In Memoriam

1930s

Lois Tysse ’38 Strom
Lois Tysse ’38 Strom, daughter of the late Rev. Gerrit Tysse (1894) and Eva Van Oostenbrugge, passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2016 in Holland at 99 years of age. The Tysse’s were longtime residents of Holland, residing on East 13th Street across from Western Theological Seminary from about 1918 into the 1960s. The Tysse … Continue reading "Lois Tysse ’38 Strom"

1940s

Elsie Ulmer ’41 Baehre
Elsie Ulmer ’41 Baehre age 96 passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at Brookcrest in Grandville with her family at her side. She was preceded in death by her husband, William; sisters, Elizabeth Stevens and Coralie Hutfilz. She is survived by her children, Leon and Rosemary Baehre, Joanne Baehre, Arvin Baehre, 5 grandchildren; … Continue reading "Elsie Ulmer ’41 Baehre"
Mildred Timmer ’43 Van Oostenburg
Mildred Timmer ’43 Van Oostenburg, born Sept. 10, 1921, of Grandville, passed away on Aug. 10, 2016. Mildred is preceded in death by her loving husband of 45 years, Gordon Leon Van Oostenburg ’46; her first daughter, Lynn Frances Van Oostenburg; her parents, Bert and Frances Timmer; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Willem and Lena Van … Continue reading "Mildred Timmer ’43 Van Oostenburg"
Genevieve Bussies ’44 Fenton
Genevieve Bussies ’44 Fenton of Lakeland, Florida, passed away on Friday, June 10, 2016. Genevieve was born on November 21, 1921 in Holland, Michigan. She attended Holland School and graduated from Hope College with a degree in teaching. She taught school in Manton, Michigan. She is survived by her husband Kenneth of 69 years and … Continue reading "Genevieve Bussies ’44 Fenton"
Margaret Karreman ’45 Boshoven
Margaret Karreman ’45 Boshoven, aged 93, was called home on May 30, 2016. She was preceded in death by her daughter Linda D. Schindlbeck, her mother and father, Marquerite and Rev. Anthony Karreman and her sisters, Jean Karreman and Kay Carr. She is survived by her beloved husband Fred Boshoven, four grandchildren, Amanda Waldron, Richard … Continue reading "Margaret Karreman ’45 Boshoven"
Ethelyn Van Leeuwen ’46 Rezelman
Ethelyn Van Leeuwen ’46 Rezelman was born on June 20, 1922 in Jackson, Michigan and died on August 7, 2016 in Valparaiso, Indiana. The Hope college alumna (class or 1946) and breast cancer survivor (1981) taught in a number of elementary schools and lived in Lapeer, Michigan for more than 54 years. She was preceded … Continue reading "Ethelyn Van Leeuwen ’46 Rezelman"
Rev. Dr. Chester Droog ’47
Rev. Dr. Chester Droog ’47, age 94, went home to his eternal rest on Feb. 5, 2016. Chet was a resident of the Assisted Living section of the Artesia Christian Home where he could visit and assist his beloved wife Jacqueline who lives in the facility’s Alzheimer unit.  This special marriage lasted over 71 years. … Continue reading "Rev. Dr. Chester Droog ’47"
Robert Strabbing ’47
Robert Strabbing ’47, 92, completed his earthly service of his Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, June 10, 2016. He was born on Aug. 19, 1923, in Graafschaap.  During his life he served in the United States Navy in World War II and as a teacher and administrator at Holland Christian Schools. For 23 years he … Continue reading "Robert Strabbing ’47"
Harvey J. Buter ’48
Harvey J. Buter ’48, 92, of Holland, Michigan, died on Monday, June 20, 2016, at American House in Holland. He was born to Thomas and Jennie Buter in Holland in 1923 and was a lifelong Holland resident. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeane VerBurg ’48 Buter in 2003.  Harvey graduated from Hope … Continue reading "Harvey J. Buter ’48"
Nelis R. Bade ’49
Nelis R. Bade ’49, age 94, of Holland, passed away, Friday, September 9, 2016, in the Inn at Freedom Village. He was born in Holland on Nov. 4, 1921.  Nelis was a lifelong resident of the Holland area who led a very active and productive life.  He retired after many years as a contentious stockbroker. … Continue reading "Nelis R. Bade ’49"
Jean Snow ’49 Bloemendaal
Jean Snow ’49 Bloemendaal of Athens, Georgia, died peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her family, on July 26, 2016 at the age of 89. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilfred Curtis Snow ’35 and Esther Leone Mac Farlane ’41 Snow and her sister, Janet Snow ’49 Pontier. She is survived by … Continue reading "Jean Snow ’49 Bloemendaal"

1950s

Ellen Beuker ’50 Froelich
Ellen Beuker ’50 Froelich went into the Light of God on September 2, 2016. She was 88. Nan was born in Grand Rapids on August 7, 1028 to Margaret Evelyn Trompen ’24 and Dr. Herman Beuker ‘22. Her family moved to Marshall, Michigan, when Nan was a year old, where her father began his medical … Continue reading "Ellen Beuker ’50 Froelich"
Dr. William W. Jellema ’50
Dr. William W. Jellema ’50, born in Ridgeland, Wis., June 25, 1927, died Aug. 8, 2016, in Mount Pleasant, S.C. While he was beset in the last years by challenges to his mind and memory, he retained until the last day his irrepressibly positive approach to life, sharp sense of humor, warm smile, and everlasting … Continue reading "Dr. William W. Jellema ’50"
Rev. Paul L. Lupkes ’50
Rev. Paul L. Lupkes ’50, 89, passed away at Bella Vista Nursing Home on Tuesday, May 31, 2016. A resident of Rapid City for 39 years, he was well-known in Rapid City and West River as a minister, professor, chaplain. He was born Jan. 21, 1927 on a farm in Iowa to John and Grace … Continue reading "Rev. Paul L. Lupkes ’50"
Eugene S. Marcus ’50
Eugene S. Marcus ’50, 87, of North Canton passed away peacefully after a long illness on Sunday, July 31, 2016. He was born December 22, 1928 in Holland, Michigan, to the late Tien and Lena Marcus. Gene served as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve from 1951 to 1957. … Continue reading "Eugene S. Marcus ’50"
Dr. Daniel L. Paul ’50
Dr. Daniel L. Paul ’50, 89, of Sunny Hills, Florida, summer resident of Mankato, Minnesota, and former resident of Holland, Michigan and Orange City, Iowa, passed away Thursday, August 25, at the Mankato Mayo Clinic Hospital. Dan was born December 15, 1926 to Daniel A. and Helen (Kern) Paul in Brooklyn, New York. There, Dan … Continue reading "Dr. Daniel L. Paul ’50"
Wilma Ford ’51 Sullivan
Wilma A. Sullivan, 86, Orlando, Florida, died Thursday, January 21, 2016.
Dr. William Michael Bocks ’52
Dr. William Michael Bocks, 86 of Holland, passed away at home on Saturday, June 25, 2016, with his loving family by his side. Bill attended Holland Public Schools, graduated from Hope College, received his Masters Degree from Western Michigan University and Doctorate in Education from Michigan State University. His life was dedicated to education. He … Continue reading "Dr. William Michael Bocks ’52"
Paul Roger Kromann ’52
Paul Roger Kromann, of Warner Robins, GA, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2016 at the age of 85. Paul was born in Racine, Wisconsin. Following high school, he continued his education, majoring in chemistry, at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. He later received his Phd in chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley. … Continue reading "Paul Roger Kromann ’52"
Jean Cloetingh ’53 Smith
Jean Cloetingh ’53 Smith of Champaign, Ill died on Friday, June 17, 2016.  She was 84.   She was preceded in death by her husband, William Charles Smith ’51 in 1976.  Her survivors include her children Barbara Smith ’76 Bussema (Dan ’76),  Norman Smith (Patti),  Melissa (Scott) Mongreig, Cheryl (Joe) Thulin (Joe), 8 grandchildren and 8 … Continue reading "Jean Cloetingh ’53 Smith"
Donald A. Lubbers ’54
Donald A. Lubbers ’54 , Holt, Michigan. Just One Week After Attending His Grandson’s High School Graduation In Raleigh, North Carolina, “Lubby” Passed Away Unexpectedly From An Aggressive Form Of Leukemia On June 21, 2016. He Was Preceded In Death By His Father, Clarence Lubbers ’24; Mother, Thelma; And Wife, Nancie Carpenter ’54 Lubbers. He … Continue reading "Donald A. Lubbers ’54"
Harold Bazan ’55
Harold Bazan, age 84 of Vriesland, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, June 4, 2016. He was a man of deep faith, who infused everything he did with his unique sense of humor, showing kindness to everyone he met. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty; children: Sue … Continue reading "Harold Bazan ’55"
Rev. Jonathan James Hinkamp ’55
Rev. Jonathan James Hinkamp, 81, of Ticonderoga, passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at the Moses-Ludington Hospital of Ticonderoga. Born in Niskayuna, New York, January 22, 1935, he was the son of the late Franklin and Edith (Dings) Hinkamp. Rev. Hinkamp was a man of God. He was a retired Minister of the Reformed Church of America, and … Continue reading "Rev. Jonathan James Hinkamp ’55"
Robert W. Muilenburg ’55
Robert W. Muilenburg, 83, of Boonton Twp., NJ, formerly of Randolph, NJ, passed away on Monday, August 15, 2016. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 18th at 11:00am in the Codey & Mackey Funeral Home, 107 Essex Avenue, Boonton, NJ 07005. Memorial visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. … Continue reading "Robert W. Muilenburg ’55"
Marjorie Bruns ’55 Schilling
Marjorie Bruns Schilling ~ 82 Vancouver, Washington December 3, 1933 ~ July 14, 2016. Survivors include her sister, Marlene Bruns ’55 Robberts and husband, Kenneth Robberts. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Bruno Bruns ’27 and Regina Buss ’28 Bornn and brother Leonard E. Bruns ’53
Barbara Bennema ’58 Dawdy
Barbara Bennema Dawdy of Freedom Village in Holland went to be with her savior Thursday, July 7, 2016, after succumbing to complications of Alzheimer’s. Barbara was born June 30, 1934 in DeMotte Ind. She graduated from Hope College BS ( 56⁄58) and Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing RN (57). Barbara was married to the late Arthur Dawdy … Continue reading "Barbara Bennema ’58 Dawdy"
Elmer Kanengieter ’58
Elmer Kanengieter, age 86 of Little Rock, IA died Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at Sibley Specialty Care Center in Sibley, IA. Elmer H. Kanengieter was born July 16, 1929 on the family farm southwest of Little Rock, Iowa, the son of Andrew and Grace (Dreesen) Kanengieter. He attended country school and helped with the daily … Continue reading "Elmer Kanengieter ’58"

1960s

Myrna R. Schalekamp ’60 Kreykes
Myrna R. Kreykes was born to Bill and Grace (Reinders) Schalekamp on April 10, 1938, in Orange City. She graduated from Orange City High School in 1956 and went on to get her undergraduate degree in English education from Hope College in 1960. Myrna married Gary Kreykes on July 1, 1960. She spent several years … Continue reading "Myrna R. Schalekamp ’60 Kreykes"
Robert B. Reid ’62
Robert B. Reid, 75, of Mansfield, Ohio passed away Monday, July 18, 2016, in Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada. He was born August 2, 1940, in Buffalo, New York, to the late Gerald and Phyllis (Wood) Reid. He graduated from Hope College in Holland, Michigan where he lettered in baseball and basketball. In 1964, he moved … Continue reading "Robert B. Reid ’62"
David W. Waanders ’62
David W. Waanders, age 75, died at home on May 23, 2016. David was a long-time resident of Piscataway, NJ. and member of First Reformed Church in New Brunswick. He was born in Iowa and raised in Western Michigan. He earned degrees from Hope College, New Brunswick Theological Seminary, and Princeton Seminary. He was an … Continue reading "David W. Waanders ’62"
Patricia Inardi ’62 Yuill
Patricia I. Yuill, 75, of Harpursville,died peacefully March 28, 2016 at her home, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born in Fiume, Italy, daughter of Angelo and Thelma (Molina) Inardi. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, James A. Yuill, her son Allan Yuill (Fatima Gadson), three precious grandchildren Trinity, Jabari … Continue reading "Patricia Inardi ’62 Yuill"
Rev. Bernard D. “Bernie” Ekema ’63
Rev. Bernard D. “Bernie” Ekema of  Paw Paw, Michigan, went to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday morning, September 1, 2016. Bernie was born June 23, 1930 in Kalamazoo the son of Harry and Cora (DeBoer) Ekema. He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Bernie was a graduate … Continue reading "Rev. Bernard D. “Bernie” Ekema ’63"
Karen June VanderWerf ’63 Ver Hulst
Karen June Ver Hulst, 74, of Wyoming, went to be home with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Marge Vander Werf; and her sister, Virginia Vander Werf. Karen graduated from Hope College in 1963. She was a good … Continue reading "Karen June VanderWerf ’63 Ver Hulst"
Allan Lebbin ’64
Word has been received of the death of Allan Lebbin ’64 of South Bend, Indiana, on Monday, March 14, 2016.
Pastor Richard J. Vander Borgh ’64
Pastor Richard J., of Westwood (formerly of Dumont) was born May 12, 1942 in Bay Shore, NY to Andrew Vander Borgh and Gertrude Veryzer Vander Borgh, and entered into eternal life on Saturday, July 16, 2016. He received his formal education by attending four years at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Pastor Vander Borgh then … Continue reading "Pastor Richard J. Vander Borgh ’64"
Wenche Nilsen ’65 Haverkamp
Wenche Nilsen Haverkamp died on Sunday, July 24, of apparent complications from treatments for non-Hodgkins lymphoma. She was born on November 7, 1942 in Horten, Norway, the daughter of Murray and Ingrid (Karlsen) Nilsen. At age six, she immigrated with her family to the United States, moving to Jersey City, N.J., where she lived until … Continue reading "Wenche Nilsen ’65 Haverkamp"
David L. Anderson ’67
David L. Anderson, 71, of Portland, passed away suddenly on June 29, 2016. He was born in Schenectady, NY, the son of Carl and Blanche (Lepper) Anderson. He graduated from Scotia-Glenville High School, where he met his wife, Karen. He earned a B.A. from Hope College in Holland, MI and was awarded a Ph.D. in … Continue reading "David L. Anderson ’67"
Dixon “Dick” Lee Kuipers ’67
Dixon “Dick” Lee Kuipers, 81, of Onekama, died Sunday, July 3, 2016, at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City. He was born October 10, 1934, in Grand Rapids, the son of Bernard “Ben” and Adrianna (Leonhardt) Kuipers. Dick received his B.S. from Hope College and his M.S. from the University of Wisconsin. He went on … Continue reading "Dixon “Dick” Lee Kuipers ’67"

1970s

Mark Vande Brake ’71
Mark was born March 3, 1949, and passed away the morning of July 11, 2016 in his home surrounded by his family, after a difficult and long battle with cancer. Mark earned a Bachelors and Master of Arts degree from Hope College and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville respectively. He specialized in print making. He … Continue reading "Mark Vande Brake ’71"
Karla Hoesch ’73 Wolters
Karla Wolters, age 65 of Zeeland passed away Monday, November 28, 2016 after a two year struggle with multiple myeloma. Karla was preceded in death by her parents Tex and Alyce Hoesch and brother Tom Hoesch. She is survived by her husband of 38 years Tom ’73; brothers: Ken Hoesch ’75, and Tim ’85 and … Continue reading "Karla Hoesch ’73 Wolters"
Christina Lee Hansen ’75
Christina Lee Hansen, of Flint, MI, died peacefully at home on June 13 surrounded by friends and family, after a long struggle with cancer. Chris was born on June 9, 1953 in Grand Rapids, MI, daughter of Marc and Vadra (Windette) Hansen. She was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School; earned a Bachelor’s Degree … Continue reading "Christina Lee Hansen ’75"
Dale Van Dahm ’78
Dale Van Dahm – Class of ’78 – of Irvine, California passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2016.  He was 60. He was a Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo Bank running teams in the commercial real estate and workout divisions until his retirement. He is survived by his wife Paula; sister Cindy Vander Naald … Continue reading "Dale Van Dahm ’78"

1980s

Robin Joy Berens ’82
Robin Joy Berens, 56, passed away unexpectedly Oct. 7, 2016. Robin was the daughter of Hessel and Lucille Berens. She graduated from Holland High School and Hope College, and she worked for USF Holland. Robin is survived by her sisters, Sandy (Jason) Wolters, Soni VanDam, Kerri (Tom) Gebben; nieces and nephews, Alex Gebben, Madison Gebben, Ryan … Continue reading "Robin Joy Berens ’82"
Noreen Decker ’82 Goodbody
Noreen Decker ’82 Goodbody of Hermosa Beach, California, on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. Survivors include her mother, Anite Mann ’54 Decker-Steenbergen; and sister, Ramelle Decker ’77 DeVries.
Kent Alexander Smith ’84
Kent Alexander Smith, age 55, and a graduate of Albion High School Class of 1979, passed away Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at his home in Newbury Township. Kent was born January 14, 1961, to Ken and Susan (McPherson) Smith. He was very active in United Methodist Church youth programs, Boy Scouts, and the Albion school … Continue reading "Kent Alexander Smith ’84"
Barry Weller ’88
From the cynical Jaques in “As You Like It” to the romantic Mr. Darcy in “Pride and Prejudice,” from a flamboyant drag queen in “Dirty Blonde” to a sober British scholar in “Shadowlands,” from a genial child molester in “Lonesome Hollow” to a suave drama critic in “The Nerd” — was there any role beyond … Continue reading "Barry Weller ’88"

1990s

Bretton Allyn Folkert ’93
Bretton Allyn Folkert, age 45 of Ada, Michigan finished his race on earth and crossed the finish line into Heaven on August 28, 2016. He was born in Zeeland, Michigan in 1970. He leaves (for now) his best friend and the love of his life, Julie Bos ’93 Folkert, to whom he was married for … Continue reading "Bretton Allyn Folkert ’93"
Brent Henry Buckingham ’97
Brent Henry Buckingham of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, passed away on June 4, 2016 at age 41. He was born in Eaton Rapids, on December 31, 1974. Brent graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1993 and received a BA from Hope College in 1997. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend to many. Brent … Continue reading "Brent Henry Buckingham ’97"

2000s

Mark Tracy Wheeler ’08
Mark Tracy Wheeler,48, of South Haven, Michigan passed away on Saturday July 2, 2016 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Mark was born September 14, 1967 to James Wheeler and Bernice Mayberry in Chicago, IL. Mark and his parents moved to Lacota, MI in May 1968. He graduated from Fennville High School in 1985. … Continue reading "Mark Tracy Wheeler ’08"

Sympathy to

The family of Charles C. Aschbrenner
Charles C. Aschbrenner, age 79, of Holland, died Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. Charles, an Adjunct Professor Emeritus of Music, taught for 53 years at Hope College. He has lectured and adjudicated in addition to performing both as soloist and collaborative pianist throughout Michigan and the Midwest as well as in Mexico, Portugal, France and Russia. … Continue reading "The family of Charles C. Aschbrenner"
The family of Hazel Brummel
Hazel Brummel, age 93, of Holland, passed away peacefully Saturday August 27 at Resthaven Boersma Cottage with family by her side. Hazel was born November 23, 1922 in Overisel, MI, to Ray and Anna Maatman. She started her career as a seamstress, making navy coats during WWII and after raising her family she worked at … Continue reading "The family of Hazel Brummel"
The family of Maria Elena Collazo
Maria Elena Collazo, 79, of Tucson, Ariz., went home to be with her Lord and Savior Wednesday, June 8, 2016. She is survived by her children, Maria Isabel DuQue, Maria Cristina Collazo, Sarah Sanchez, Israel Collazo, Daniel Collazo, and Rosa Elsess; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandson; sister; Cruz Martinez, Josefina Castro, Rosa Castorena, … Continue reading "The family of Maria Elena Collazo"