren Jack, Olivia, Eli and Rory; brother Gordon (Lou) Hondorp … Continue reading "Carol Hondorp ’59 Wagner"
Thorval A. Hansen, age 83, of Jenison, was called to his heavenly father on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jacqueline; daughter, Kerri; sisters, Judy Moore, and Joyce LeValley. He will be lovingly remembered by his children; Peggi (Bob) DeGraff, Kristi (Mark) McKamey; grandchildren, Tom (Lindsey), Andy (Shelby), Brad … Continue reading "Thorval Hansen ’60"
Jack A. Kraai, beloved husband and best friend for 58 years of the late Patti McAnully Kraai, cherished dad of Karin (Bill Dusz), Kelli (Pete Markuson and the late Scott Mitchell) and Kristin (Kevin Keely); adored papa of Derek, Kevin, Gillian, Katie, Gabby and Caroline. Revered big brother of Margie (Don VanderMeeden) and the late … Continue reading "Jack Kraai ’60"
Roger Dale Achterhof, 80, Rochester, MN, formerly of Sioux Center, died peacefully at his home Monday, April 26, 2021, enveloped in the love of family and caregivers from Visiting Angels and Mayo Clinic Hospice. Tipping the scales at 12.5 pounds, he was born at home, July 18, 1940, in Sioux Center, IA, to L.W. (Lawrence) … Continue reading "Roger Achterhof ’62"
On November 3, 2020 Harold Edwin Brown, “Shorty” to most, went to be with the Lord. He was met by those who had gone before, family, friends and people whose lives he had touched. Shorty was born to John and Bertha Brown on August 25, 1939 on Mott Road in Canton Township, Michigan. He was … Continue reading "Harold “Shorty” Brown ’62"
Ingrid was baptized by her maternal grandfather Maximilian Pohl who was a Lutheran Pastor, in August 1938- A BLESSING! In December 1944 her father was drafted into WWII; he did not return from Russia until spring 1947. Mother, older brother Rainer and younger sister Ulrike (Rickie) were displaced forcibly in August 1946; they were moved … Continue reading "Ingrid vonReitzenstein ’62 Claussner"
DALE CHURCH PAARLBERG ’62 of JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, DIED MAY 6, 2021. SHE WAS 80 YEARS OLD AND THE CREATOR OF THE FRENCH LANGUAGE PROGRAM IN LAKESHORE SCHOOL IN STEVENSVILLE MICHIGAN. SURVIVORS INCLUDE HER HUSBAND P. JOHN PAARLBERG ’61 OF 60 YEARS, HER CHILDREN PHILIP JOHN III (ANGELA) PAARLBERG, JESSICA DALE (DAN) MATHEWS, JONATHAN WILL (JESSI) … Continue reading "Dale Church ’62 Paarlberg"
Mary Jane Dykstra Havlicek, 79, of Pahoa died May 28 at her home. Born in Michigan, she graduated from Hope College, received a master’s degree in chemistry from Ohio State University, and doctorate in chemistry from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, was president and founder of Central Coast Analytical Services, a senior research chemist … Continue reading "Mary Jane Dykstra ’63 Havlicek"
Obituary Thankful for his family’s deep love and his abundant life, John Oosterbaan passed away in his home on February 15, 2021. Born October 7, 1941, he was the beloved son of John Oosterbaan, an immigrant from the Netherlands, and Henrietta DeNooyer. Blessed by a large extended family, John and his sister, Irene, knew a … Continue reading "John Oosterbaan ’63"
Thomas J. Van Kley, 79, of Zeeland, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, after a long battle with cancer. Tom is survived by his wife, Rosalie (Rosie), his children: Brian Van Kley, Jennifer (Joshua) Wise, Matthew and Rhonda Van Kley; his step-children: Travis (Tonya) Barber, Michael Barber, Katherine … Continue reading "Thomas Van Kley ’63"
Paul R. Welwood, 80, of Phillipsburg, NJ, passed away peacefully at his home on June 7, 2021. Born on February 14, 1941 in Kingston, NY, he was the son of the late John Foster Welwood and Anita Wainwright Johnson Welwood. He was a salesman for School Specialty for 37 years. He attended Hope College in … Continue reading "Paul Welwood ’63"
Anne Hutchinson Bao, age 77, of Roswell, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2021. She was born to Jeanne and Hughes Hutchinson of Fennville, Michigan. She was the younger sister of her late brother Clark. Anne graduated from Fennville High School and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin from Hope College in Holland, … Continue reading "Anne Hutchinson ’65 Bao"
Rebecca Allen Hintze April 20,1943- April 7, 2021 Resident of Pleasanton, CABecky lost her battle with heart and kidney disease on April 7, 2021. She was born April 20, 1943 to Charles and Gwendolyn Allen in South Haven Michigan. She was preceded in death by her sister Dorothy, brothers Don and Bill. She is survived … Continue reading "Rebecca Allen ’65 Hintze"
August 01, 1943 May 02, 2021 Memorial Donation Suzanne Patricia Radliff Sather, born August 7, 1943, beloved wife and mother, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 2, 2021, of leukemia. She is survived by her husband, Lawrence Arne Sather, beloved daughters Charlotte Sather Davis and Victoria Rebecca Sather, cherished granddaughter Bellatrix Amelia Davis, … Continue reading "Suzanne Radliff ’65 Sather"
Maria C. Toy, age 95, of Spring Lake, passed away on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at Robbinswood Assisted Living. She was born on April 9, 1925 in Miami, AZ to the late Marcelino and Catarina (Garcia) Rodriguez. Maria married Dr. Charles M. Toy, M.D., on December 28, 1953 and he preceded her in death in … Continue reading "Maria Rodriguez ’65 Toy"
Mary Handlogten Gainesville Mary Handlogten, 76, passed away on February 7, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. She was born on January 6, 1945 in Coopersville. Michigan to Harvey and Mae (Bolthouse) Handlogten. She graduated from Coopersville High School in 1963 and Hope College in 1967. She earned her Masters Degree in Biological Chemistry while working at … Continue reading "Mary Handlogten ’67"
HAHNFELD, Carol Jacobuuse of Milton, Massachusetts, passed away on March 2, 2021. The cause was non-Covid pneumonia. Carol grew up in Holland, Michigan, and attended the University of Michigan and Hope College. She married John Hahnfeld in 1968, and moved to Milton. She worked as a research technician at M.I.T. until her daughter was born … Continue reading "Carol Jacobusse ’68 Hahnfeld"
Norman “Norm” Schwab, 75, of Sanford, passed away Wednesday (03/31/21) at his home. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Norman managed his illness with strength and grace, and wanted to spend as much time with loved ones as possible. On his final day, he was surrounded by his wife and children, who … Continue reading "Norman Schwab ’68"
Berlino, Mary Alice TROY Mary Alice Berlino, 73 of River Road in the Town of Schaghticoke, died on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, in the loving care of her husband Joe. She was born in Perth Amboy, N.J., the daughter of the late Stephen and Marie Clancy Marosy. Mary Alice was a graduate of Hope College … Continue reading "Mary Alice Marosy ’69 Berlino"
Raymond A. Fylstra, age 73, of Hinsdale, died February 25, 2021. Beloved husband of Charlotte Fylstra, nee Buis, for 52 years; devoted father to Helen Fylstra, Margaret (David) Jaglowski, Henry (Stacy) Fylstra; loving grandfather to Penelope & Florence Jaglowski; dearest brother to Daniel (Hilary) Fylstra, David (Shirley) Fylstra, and Mary (Cameron) Artigue; loved by many … Continue reading "Raymond Fylstra ’69"
Loren Meredith McCaleb (Reynolds), age 74, of Fennville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. She was a graduate of Muskegon Heights High School in 1965 and received her BA from Hope College in 1969. Loren spent many years as a research librarian in Douglas, where her love of reading dovetailed with her dogged … Continue reading "Loren Reynolds ’69 McCaleb"
Karen Chase Edyvean of Schenectady passed away peacefully on Monday April 6, 2021. She was the daughter of the late Dorothea and Arthur Chase. She was the beloved wife of David Edyvean. She was a graduate of Draper High School and attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan and Russell Sage College. Karen was a teacher … Continue reading "Karen Chase ’70 Edyvean"
Bonita “Bonnie” Everts, 73, formerly of Westfield, N.Y., passed away peacefully Thursday, May 6, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minn., with her loving family and friends at her side. Bonnie was born March 19, 1948 in Westfield, N.Y ., the first of four children, born to the late Marshall Everts and Patricia “Pat” Halstead Everts. From early on Bonnie had a … Continue reading "Bonita “Bonnie” Everts ’70"
DeVries, Robert Peter 2/10/1947 – 7/28/2020 Traverse City Robert DeVries passed away very suddenly from a pulmonary embolism on July 28th. Bob was a loyal husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place.
Rev. Dr. Karl Reed Esmark, died on Friday, December 18, 2021 from Covid-19 in Syracuse, NY. My husband received his Master of Divinity from New Brunswick Theological Seminary and a Doctorate in Education from Rutgers. He served in several churches throughout his life, and retired from ministry due to ill health in 2017. He also … Continue reading "Karl Esmark ’72"
Ellen Sue (ten Hoor) Fitch, 70, died suddenly and unexpectedly at her home in Laketown Township on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. Ellen was a mother, grandmother, sister and friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Ellen was born February 25, 1950 in Holland, Michigan to Henry and Beatrice (Visser) … Continue reading "Ellen ten Hoor ’72 Fitch"
Carl II was born Dec. 29, 1950 in Springfield, Illinois, to Lois Ruth and Carl Wilbert Gomes. Carl, an Eagle Boy Scout and former enlistee of the Air National Guard during the Vietnam era, was a graduate of Oakmont High School, Oakmont, PA and earned a BS in Biology from Hope College, a BS and a … Continue reading "Carl Gomes II ’72"
Thomas Andrew Kapral, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the age of 68. He passed at his home in Pearland, Texas, in the care of his wife and family. Thomas was born on January 13, 1953 in Abington, Pennsylvania to Sonia (Vaught) Kapral and Joseph Kapral. He grew … Continue reading "Thomas Kapral ’74"
Rudy Broekhuis, age 67, of Fennville, unexpectedly passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Holland Hospital. Rudy was a member of Christ Memorial Church and former member of Park Christian Reformed Church. He worked at Herman-Miller for 19 years in various capacities and was an international traveler and businessman as well as co-founder and Vice … Continue reading "Rudell “Rudy” Broekhuis ’75"
Jodi Sue Syens, 67, passed away peacefully in her home on February 5, 2021 after a valiant battle with cancer. Jodi was born on July 20, 1953 in Holland, Michigan to Norman “ Bunko” and Shirley Japinga. Keeping in line with the family passion for Hope College, Jodi earned her B.A. in Political Science from … Continue reading "Jodi Japinga ’75 Syens"
Janette Vandenberg Aardema (Jan), age 63, of East Grand Rapids passed away on Monday, May 17 after a fearless battle with cancer. Jan was born and raised in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. She graduated from East Grand Rapids High School and Hope College in Holland, Michigan with a Business Degree. She spent 10 years as … Continue reading "Janette Vandenberg ’79 Aardema"
Michael L. Geib, age 59, of Holland died Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Resthaven Care Center. Michael was a former member of Beechwood Church and Community Church of Douglas. He was employed at Haworth and Industrial Wood working. Michael loved to golf and enjoyed reading. He is survived by his parents Jim and Dorri Geib; … Continue reading "Michael Geib ’83"
Our hearts are heavy having said goodbye to an incredible man on Saturday, May 8, 2021. Scott Randall Baar, steadfast in his love for his family and friends, led a quiet life grounded in honesty and integrity. His passion for sailing, creating a successful business partnership with Ron, always putting others first, and stepping back … Continue reading "Scott Baar ’84"
Brent J. Deters, age 57, of Zeeland, unexpectedly passed away Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital. Brent was a 1986 Hope College graduate and a 34 year employee of Applied Industrial Technologies. He was also a ZHSMB volunteer and supporter, and a CMU dad. In addition to being a “Joyful Dancer,” Brent was … Continue reading "Brent Deters ’86"
Bret passed away Monday, May 10, 2021 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He was born June 1, 1964 in Plainwell, the son of Ernest and Jerrilyn (Pell) Sunnerville. Bret was raised on the family dairy farm where he loved to ride horses and had a special bond with every dog he ever owned. He … Continue reading "Bret Sunnerville ’89"
Dana DeVries, also known as Max to his family, passed away Friday, May 21 at Holland Hospital. He was born September 25, 1970 in East Grand Rapids, and spent his early years in Pennsylvania before moving back to East Grand Rapids. He attended Hope College where he met his wife Lisa. After graduation, he spent … Continue reading "Dana “Max” DeVries ’93"
Matthew R. Workman, age 40, passed from this life unto the next in the “Big House” with God on Thursday, March 11, 2021. He was born August 2, 1980 in Lansing, MI to H. John and Kathleen L. (Clark) Workman and lived most of his life in Norton Shores. He was a generous, loving soul … Continue reading "Matthew Workman ’03"
A beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, Bradley Joseph Bechard left this world on May 30, 2021. He was born in Lansing, Michigan on July 22,1987, and brought happiness and laughter to all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mildred Bechard, and grandfather, Joe Bechard. He is survived … Continue reading "Bradley Bechard ’09"
Emery Blanksma, Jr. age 83, of Holland, passed to his God’s glory on Monday, May 31, 2021. Emery was the son of Emery and Lottie (Delange) Blanksma. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Thelma Blanksma and Walter and Susan Blanksma and brother-in-law, David Krebs. He was a member … Continue reading "Emery Blanksma"
Anne E. Irwin of Fennville, Michigan, died on Saturday, April 3. She was 79. She was a professor emerita of kinesiology at Hope, having joined the faculty in 1976 and retiring in 2003, and was the college’s first director of women’s athletics. During her time at Hope, the women’s teams grew to 10 — and … Continue reading "Anne E. Irwin"
The family of Elliot A. Tanis of Holland, Michigan, who died on Thursday, July 22, 2021. He was 87. A specialist in statistics, he retired from the Hope faculty in 2000 as a professor emeritus of mathematics after teaching at the college since 1965. His tenure included serving interim dean for the natural sciences in … Continue reading "Elliot A. Tanis"
The family of Kate Veldink of Holland, Michigan, who died on Monday, May 31, 2021. She was 23. Kate graduated from Ready For Life in 2020 and had participated in the 2019 Celebration of Undergraduate Research at Hope and was an honorary member of the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society. Survivors include her parents, … Continue reading "Kate Veldink"
