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.
Marian Beltman, child of God, went to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 12. Born to Mary and John Klaasen on March 4, 1920, she grew up in Holland, Michigan, and married Henry ( Bud) Beltman in 1946. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her life of love and service focused … Continue reading "Marian Klaasen ’43 Beltman"
Dorothea Mae (Dixon) Siff, 98, of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, died peacefully at home on the evening of March 18, 2023. She was born March 14, 1925, in Hudson, New York, to the late Schuyler Averill and Florence Ada (Van Deusen) Dixon. Dorothea was educated first in a one-room schoolhouse and then in Germantown High School. … Continue reading "Dorothea Dixon ’46 Siff"
Adeline Sybesma, age 99, of Holland passed away Saturday, April 8, 2023 at Resthaven Maple Woods. She was born in Holland and received degrees from Hope College and New York Theological Seminary. Adeline taught in public schools in Michigan and California and served as a teacher for the Reformed Church in America, in Hong Kong, NYC … Continue reading "Adeline Sybesma ’46"
Harvey R. Heerspink, age 97, of Jenison, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. He was born on November 7, 1925, in Holland, Michigan, to Albert and Minnie Heerspink. Harvey was a World War II veteran and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps at the 1391st Army Air Force Base … Continue reading "Harvey Heerspink ’49"
Constance “Connie” Yvonne Formsma, 96, of Wyoming, MI formerly of Elkhart, IN, passed away Sunday June 11, 2023 at Rivertown Ridge Assisted Living in Wyoming, MI. She was born May 30, 1927 in Grand Rapids, MI to Don and Hazel Hartman. She married Gerald “Jerry” Formsma, her high school sweetheart, on September 9, 1949 at United Brethren … Continue reading "Constance Hartman ’50 Formsma"
Canute VanderMeer, 92, Geography Professor Emeritus, of The University of Vermont passed away February 20, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia where he resided. He was born and grew up in Xiamen, China to missionary parents William and Alma (Mathiesen) VanderMeer. He enjoyed his childhood despite the wars going on around him and being held in a … Continue reading "Canute Vander Meer ’50"
Sandra J. Hemple, age 93, of Holland, passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at the American House Senior Living Center in Holland. Sandra graduated from Hope College in 1951 and taught kindergarten in West Ottawa Schools for 35 years. She was a cast member in 14 plays with the Holland Community Theater and a volunteer tour … Continue reading "Sandra Lanning ’51 Hemple"
Molly Angela Baker, 92, of Saugatuck, MI and Key Largo, FL passed away on March 5th, 2023. Molly was born on May 6, 1930 to Marion and Angela Buttles in Zeeland, MI. She and her twin, Mary, were the first twins born in Zeeland Hospital. After graduating from Holland High School and then Hope College, she … Continue reading "Molly Buttles ’52 Baker"
Paul N Buckhout, 92, a resident of Lake Havasu City, passed away Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, peacefully at his home. He was born Nov. 16, 1930 to Madelyn and Joe Buckhout in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan. He attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and studied in Mexico for a semester, which … Continue reading "Paul Buckout ’52"
Mary Jane (“Janie”) Van Zyl was born on August 14, 1929 to Nellie Beatrice Carpenter and James Arthur Wright in a farmhouse in Winterset, Iowa. On June 14, 2023 at the age of 93, Janie went home to be with her Lord and Savior and is now joyfully reunited with her husband and great love of fifty years, … Continue reading "Mary Wright ’52 Van Zyl"
On May 6, 2023, Arthur Sidney Veltman passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to be reunited with his beloved wife of 66 years, Donna Mae Veltman. Art is survived by his children Warren (Julie) Veltman, Elizabeth Veltman, Brenda Veltman and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Emily (Om) Shankar (Isla), Austin Veltman, Gerrit (Kim) Veltman, Gina (Nathan) Schau (Eleonore, Joanna), Grant Veltman, … Continue reading "Arthur Veltman ’52"
Mary Ellen Overbeek, formerly of Long Lake in Pavilion Township, Michigan, passed away peacefully May 16, 2023 at Oak Trace Lifespace Community in Downers Grove, Illinois. Mary Ellen was born on July 25, 1931 in Kalamazoo to Henry and Jennie Weessies. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and Hope College with a degree in … Continue reading "Mary Ellen Weessies ’53 Overbeek"
John L. Van Riper died on June 10, 2023. He is survived by his wife Joanne Van Riper, his three children Karen Van Riper Martin and her husband Shannon; Cheryl Van Riper Walker and her husband Scott; and Ken Van Riper and his husband Dave; stepdaughters Tracey Lopez and Wendy Lopez-Swiatek; grandchildren Rebecca, Samantha, Christopher and Benjamin and stepgrandchildren Justin, Jonah and John, as well as his two sisters … Continue reading "John Van Riper ’53"
Joyce Ward, nee Van Drunen, died February 11, 2023, in Annapolis, Maryland, with family members by her side. She was 91 years old. Mrs. Ward was born in South Holland, Illinois, the daughter of Luke and Agnes Van Drunen. She was raised on a farm alongside her siblings and went on to study math at Hope College. Her … Continue reading "Joyce VanDrunen ’53 Ward"
Allan Howard Russcher, M.D., age 90, quietly and peacefully entered eternity on Friday, June 16, 2023. Allan was born on July 28, 1932, to George and Theresa (Smallegan) Russcher in Shelby, MI and spent his childhood in Muskegon. He graduated from Hope College and received his medical degree from the University of Michigan. He was a pathologist and … Continue reading "Allan Russcher ’54"
Passed away Thursday afternoon, June 15, 2023. Helen was born December 23, 1931 in Kalamazoo, MI the daughter of Harold and Annetta (Sterenberg) Van Loo. She was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and Hope College. Helen taught English and Social Studies in several middle and high schools in Grandville, Palm Beach County, Portage, Grosse Pointe, … Continue reading "Helen Van Loo ’54"
Dr. Lawrence Earle Veenstra, 91, was surrounded by loved ones on March 14, 2023, when he passed from this world to his heavenly home, where he now sings with the angel choirs. Larry was born and grew up in NW Grand Rapids, Michigan, the oldest of eight children born to Bernie and Marie Veenstra. In 1977, he … Continue reading "Lawrence Veenstra ’54"
Donald Albert Baker went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 18, 2023. He was residing at the Diamond Care Center in Bridgewater, SD at the time of his death. Don was born April 28, 1933 in St Anne, IL to Albert & Catherine Baker. Growing up, Don lived in several towns in the Midwest. He … Continue reading "Donald Baker ’55"
Rev. Gerald Anthony Vander Velde, age 92, passed away at home in Grand Rapids, Michigan on April 10, 2023. Jerry was born on December 25, 2030, to the late Harry and Mattie (Elhart) Vander Velde in Grand Rapids. Jerry married Ardythe Andree in 1953. Jerry attended Calvin College and later Hope College, where he obtained a BA in sociology. … Continue reading "Gerald Vander Velde ’55"
Marlene was born September 11, 1934, the fifth child of Henry and Lillian (Pekelder) DeVette at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon. She had four siblings: Jack, Russ, Ben and Kathy. Marlene was a graduate of Muskegon High School Class of 1952 and attended Hope College. On December 29, 1956, she married Jack Louis Dykstra at Central Reformed Church in … Continue reading "Marlene DeVette ’56 Dykstra"
Ms. Nelvie Jonker, age 95, of Orange City, passed away on Wednesday, April 5, at the Prairie Ridge Care Center in Orange City. A visitation with the family present will be held on Saturday, April 8, from 10:00am to 11:00am, at the First Reformed Church in Orange City. There will be a funeral service on Saturday, at … Continue reading "Nelvie Jonker ’56"
Kay Diana Peelen DeWitt, 87, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2023. She was the devoted wife of the late Earl M. DeWitt. Kay was born July 28, 1935 in Chicago, IL to the late Dr. John and Daisy Peelen. She grew up in and around Kalamazoo, MI, after traveling the country with her family … Continue reading "Kay Peelen ’57 DeWitt"
Donald K. Knoll, age 87, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 2, 2023. Don was born and raised in Holland, MI for much of his childhood before moving to Grand Rapids. He went to Ottawa Hills High School and graduated with the Class of 1953. Don attended the University of Michigan … Continue reading "Donald Knoll ’57"
Robert Bruce Veltman, of Hart, passed away Thursday, May 4, 2023, at his residence. Bob was born December 28, 1931, in Holland, Michigan, the son of Bruce and Belle Veltman. A veteran of the Korean Conflict, Robert enlisted in the Navy, serving as a medic with multiple branches of the military wherever he was needed. Bob was … Continue reading "Robert Veltman ’57"
John Docherty III ’58 After graduation he served in the US Army and had duty stations in NJ, MA and Okinawa, Japan. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service at Torri Station, Okinawa. He was employed by the National Security Agency in Ft. Meade, MD and held various security positions form 1962-1995 … Continue reading "John Docherty III ’58"
Donna Mae Hardenberg departed on her next adventure on May 12, 2023. The oldest of three children, she was born to James and Ruth Hardenberg on February 27, 1936 in Zeeland, Michigan. Donna, an alumnus of Hope College, taught for 30 years, befriending countless students while introducing them to the writers, poets, playwrights, and musicians she loved. In the … Continue reading "Donna Hardenberg ’58"
William F. Bogart, 90, of Blossburg, went on to meet the master of the universe on March 2, 2023. He was born on March 12, 1932, in Bushkill, Pa. to William S. Bogart and Stella M. Peck. William, a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, educator, and public servant, is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy (Tebo); son, … Continue reading "William Bogart ’59"
Frederick Martin Brown State College – Dr. Frederick Martin Brown, 85, passed away from cancer on April 30, 2023 at Juniper Village in State College, PA. Frederick, born on November 16, 1937, was the son of Luella (Baumgartner) Brown and Alexander Brown (LeBrun). Luella was the daughter of immigrant German-Swiss dairy farmers who immigrated to the American-Swiss colony in New Glarus, Wisconsin … Continue reading "Frederick Brown ’59"
Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43 The Heavens rejoice as our beloved Marilyn Jean Hanson had departed to the Paradise of Joy on May 16, 2023. Born on August 12, 1937 in Illinois, Marilyn obtained a teaching degree from Hope College. She was a … Continue reading "Marilyn Kortenhoven ’59 Hanson"
Gretchen (VerMeulen) Felix, age 84, of Hudsonville, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 20, 2023. She was born January 22, 1938, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the late John and Geneva (Swietonioski). As a student at Hope College, she was sent to a dance as a blind date, arranged by the college’s President, where she … Continue reading "Gretchen VerMeulen ’60 Felix"
John R. Meengs, age 85, of Holland, passed away Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Corewell Health Butterworth Campus, following a brief illness. Until his retirement, John was a Deacon at All Saints Episcopal Church in Saugatuck. He was also on the Board of Directors of Herrick Public Library, founded Teamwork employment services and served as a … Continue reading "John Meengs ’60"
Audrey Elaine Rietveld, nee Veld, age 84, of Crete, Illinois, passed peacefully on Sunday, February 19, 2023. Beloved wife of Philip Rietveld. Loving mother of four daughters—Lisa (Trilby White) Rietveld ’83, Renee (John) Malm, Linda (Kevin) Van Drunen, and Jennifer Mack. Grandmother to Jordan (Kerianne) Malm, Dane (Sydney) Malm, Noah (Morgan) Malm, Daniel VanDrunen, Elizabeth Van … Continue reading "Audrey Veld ’60 Rietveld"
Priscilla Jean Landreth, aged 83, passed away peacefully at home in Versailles, Ky. on Sunday February 26, due to Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Priscilla was born October 31, 1939, in Baldwin Wisconsin. She was a devoted wife to Jerald (Jerry) Landreth who she married in Baldwin, Wisconsin in May 1962. They would have celebrated 61 years of … Continue reading "Priscilla Wubbels ’61 Landreth"
Paul S. Hesselink, age 82, died on May 1, 2023. Born on June 6, 1940 in Mitchell, South Dakota to Harold and Ruth (Jensema) Hesselink, he had been a resident of Las Vegas, Nevada since 1993. He previously had lived in Iowa, Nebraska, Washington, Michigan, Ohio, Colorado, and Virginia. He was a graduate of Lynden (Washington) High … Continue reading "Paul Hesselink ’62"
Frederick W. Overkamp, 83, passed away on Friday, February 24 at St. George Regional Hospital from complications after heart surgery. He was born on September 6, 1939, the third of four children to Joseph and Alice Overkamp in Paterson, New Jersey. He married Catherine Baker at the Reformed Church in Lincoln Park, New Jersey on June 15, 1962. … Continue reading "Frederick Overkamp ’62"
On the evening of June 13, with family by his side, Bernard William Weidenaar entered into eternal life. Bernie was born on October 28, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois. Following his service in the Army, he attended Hope College and graduated with an education degree. He taught English at Hudsonville Public Schools for four years and … Continue reading "Bernard Weidenaar ’62"
Stanley Arden Winn passed away peacefully in his sleep on the evening of April 15, 2023. He was 82 years old. His wit was sharp, his love for his wife and family was immense, his interest in the stories of everyone around him was deep, and his compassion for others was boundless. Stan was born on July … Continue reading "Stanley Winn ’62"
Rev. Dennis J. DeWitt passed away on April 6 surrounded by his loving family and welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus. Dennis was born on August 29, 1941 in Muskegon Heights to Marvin and Martha DeWitt. He attended Muskegon Jr. College and transferred to Hope College. There he sang in Chapel Choir and pursued Education as a vocation. He married … Continue reading "Dennis De Witt ’63"
David was born on August 7, 1941, in Poughkeepsie, the son of the late Stanley and Adeline Lewis. He was a graduate of Arlington High School and Hope College. He was a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1960-66. David was a software engineer and worked for IBM. On August 24, 1963, he … Continue reading "David Lewis ’63"
Carl Patterson Brandt died peacefully surrounded by family on March 8th, 2023. He was born on December 2nd, 1942 as the second of four children to the late Irving and Margaret Brandt in Royal Oak Michigan. Carl was a standout vocalist and Varsity tennis player at Royal Oak Dondero High School, where he won several awards. He graduated from … Continue reading "Carl Brandt ’64"
Agnes Carol Kenney, or Carol as she preferred to be called, was a farm girl born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois on the 11th of October, 1942. She was named after an aunt. As a youth she attended the Dutch Reform Church. She was the youngest of eight children born to Peter and Jacoba … Continue reading "Carol Salm ’64 Kenney"
Dr. Norman W. TenBrink, age 79, passed away on March 30, 2023, after a valiant four-year battle with leukemia. He went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior. Norm was born May 17th, 1943, in Shelby, Michigan to Lawrence and Louise (Wissman) TenBrink. He had many childhood adventures growing up on a small farm with a … Continue reading "Norman Ten Brink ’65"
Mr. Jon “Pure Fun” Frank Sr., 78, of Crewe, Va., passed away on May 14, 2023. Jon was born on May 19, 1944 to Frank and Irene Wiegand in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Council Rock High School in 1962, he went on to study at Hope College in Holland, Michigan and Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. … Continue reading "Jonathan Wiegand ’66"
Carol Howes Wilbur, age 78 of Grand Haven, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 3, 2023, surrounded by her daughters at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital. She was born on June 27, 1944 in Schenectady, New York, to William and Vivian Howes II. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Holmes Wilbur in 2013. Carol graduated from … Continue reading "Carol Howes ’66 Wilbur"
Floyd H. Farmer, Jr., 78, died unexpectedly on June 3, 2023 in Muskegon. He was born on December 17, 1944 in Muskegon, MI to Floyd and Doris (Rademacher) Farmer, Sr. A 1963 graduate of Reeths-Puffer High School, Floyd went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from Hope College and Southern Methodist University respectively. Then, … Continue reading "Floyd Farmer Jr. ’67"
Former Otto, Wyoming resident Frank Remmelsberger, 79, lost his battle with cancer and entered fully into the presence of the Lord on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at a hospice facility in Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Remmelsberger was born February 18, 1943, in Yugoslavia, to Franz and Mary Remmelsberger. He migrated to the U.S. when he was a young boy and … Continue reading "Frank Remmelsberger ’67"
Deborah Boles Reuss, a resident of Fairhope, Alabama, died Sunday, April 2, 2023, after a brave struggle with cancer. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1947, Deb graduated from North Central High School in 1965 and received her BS in Psychology from Hope College in 1969. She taught 8 grade in the Chicago Archdiocese School System for … Continue reading "Deborah Reuss ’69"
David Jack Van Heest: Born June 16, 1947 – Died May 2, 2023 (age 75) David passed away early Tuesday, May 2nd after a short hospitalization. David was born in Holland, Michigan, to Rev. Jacob ‘Jack’ ’84 Van Heest and Josephine (DeJongh) Van Heest, while Jacob finished his seminary studies. David is preceded in death … Continue reading "David VanHeest ’69"
Rev. Charles “Chuck” Bigelow, age 75, died surrounded by his family on Thursday, March 9, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was a faithful servant of God who brought warmth, kindness, and humor to so many throughout his life. He spoke often of an idyllic childhood in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he was raised in a … Continue reading "Charles Bigelow ’70"
Joan Westhuis, 76, of Fond du Lac, passed away Friday, April 28, 2023 with family by her side. Joan was born October 3, 1946 to Wesly and Jean (Lemmenes) Westhuis in Waupun. She attended and graduated from Waupun High School and then later went to Hope College in Holland, MI where she graduated with a degree in Religion. … Continue reading "Joan Westhuis ’70"
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John, Chapter 14, verses 1-2 Roger Lee Jones of Holland, MI, age 74, passed away at home on … Continue reading "Roger Jones ’72"
Candy Carey Porter, 72, passed peacefully into the arms of her loving Father while surrounded by her family on April 5, 2023 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While her family and friends are thankful that she is at rest, they will miss her love, friendship, quick wit, and genuine affection for those around her. After having been … Continue reading "Candy Carey ’72 Porter"
Dr. Thomas C. Jeltes (TJ), age 72 , of Dade City, Florida, passed away with his family by his side on May 16th, 2023. He was born to Clara and Simon Jeltes on March 8th, 1951 in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. Thomas graduated from Lee Highschool in 1969 and went on to receive his BA from Hope College in … Continue reading "Thomas Jeltes ’73"
Peg Swieringa died unexpectedly on February 23 at the family home in Custer, WA, of heart failure. All who knew her mourn at her loss. Our light is gone but the glow remains. Peg was born on May 26, 1951, in Midland, Michigan, to Joe and Molly Francis. She was born on the opening day of trout … Continue reading "Margaret Francis ’73 Swieringa"
Margaret Byl Amstutz, 68, of Montague, was called home to be with the Lord she dutifully served, Sunday, April 23, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 28, 1954, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Dutch immigrants Peter and Jakoba (Westers) Byl. A farm girl and big sister to four brothers, Margaret was … Continue reading "Margaret Byl ’76 Amstutz"
Kathleen Gross, 69, was reunited with the love of her life on May 29, 2023. She was born October 14th, 1953 in Perth Amboy, NJ. She was the first of 5 children to Stanley and Louise (French) VanPelt. After graduating from the Hillsborough School System, Kathy studied at Hope College in Michigan as well as abroad … Continue reading "Kathleen VanPelt ’76 Gross"
William “Bill” M. Seiberling passed away on April 29, 2023 at the age of 67 in Sarasota, Florida. He was born in Akron, Ohio on May 27, 1955 to William C. and Jeanne M. Seiberling. Bill had a wonderful childhood growing up in Columbia, Turkey, and Taiwan. In high school, he developed a love of rock and roll … Continue reading "William Seiberling ’79"
Nancy Lee Piatt, age 63, passed away on April 10, 2023. She was born to John and Mary Elizabeth Piatt on June 7, 1959 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and married to her beloved husband, Greg Loucony, since March 29, 2007. Nancy was both a lifelong learner and educator, and was serious, but could be goofy. She loved life and … Continue reading "Nancy Piatt ’81"
Michele R. (Sterk) Schoon, 53, of Ludington, passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Michele was born on July 15, 1969, the daughter of Vern and Carla (VandeBunte) Sterk. In 1987 she graduated from Zeeland High School. She then attended Hope College and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science and Nursing degree. Michele … Continue reading "Michele Sterk ’91 Schoon"
Kierin Givens, beloved mother, daughter and sister, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 8, 2023, after a one-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Kierin was dearly loved by her three teenage children, Jack, Sam and Ally Caldwell. She enjoyed spending time with them on family vacations, going to family Christian camp … Continue reading "Kierun Givens ’93"
Darin Wallace Crask, 44, of Seneca, passed away Sunday June 11, 2023 at his home. He was born September 19, 1978, in Ottawa, IL, to Dennis and Deborah (Hovious) Crask. Darin attended Ottawa Township High School and graduated in 1996. He was a member of the OTHS football team that was inducted into the Ottawa Sports … Continue reading "Darin Crask ’00"
Anna Clutterbuck-Cook, age 41, died peacefully at her home in Boston, Massachusetts on January 30, 2023, following two years of treatment for cancer. She was surrounded by her family and her two cats — all of whom she loved deeply. Born in Zeeland, Michigan, March 30, 1981, to Janet and Mark Cook, Anna grew up in … Continue reading "Anna Cook ’05"
Merry Catherine Morgan (Roberts), 38, of Novato, CA (formerly of Paw Paw, MI), passed away on April 8, 2023, after a courageous battle with viral meningitis. Merry was born on April 2, 1985, to Glen and Vicki Roberts in Paw Paw, Michigan, and welcomed by her big sister, Rachel. It soon became apparent that her name perfectly … Continue reading "Merry Roberts ’07 Morgan"
Ronald F. Fleischmann Jr., age 43 of Milwaukee, WI passed away peacefully on May 25th, 2023 surrounded by loved ones. Ron was born on March 8th, 1980 to Ronald and Sue Fleischmann. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sue Fleischmann, and beloved dog, Stewie. He is survived by his wife, Liza Fleischmann (nee … Continue reading "Ronald Fleischmann"
Maxine Kathryn Greij was born in Elliott, North Dakota on October 21, 1937 to Walter and Amelia McCann. She passed away peacefully on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023, at the age of 85. A strong woman with quiet wisdom, Maxine’s character was formed through taking on responsibilities on the childhood farm and home, and she excelled at … Continue reading "Maxine Greij"
Hubert P. (Herb) Weller passed away June 29, 2023 after sustaining injuries in an accident. He was born in Holland, MI, February 27, 1934, and graduated from Holland High School, where he started studying Spanish and fell in love with the language. He went on to earn degrees in Spanish at the University of Michigan … Continue reading "Hubert (Herb) Weller"
