In Memoriam

1940s

John De Vries ’41
John E De Vries ‘41 of Palo Alto, California, died on July 1. 2019.  He was 99.  He was born and raised in Newton, Illinois.  He grew up working in his family’s country store alongside his parents, Eva and Jacob, and his brother and three sisters. In Newton, he attended a one room school for his … Continue reading "John De Vries ’41"
Edna Blom ’43 Roggen
Mrs. Edna Roggen, age 96, of Edmond, Oklahoma, formerly of Orange City, went home to her Savior on Monday, June 3, 2019, at Veraden Senior Living in Edmond. Edna Mae was born on October 21, 1922, on a farm south of Newkirk, the daughter of John and Tillie (Van Es) Blom. She was raised on … Continue reading "Edna Blom ’43 Roggen"
Marian Vande Bunte ’44
Marian Ruth Vande Bunte, loving aunt to many, passed away peacefully at the age of 97. Marian was a sweet, gracious and independent woman. A woman of faith who loved her lord and was not afraid to live her life for him. In spite of her declining sight and hearing she continued to live life … Continue reading "Marian Vande Bunte ’44"
Bertha Hellenga ’47 Woudwyk
Bertha Elaine Woudwyk has experienced the realization of her faith of so many years and is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was the beloved mother of four, grandmother of 24, and great-grandmother of 29. Bertha passed away at the age of 98 in her home in Byron Center … Continue reading "Bertha Hellenga ’47 Woudwyk"
Genevieve Duiser ’49 Bos
Genevieve “Gen” Pearl Bos, age 92, passed away Sunday morning, June 30, 2019, in Holland. She was born October 20, 1926, in Muskegon to Nicholas and Hattie (Dykema) Duiser. Gen graduated from Hope College with a Bachelor of Arts degree and on June 22, 1949, married Rev. R. James Bos in Muskegon. Jim preceded her in … Continue reading "Genevieve Duiser ’49 Bos"
Marguerite Prins ’49 De Haan
Peggy DeHaan, 91, of Holland, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, with family by her side. She was born Marguerite Jean Prins to Peter N. and Marguerite Meyer Prins on August 28, 1927, in the City. She graduated from Holland High School in 1945 and received a B.A. in English from Hope College in … Continue reading "Marguerite Prins ’49 De Haan"

1950s

Arnold Funckes ’50
Dr. Arnold Jay Funckes, beloved father, grandfather, great- grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully on August 11, 2019, at home in Tucson. Arnold was born November 11, 1926, in Holland, Michigan, where he met and married the love of his life, Marjorie Keane. They were married for 55 years until her death in … Continue reading "Arnold Funckes ’50"
Corwin Otte ’51
Corwin Otte ’51 of Payson, Arizona, died on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019. He was 92.
Catherine Rabey ’52 Kloote
Catherine A. Kloote was born in Brooklyn New York in 1930. She graduated from Bayside High School in Long Island where she won awards for academic excellence and participated in Synchronized Swimming. She attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan where she was in the Spanish Club and met her college sweetheart, William J. Kloote, Jr. They were … Continue reading "Catherine Rabey ’52 Kloote"
William Forth ’54
Dr. William E. Forth of Baldwinsville, New York, and Vail, Colorado, passed away on July 4, 2019, at the age of 86, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born to Emery and Susie Forth in Syracuse, New York, on August 12, 1932. He was predeceased by his sister, Pauline Burr. Bill was a … Continue reading "William Forth ’54"
Joyce Bierens ’54 French
Joyce Marie Bierens French was born in Kalamazoo on August 25, 1932 to Cornelius W. Bierens Jr. of Kalamazoo and Janet M. Dornbos of Grand Haven. She moved to Grand Rapids at age 7, graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 1950, attended Calvin College and graduated from Hope College in 1954 where she was a … Continue reading "Joyce Bierens ’54 French"
Ronald Handy ’54
Ronald Wayne Handy, age 88 of Hudson passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2019. He is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Florence (nee Wollett) Handy. He is survived by his beloved wife Elly (nee Miller) of 66 years; two daughters, Susan (Derran) Wimer and Carol Jackson; grandchildren, Andrew (Jillian) Wimer and Bradley Wimer … Continue reading "Ronald Handy ’54"
S. Thom Scholten ’54
The Reverend S. Thoms Scholten, 86, died peacefully at Daughters of Sarah Nursing Home in the early morning hours of Sunday August 11, 2019, surrounded by his three children who had been celebrating his birthday with him. Thom was the youngest of six children born to the Reverend Walter A. and Frances (Thoms) Scholten on … Continue reading "S. Thom Scholten ’54"
Mary Lou Richards ’54 VanHeest
On Saturday afternoon, September 14, Mary Lou slipped away into the arms of her Lord. Under Hospice care for many months at her Lakeside Vista residence, she was regularly visited by children and grandchildren. Her beloved husband Neil died November 23, 2018 and has now been reunited with Mary Lou. Farm, Faith, Family. Mary Lou … Continue reading "Mary Lou Richards ’54 VanHeest"
Donald Heyboer ’55
Dr. Donald J. Heyboer of Moss Creek Plantation passed away on September 3, 2019, surrounded by his family. Dr. Heyboer was born November 14, 1933, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of the late Cornelius and Blanche Heyboer.  He moved to Hilton Head in 1992 from Dublin, Georgia. He graduated from Hope College in 1955 … Continue reading "Donald Heyboer ’55"
Marla Lindsay ’55
Marla Joy Lindsay, age 85, of Holland, passed away on Friday, September 13, 2019. Marla was a member of Bethany Christian Reformed Church, where she served as an elder and was active in the Dorcus Society. Marla loved Tulip Time and was a longtime volunteer and guide for the annual festival. Marla was a loving … Continue reading "Marla Lindsay ’55"
Donald Northuis ’55
Donald Gene Northuis, 87, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 25, 2019. He was born in Holland, Michigan, to Almer and Betty (DeFouw) Northuis on March 11, 1932; and married Eunice Schipper of Zeeland, Michigan, on June 24, 1953. Don attended Holland High School, Hope College and Western Michigan University. After … Continue reading "Donald Northuis ’55"
Robert Riekse ’55
Dr. Robert James Riekse, age 86, surrounded by his family, went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 30, 2019. He was born May 9, 1933, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Gilbert and Esther Riekse during the depths of the Great Depression. He was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Marian and … Continue reading "Robert Riekse ’55"
James Galer ’56
James Floyd Galer, “Mr. Lucky,” surrounded by his family, took his final ride on the 20th Century Limited to be with his Lord on Saturday, September 7, 2019, at age 84.  He was born on November 10, 1934, in Troy, New York to DeForest Irvin and Elizabeth (Hallock) Galer during the height of the Great … Continue reading "James Galer ’56"
Richard Defreese ’57
Richard Eugene Defreese went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 2, 2019, at age 84. Dick practiced a humble and steadfast love of Jesus Christ, and was a faithful and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and uncle. He was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on February 1, 1935 to the late George … Continue reading "Richard Defreese ’57"
Paul Northuis ’59
Paul Edwin Northuis, age 82, loving and devoted husband of the late Marsha Borr Northuis, passed away after a courageous battle with renal cancer. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Bessie (DeFouw) Northuis and brothers Kenn, Rodger, and Donald. Paul was born in Holland, Michigan. He graduated from Holland High School … Continue reading "Paul Northuis ’59"

1960s

William Byrne ’63
William “Bill” Easton Byrne, age 78, of Hastings, went to be with the Lord on September 18, 2019 after a lengthy battle with heart disease. Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 28, 1941. He was a 1959 graduate of Holland High School and attended Hope College, graduating in 1963, where he played football … Continue reading "William Byrne ’63"
Jan Nienhuis ’63
Mr. Jan Wesley Nienhuis, 78, of Zeeland, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2019, at his home. Jan was born July 26, 1941, in Holland, to Leon G. and Leona (Veldheer) Nienhuis. Leon shipped out to war in February of 1944, to the European Theater and was killed in action on March 15, 1944. Jan was … Continue reading "Jan Nienhuis ’63"
David Renkes ’66
David V. Renkes, 75, of Rock Island, IL, died Saturday, June 29, 2019, at Generations At Rock Island. Per his wishes, cremation rites were accorded.  No services are planned at this time. David was born in Clinton, IA, on August 16, 1943, to Vernon and Jeanette (Dykemma) Renkes. He married Linda L. Chicarelli, who survives.  … Continue reading "David Renkes ’66"
Lewis Vander Naald ’68
Reverend Lewis James Vander Naald (Lew) passed away under hospice care in his home on June 12, 2019, just shy of his 74th birthday and what would have been his 39th Father’s Day. After an unforgiving experience with Parkinson’s Disease, his body surrendered quickly and peacefully, thanks to the loving energy of family near and … Continue reading "Lewis Vander Naald ’68"

1970s

Deanna Burke ’70 Hansen
Deanna Marie ( Burke) Hansen, age 70, of Spring Lake, MI, formerly of Holland, MI, passed away on August 9, 2019, after suffering an unexpected heart attack mid-July. She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Arthur Hansen, in 2000. She is survived by her parents, Patricia and Walter Burke, her sisters Pamela Burke, … Continue reading "Deanna Burke ’70 Hansen"
Keith Jones ’70
Keith O. Jones passed away September 8, 2019 at River Pines Long Term Care Facility. He is finally at peace after a long illness of Parkinsons with Lewy Body Dementia. Keith was born April 13, 1939 in Montreal, Canada, to Barbara and Arthur Jones. At age one the family moved to Staten Island, N.Y., where … Continue reading "Keith Jones ’70"
Barbara Sickels ’70 Zenno
Family and friends are mourning the loss of their beloved Barbara J. Zenno (Phoenix, Arizona), who passed away Aug. 12, 2019 at the age of 71. She leaves behind her husband John Zenno, her three sons Jeffery Zenno (Robin Zenno), Gregory Zenno and Timothy Zenno (Kelly Armstrong), her sister Kathy Penza (Joe Penza), her brother … Continue reading "Barbara Sickels ’70 Zenno"
Karen Schamper ’71 Schra
Karen Joy Schra, 80, of Holland, passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at Zeeland Hospital. Karen was a graduate of Zeeland High School, Hope College ( BA) and the University of Michigan ( masters degree) and taught at Fennville Public Schools for 20 years. She was a member of First Reformed Church of Holland. Karen … Continue reading "Karen Schamper ’71 Schra"
Steven Klingenberg ’73
Steven E. Klingenberg, age 67, of Saugatuck, MI, and Ft. Lauderdale, FL, died peacefully Wednesday, August 7, 2019, at Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. Born in Holland, Steve graduated from Holland High School class of 1969. He was co-owner of Major Brands Oil and Performance Plus Oil Changes. He is survived by his sons, … Continue reading "Steven Klingenberg ’73"
James Ticknor ’73
James C. Ticknor, or Tick to his close friends, died peacefully Monday morning in Jackson, MI after a long and brave battle with cancer. Jim grew up in St. Joseph, MI and graduated from SJHS and then Hope College. He moved to Ann Arbor, MI in 1973, and began a 35 year career teaching elementary school … Continue reading "James Ticknor ’73"
Laura Wheatley ’75 Smith
Laura Lynne Smith, 66, loving wife, committed mother and adoring grandmother, left this world on July 11, 2019 – taken to a new home on the wings of angels. A long-time resident of Middleville, Laura truly resided in the hearts and souls of her family. Born in Wyandotte on June 3, 1953 to parents Lenny … Continue reading "Laura Wheatley ’75 Smith"

1980s

Douglas Morton ’80
Douglas Charles Morton was born June 12, 1958, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Charles Frederick Morton and Susan Jane Fricker Morton.  He was the second of five children.  He died unexpectedly on August 20, 2019, at home in Denver, Colorado. He grew up in Ann Arbor through 8th grade.  He was active in Cub Scouts … Continue reading "Douglas Morton ’80"
Tony Peterson ’81
Anthony Carl Peterson finished his fight with cancer and passed away peacefully Sunday evening, June 30, 2019, with family members at his side.  He was born on May 27, 1959, in Kirksville, MO, the second child of Richard and Suzanne Peterson.  He graduated from New Trier East in 1977 where he was the captain of … Continue reading "Tony Peterson ’81"
Wendy Mari Hanson ’83
Wendy Mari Hanson passed from this life on July 27, 2019. She was born November 28, 1961, in the Summit, NJ, hospital. She was the beloved wife of Randy Doughty who survives in State College. She is also survived by her parents, Helen H. and David P. Hanson of Boalsburg, and by her sister, Lora … Continue reading "Wendy Mari Hanson ’83"
Robert Snyder ’86
Robert W. Snyder Jr., age 65, of Holland passed away September 11, 2019, at his home.  Bob was a Holland High School graduate class of 1971 and went on to attend Northwood Institute where he spent some of his time as a disc jockey under the name of Von Ryan. He worked for R. E. … Continue reading "Robert Snyder ’86"

1990s

Christopher Michels ’97
Christopher Brian Michels, 44, of Dowagiac, Michigan, passed away on Friday, June 21, 2019, at Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis surrounded by his loving family. Christopher was born June 27, 1974, in Dowagiac, to Terry and Barbara (Langley) Michels, He graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1993; he then went on to earn a degree … Continue reading "Christopher Michels ’97"

2010s

Alice (Peter) Anderson ’17
Alice Joy Anderson left us on June 11, 2019. Our hearts are broken, but we are trying to find solace in the joy she brought us during her short life. Alice, whom many of you knew as Peter, was born on September 4, 1993, in Holland, Michigan. Starting at a very young age, she displayed … Continue reading "Alice (Peter) Anderson ’17"