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.
Wallace Van Liere ’43 of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, passed away August 2, 2017 at the age of 95. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Betty. Survived by children, Sandy Elfstrom (Steve), Kent (Jennifer), Keith (Cheryl) and Ross; also survived by grandchildren, Adam, Alicia, Kiera, Briana and Jocelyn; and great-grandchildren, Reichen, Audrey … Continue reading "Wallace Van Liere ’43"
Elaine Venekasen ’43 Van Zoeren of Zeeland, Michigan, died on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. She is survived by her children, Barbara and Gary Blaukamp, Jane and Richard Michmerhuizen and Mary and Jim Dornbos; in addition to 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, Chuck and Karen Blaukamp (Maggie and Maisie Blaukamp), Cyndie and Paul Morley (Adam and … Continue reading "Elaine Venekasen ’43 Van Zoeren"
Norman Davis ’45 of Jamestown, New York, died on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017 at UPMC Chautauqua WCA. He was born Sept. 17, 1920, in Frewsburg, the son of Hollis J. and Mary Thompson Davis. He was a Frewsburg High School alumnus and was a graduate of Hope College, a graduate of University of Michigan Medical School, and … Continue reading "Norman Davis ’45"
Dale Drew ’46 of White Lake, Michigan, died on Friday, Sept. 1, 2017. He was 90. Beloved husband of the late Betty. Dear father of Laura D. Malczewski (Larry), John R. Drew(Karen), Thomas R. Drew (Donna), and James B. Drew (Julie). Cherished grandfather of Jeffrey, Lindsay, Kristi, Lauren, Reilly, Flynn, Sienna, and Brooke. Great-grandfather of Eli and Blake. Family will … Continue reading "Dale Drew ’46"
Max De Pree ’48 of Holland, Michigan, an internationally respected corporate leader who helped shape Hope across 12 years on the college’s Board of Trustees, died on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017, at age 92. De Pree, who was chairman emeritus of Herman Miller Inc., was a member of the college’s board from 1983 to 1995 and chair from … Continue reading "Max De Pree ’48"
Gerard DeLoof ’49 of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017 at Avera McKennan Hospital. Gerard DeLoof was born at Kalamazoo, MI, on December 6, 1921 the son of Gerard Sr. and Gertrude (Brunsting) DeLoof. When he was a senior in high school he joined the US Army. He served under General George Patton in … Continue reading "Gerard DeLoof ’49"
Robert Snow ’49 of Holland, Michigan, died on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017 at the Inn of Freedom Village. The Snow family moved to Holland in 1929, when Curtis and later Esther joined the Music faculty of Hope College. Bob graduated from Hope in 1949 after serving as a combat engineer in World War II. Bob met Rita Pool, … Continue reading "Robert Snow ’49"
Durward “Dewey” Bakker ’52 of Grand Rapids, Michigan, died on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at Butterworth Hospital with his family at his side. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Jacqueline, in 2014. Dewey is survived by his children, David Jon Bakker, Nancy Lynn (Jeff) Droge, and Marc Thomas (Jayne) Bakker; grandchildren, Naomi … Continue reading "Durward “Dewey” Bakker ’52"
Albert Edgar Lampen “ Ed”, 90, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, June 4, 2017. Born and raised in Holland. Ed proudly served our country in the U. S. Navy during WWII, worked 38.5 years at Holland Board of Public Works, was a lifelong member of Third Reformed Church and a member of Holland Elks … Continue reading "Albert Edgar Lampen ’50"
Dorothy TenBrink ’52 Bauman of Zeeland, Michigan, died on Sunday, July 16, 2017, at Faith Hospice-Trillium Woods. Born Jan. 14, 1930, in Holland, she went on to marry the love of her life Ken, who she was married to for 66 years. She was a graduate of Hope College, taught in Holland Public Schools for over … Continue reading "Dorothy TenBrink ’52 Bauman"
Irwin Brink ’52 of Holland, Michigan, not only was a graduate of the college’s chemistry program but spent his career contributing to its success. Brink, who died on Friday, June 23, 2017, at age 86, was a member of the chemistry faculty from 1957 until retiring in 1996. In addition to receiving multiple research awards and mentoring students, he chaired of the … Continue reading "Irwin Brink ’52"
Marcia Berghorst ’53 Davis of Knoxville, Tennessee, died on Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. She was born in Zeeland, Michigan on May 13, 1931 and graduated from Hope College. Marcia was a second grade teacher until she became a full time homemaker. She enjoyed making chocolate chip cookies, needle work, writing funny poems, playing games with her grandchildren, … Continue reading "Marcia Berghorst ’53 Davis"
Donald Prentice ’53 of Parachute, Colorado, died on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at the CO Veterans Living Center, Rifle, from complications with Parkinson’s. Don was the oldest of three born August 21, 1931 to David and Inez W (Clark) Prentice in Detroit, MI. Don married Roberta Carroll “Bobbi” Harding in 1969 and together they had two children, Keith David … Continue reading "Donald Prentice ’53"
Julius Brandt ’54 of Lynden, Washington, died on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. He was 95. He was born on June 30, 1922 to Otto and Jeanette (DeVries) Brandt in Holland, Michigan. He joined the U.S. Army in 1942 and served as a member of the Army Signal Corp in India and Burma until his discharge in 1946. On … Continue reading "Julius Brandt ’54"
Jean Wierenga ’54 Otto of South Haven, Michigan, died on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017. She was 85. Jean was born on April 7, 1932 in South Haven to Alonzo and Zera Wierenga. She was a graduate of South Haven High School and Hope College. Post graduate work was completed at Western Michigan University and the University of … Continue reading "Jean Wierenga ’54 Otto"
Emma “Lucille” Meek ’56 Goding of Las Cruces, New Mexico, died on Friday, June 30, 2017. She was 83. Lucille is survived by her brother, David Meek of Ruidoso, New Mexico; Children Stephany Benaway of Las Cruces, New Mexico; Clark Goding of Tuscon, Arizona; Heather Spencer of Englewood, Colorado; two granddaughters and a grandson. She is preceded in death … Continue reading "Emma “Lucille” Meek ’56 Goding"
Lois Taylor ’57 De Zeeuw of McBain, Michigan, died on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017. She was 82. Lois was born January 30, 1935, to Weller and Clara (VanderVlucht) Taylor at the Taylor family home. She married Peter DeZeeuw on November 29, 1957, at the Lucas Rehoboth Reformed Church. Lois was a homemaker her entire life and took pride in taking good care … Continue reading "Lois Taylor ’57 De Zeeuw"
Gordon Meeusen ’57 of Guilderland Center, New York, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany, having spent most of that day with his entire immediate family. Gordon was born June 18, 1930 in Holland, Michigan to Simon and Gertrude Meeusen and attended Holland High School where he graduated with Honors … Continue reading "Gordon Meeusen ’57"
John Brouwer ’59 of Osseo, Wisconsin, died on Monday, April 3, 2017at Regions Hospital, St. Paul MN, due to complications related to burn injuries. John was born in Inwood, IA on September 7, 1934, the son of Jorienus and Artie (Brands) Brouwer. In 1946 he moved to Edgerton, MN with his family. John married the sweetest girl … Continue reading "John Brouwer ’59"
Mary Wiersema ’61 Vermeulen of Waynesboro, Virginia, died on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017. She was 77. Mary was born a farmer’s daughter on the 15th of November, 1939, in Morrison, Illinois, and lived on the family farm in Whiteside County with her parents Peter and Alice (Aggen) Wiersema and her older brother Robert. She attended a one-room … Continue reading "Mary Wiersema ’61 Vermeulen"
William Vandenberg III ’62 of Holland, Michigan, died on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017 peacefully in his sleep at the Vista Springs in Wyoming on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017. He was 83 Bill graduated from Culver Military Academy. After a year at Southern Methodist University he enlisted in the Marine Corp. He graduated from Hope College and was … Continue reading "William Vandenberg III ’62"
Word has been received of the death of Sally Tellman ’62 Wallace of Lake Lansing, Michigan, on Monday, April 18, 2016, due to leukemia. She had a love of the outdoors especially walking her dogs on the North Trails. Please adopt an animal in her honor. Sally made her family promise that they wouldn’t embellish this obituary, … Continue reading "Sally Tellman ’62 Wallace"
Kenneth Sebens ’63 of Oak Harbor, Washington, died on Monday, June 5, 2017. He was 75. Ken was born in Bellingham in 1941. He was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Hope College, Western Michigan University and the University of Michigan. He spent the majority of his working life as a clinical social … Continue reading "Kenneth Sebens ’63"
Franklin Spoolstra ’63 of Rockford, Michigan, died on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. He was 85. He was born the tenth of eleven children to Martin and Ella (Beckering) Spoolstra on August 2, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois. Franklin graduated from Hope College with a BA in Psychology in 1963, a BD and M. of Div. from Western Theological Seminary in 1971, … Continue reading "Franklin Spoolstra ’63"
Terry Mc Gilvra ’65 of Des Moines, Iowa, died on Friday, Aug. 18, 2017 at Taylor House Hospice from complications of a bleeding ulcer. He was 74. Terry married Debbie Cosner on May 17, 1968 in Princeton, Missouri. Terry attended Hope College and Iowa State University where he graduated with a BA in accounting. He was an auditor for … Continue reading "Terry Mc Gilvra ’65"
John Buteyn Jr. ’66 of Plano, Texas, died on Thursday, July 20, 2017. He was 73. lost his battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis on July 20th at 1:55 PM, surrounded by his family. Jack was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Skeels Buteyn; father, Reverend John Edward Buteyn, Sr.; and sister, Carol Berberian. He is survived by … Continue reading "John Buteyn Jr. ’66"
Gail Bumford ’68 Paterik of Detroit, Michigan, died on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017. She was a full-time and substitute teacher for many years in the Chicago area. Since moving back to Detroit she has been a care-giver for the elderly. Survivors include her husband of 48 years, David Paterik ’69; sister Janet Bumford ’70 Flier, brother James Bumford, mother … Continue reading "Gail Bumford ’68 Paterik"
Sheryl Medendorp ’69 Styf of Sarasota, Florida, died on Wednesday, July 5, 2017. She was 70. She was known by many as Sherry, was born and raised in Muskegon. She raised her family in Hastings and retired to Sarasota, FL and Wyoming, MI. Sheryl was born on March 25, 1947 in Muskegon to John and Doris Medendorp. … Continue reading "Sheryl Medendorp ’69 Styf"
Roy Welton ’70 of Holland, Michigan, died on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017. He was 69 and will be missed by his loving wife, large extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Welton; and is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Cindi Welton. He was an inspirational father to … Continue reading "Roy Welton ’70"
Raymond Schofield ’71 of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, died on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017 peacefully at Virtua Medical Center in Mount Holly on September 20th following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 70. Mr. Schofield was born in Los Angeles, CA and raised in Pompton Lakes, NJ attending Pompton Lakes High School. He was an avid participant in the Lakeland … Continue reading "Raymond Schofield ’71"
Thomas Page ’72 of Holland, Michigan, died on Thursday, June 15, 2017. He was 68. In Heaven, he joins his beloved wife Karen, father Edward, and mother Helen. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Karyl Garbow of Phoenix, and brother-in-law, Tim Garbow of Montana. There will be no service and ashes will be spread at a … Continue reading "Thomas Page ’72"
Maryjan “Jan” Wydra ’73 of Wells, Maine, died on Wednesday, July 19, 2017. at home in the loving care of his family after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 71. Jan was born May 12, 1946 in Germany, the son of Jan and Else (Recht) Wydra. His family immigrated to the United States when Jan … Continue reading "Maryjan “Jan” Wydra ’73"
Virginia Reed ’74 Kruisenga of Hudsonville, Michigan, died on Tuesday, July 11, 2017. She was 64. She was preceded in death by her parents Walter Jr. and Helen Reed; brother Tom (Nancy) Reed; parents-in-law Marvin and Marie Kruisenga. She will be lovingly missed by her husband Robert Kruisenga; children Rob (Laura) Kruisenga, Cindy (Mike) Rankens, Karen Kruisenga Cornelius; six … Continue reading "Virginia Reed ’74 Kruisenga"
Ruth Wolting ’75 Prince of New Era, Michigan, died on Monday, July 3, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan following a lengthy illness. She was 64. She was born May 18, 1953 in Shelby, the daughter of Joseph and Doris Wolting. She graduated from Hope College in Holland. She married her best friend and love of her life, Ken Prince, on August … Continue reading "Ruth Wolting ’75 Prince"
Catherine Creet ’76 De Jonge of Holland, Michigan, died on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017. She was 63. Cathy graduated from Hope College and was employed at Life Savers for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents William and Edna Creet. She is survived by her sister: Ginny Rinaldi of Oxford, NJ, 3 nephews and 6 grandnieces … Continue reading "Catherine Creet ’76 De Jonge"
Mary Flanagan ’79 Danielson of Alto, Michigan, died on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 59. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 35 years, Mike; her daughters Amanda (Jordan) McElroy and Laura Danielson; her granddaughter Emma McElroy; her mother, Joyce Flanagan; her siblings Linda (Al) Smith, Beth (Craig) Plante, … Continue reading "Mary Flanagan ’79 Danielson"
Paul Hospers ’80 of Rochester, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, July 19, 2017. He was 59. Paul was born in Sodus, NY, on December 8, 1957. He graduated from Grand Haven High School, in Grand Haven, MI, and received a Bachelors of Business Administration degree, specializing in computer science, from Hope College in Holland, MI. Paul worked for IBM … Continue reading "Paul Hospers ’80"
Leslie Piaget ’89 of Holland, Michigan, died on Sunday, July 9, 2017. She was 50. She is preceded in death by her father, Thomas Piaget. She is survived by her mother, Barb; siblings, Tom Piaget, Susan and Mark Faga, Chris and Jim Trujillo and 12 beloved nieces and nephews. A memorial service is planned for 2 p. m. … Continue reading "Leslie Piaget ’89"
Brenda Hutson ’90 Popek of Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, died on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. She was 48. She was born Sept. 17, 1968, in Sayre, Okla., and formerly lived in Ohio. Brenda graduated from Hope College and Cooley Law School. She was the chief council for U.S. Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms, Detroit office. A member of the … Continue reading "Brenda Hutson ’90 Popek"
Kimberly Krofft ’91 Lease of Indianapolis, Indiana, died on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017. She was 48. A graduate of Carmel High School and Hope College (Holland, MI), Kim was a case manager for Indiana Professional Management Group. She was a devoted advocate for individuals who are developmentally disabled and for their families, and she was an activist for the … Continue reading "Kimberly Krofft ’91 Lease"
Samuel Middleton ’94 of Byron Center, Michigan, died on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. He was 46. He was preceded in death by his father Jeffrey J. Middleton. Sam is survived by his wife, Jennifer, his two children, Olivia and Owen Middleton, three step children, Jake, Clare and Grant Newhall, his mother Sherry Middleton, brother Joe Middleton, sister Brandy (John Thomas) Todd, … Continue reading "Samuel Middleton ’94"
Holly LeBlanc ’96 of Holland, Michigan, exchanged her wheels for wings on Friday, July 21, 2017. She was born Dec. 31, 1972. She graduated from Holland High School in 1991 (Go Dutch!) where she acquired a love of theater, a passion for people and a tribe of friends that became family. She was the youngest of … Continue reading "Holly LeBlanc ’96"
Anna Demshuk ’99 of Holland, Michigan, died on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017. She was 40. Anna was born July 3, 1977, daughter of Thomas and Carol Demshuk. After high school, Anna attended Hope College and Eastern Michigan University where she graduated with a master’s degree in social work. Anna is survived by her parents, Thomas and Carol Demshuk; … Continue reading "Anna Demshuk ’99"
Brittany Buchholz ’16 of Owosso, Michigan, died on Friday, Sept. 8, 2017 at her home after her long battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held 12 noon, Monday, September 11, 2017 at Owosso First Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Mike McDonald officiating. She was 23. Burial will follow at Fremont Cemetery. The family will receive friends and … Continue reading "Brittany Buchholz ’16"
Helen DeVos, who died on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 90, will be remembered enduringly at Hope College for her transformative impact on the campus and students’ education. Hometown and visiting fans experience it every time they enjoy a game or other event at the Richard and Helen DeVos Fieldhouse, or a concert in the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical … Continue reading "Helen DeVos"
The family of Betty Groenewoud of Holland, Michigan, who died on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017. She was 83. Betty worked for Hope College for 25 years and was a member of Noordeloos CRC. She was preceded in death by her parents,Charles and Alice Harrington. Betty is survived by her husband of 66 years, John Groenewoud; four daughters, Jean (Keith) … Continue reading "Betty Groenewoud"
The family of Bonnie Rietman of Zeeland, Michigan, who died on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. She was 68. Bonnie retired after 25 years as a custodian at Hope College. Bonnie is survived by her children: Tim Rietman, Tammy (Andrew) Middleton, Dennis (Stacey) Rietman, Darin (Laura) Rietman; 13 grandchildren; brother: Larry (Arlene) Nienhuis; sisters: Sharon (Phillip) Lemmen, Merry (Russ) Bartels, Debra Riemersma; in-laws: Phyllis … Continue reading "Bonnie Rietman"
The family of Donald Boeve of Holland, Michigan, who died on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2017. He was 83. He was the son of Lester and Alyda Boeve, and was preceded in death by a brother, Arnold. He was a member of Calvary Christian Reformed Church and was a veteran of the Army, serving in the post-Korea era. He … Continue reading "Donald Boeve"
