In Memoriam

1940s

Eunice Potter ’45 Coffman
Eunice R. Coffman, a long-time Bloomfield Hills resident, died Sunday, June 13, 2021 at Samaritas Senior Living Center in Bloomfield Hills. She was 98. Eunice was born February 2, 1923, in Highland, Wisconsin, the youngest of five children of the Rev. Herman J. and Guizena Potter. As a child and teenager she lived in Highland, … Continue reading "Eunice Potter ’45 Coffman"
Sylvio Scorza ’45
The Rev. Dr. Sylvio J. Scorza, age 98, passed away on August 1, 2021, in Orange City, Iowa, after a brief illness. He was a professor emeritus at Northwestern College. Sylvio Joseph was born on March 21, 1923, in Zurich, Switzerland, the son of Rev. Joseph P. and Helena (Kopp) Scorza. He came to the … Continue reading "Sylvio Scorza ’45"
Phyllis Voss ’47 Bruggers
Phyllis Bruggers was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and child of God. Phyllis was born to John and Cornelia (DeYoung) Voss in South Holland, Illinois on October 2, 1924. She was the middle child; her sisters Marjorie Stephens and Dorothy Voss have preceded her in death. Phyllis attended Thornton TownshipHigh School in Illinois and … Continue reading "Phyllis Voss ’47 Bruggers"
Betty VandeWege ’49 VanDenBerg
Betty Irene VanDenBerg August 15, 1927 – August 5, 2021 Surrounded by family, our beloved Mother, Grandma and Aunt passed away peacefully on August 5, 2021. Betty (VanDeWege) VanDenBerg, daughter of John and Amanda VanDeWege, grew up in Holland, Michigan. She then earned a bachelor’s degree in teaching from Hope College (1949) where she was … Continue reading "Betty VandeWege ’49 VanDenBerg"

1950s

Warren De Witt ’50
Warren Duane DeWitt, 92, of Holland, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 9, 2021. Warren was born in Grand Rapids to Martin and Judith DeWitt, a graduate of South High School and Hope College, and served as an aviator in the U.S. Navy, flying off aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean. Warren was a devoted husband to … Continue reading "Warren De Witt ’50"
Herbert Maatman ’50
Herbert J. Maatman, age 95, walked into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, late Friday evening July 9, following a short illness. Herb served in the US Army Air Corps during WWII. He graduated from Hope College and received his Masters in Education from Western Michigan University. He taught Physical Education and … Continue reading "Herbert Maatman ’50"
Barbara Modders ’50 Murray
Barbara Modders ’50 Murray of Cedarville, Michigan, died on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. She was 93. Survivors include her children, Margaret Murray ’72 (Richard ’71) Patmos and Michael (Deborah) Murray ’78; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.
Donald Van Ry ’50
Donald Van Ry, age 93, of Holland, died on Friday, July 30, 2021 following a heroic 7 year battle with cancer. Donald was born to Lillian and Franklin Van Ry on June 12, 1928, in Chicago, IL. When he was 3 years old his family moved to Holland and Don attended Holland Schools and later … Continue reading "Donald Van Ry ’50"
Thomas McCloud ’51
Tom McCloud, third-generation owner of McCloud Services, South Elgin, Ill., died Jan. 8 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 regional … Continue reading "Thomas McCloud ’51"
Carolyn Robinson ’52 Ward
Carolyn Elizabeth Ward died on Aug. 23, 2021, in Anchorage, Alaska, from Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. She was 92 years old. Carolyn was born in Sparkill, N.Y., on June 11, 1929, to Mary and George Robinson. She graduated from Tappan Zee High School, attended NYU and later graduated from Hope College in Holland, Mich. Carolyn … Continue reading "Carolyn Robinson ’52 Ward"
Daniel De Graaf ’53
Daniel Lee De Graaf (89) passed away peacefully on June 14, 2021 at Resthaven Care Center in Holland, Michigan. He was born in Holland on January 22, 1932, to Clarence and Marie (Coppers) De Graaf and married Myra Saunders on August 16, 1956. He is survived by his sister Ruth Dirkse of Holland, a daughter … Continue reading "Daniel De Graaf ’53"
Jean Harmelink ’53 Muyskens
Jean H. Muyskens (nee Harmelink), a long-time resident of Homewood, passed away Friday, October 1, 2021 at the age of 90. She is survived by her children Karen (Tom Ryan), Paul (Holly), Ruth (Philip Postlewaite), and JoAnne; and her grandchildren Nikki (Greg Birdsall), Kate (Ray Hsiao), and Matthew. One grandchild, Jeffrey Ardizzone, predeceased her. Jean … Continue reading "Jean Harmelink ’53 Muyskens"
Jane VanderVelde ’54 Smith
Jane Smith, age 89, passed away on Monday, September 13, 2021. Jane was born on August 26, 1932, in Zeeland, MI to Joe and Kate (Van Dyke) Vander Velde. After graduation from Zeeland High School, she attended Hope College where she graduated in 1954 with degrees in elementary education and music. She taught school in Kalamazoo for 2 years. She … Continue reading "Jane VanderVelde ’54 Smith"
John Bos ’55
John A. Bos, 87, of Palm Desert, California, passed away on June 11, 2021 at his home with his family at his bedside. He was born in Holland, Michigan on November 6, 1933 and graduated from Holland Christian High School class of 1951, attended Hope College and finished his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of … Continue reading "John Bos ’55"
Donald Bussies ’55
Donald Bussies, age 87, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, July 5, 2021, after a long battle with dementia. Don was born August 22, 1933 in Chicago, IL to Justin and Minnie Bussies. He graduated from Hope College. It was at Hope where he met Jocelyn Fryling and they were blessed … Continue reading "Donald Bussies ’55"
John Schrier ’55
John Christian Schrier, age 88, passed away Monday, October 4, 2021 at Seminole Shores Assisted Living Center. He was born July 23, 1933 in Muskegon, MI to Chris and Ida (Trap) Schrier. He graduated from Muskegon High School in 1951 and earned his B.A. degree from Hope College in 1955. John was a veteran of … Continue reading "John Schrier ’55"
Donna Hoogerhyde ’56 Hakken
Donna R. Hakken, age 88, went to be with her Lord and Savior Sunday, August 15, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Bernard D. Hakken. She will be lovingly remembered by her children Ruth (Douglas) Roosien, John (Susan) Hakken, Daniel (Lynda) Hakken, Timothy (Kellie) Hakken, Matthew (Amy) Hakken, Mary (Seishi) Okamoto, … Continue reading "Donna Hoogerhyde ’56 Hakken"
Charmaine VanderMyde ’56 Stegenga
Charmaine Rae Vandermyde Stegenga September 12, 2021 On Sunday, September 12, Charmaine Rae Vandermyde Stegenga went to rest with God. She was 86 years old She is survived by her loving husband Rev. Henry Stegenga of Newport News, VA and her children Karl (Priscilla) Stegenga of Falls Church, Virginia; Lynn (Bear)Watkins of Newport News; Matt … Continue reading "Charmaine VanderMyde ’56 Stegenga"
Arthur Hielkema ’57
Mr. Arthur Hielkema ‘57, age 88, of Orange City, passed away on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at the Orange City Area Health System. Arthur Gerald was born on October 18, 1932, in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota, the son of Henry and Nettie (Houtsma) Hielkema. He was raised in Pease, Minnesota, and later San Antonio, Texas, … Continue reading "Arthur Hielkema ’57"
Phyllis Bursma ’58
Phyllis B. Bursma Obituary Phyllis Brink Bursma, 85, of Brewster, formerly of Sudbury, passed away peacefully on September 7th, 2021. She was born in Holland, MI to John and Amy Brink and was raised in Hamilton, MI. She was a graduate of Hope College in Holland, MI where she met her husband Albert Bursma Jr. who predeceased … Continue reading "Phyllis Bursma ’58"
James Clark ’58
“James Clark, Hope class of 1958, U of Michigan PhD 1966 in English Literature, died of complications of Parkinson’s disease on June 23, 2021.  Dr. Clark spent his final year in the house he and his wife owned on the island of Paros, Greece.  After a long career of teaching English composition and literature in the USA, in … Continue reading "James Clark ’58"
Alton Kooyers ’58
Alton Dale Kooyers sailed off to meet his Lord early in the morning on July 29, 2021. He was 85, an experienced sailor who delighted in being outdoors and praising the beauty of God’s creation. Alton was born December 3, 1935 in Cabin John, Maryland and grew up in Holland, Michigan, where he graduated Holland … Continue reading "Alton Kooyers ’58"
Dwayne “Tiger” Teusink ’58
On Monday, September 6, 2021, Dwayne “Tiger” Teusink, age 84 of Holland, passed away peacefully from this life to the next, where he has been reunited with his son, Scott who predeceased him. Tiger was born in Holland, Michigan September 9, 1936 to Russell and Helen Teusink. He graduated from Hope College in 1958 and … Continue reading "Dwayne “Tiger” Teusink ’58"
Allen Grube ’59
Allen Ward Grube, age 84, of DeMotte, Indiana went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, August 20, 2021. Allen was born on August 8, 1937 to Vernon and Jacoba (nee DeKock) Grube. He graduated from DeMotte High School in 1955 and Hope College in 1959. Al married his high school sweetheart, Arlene Kingma, on … Continue reading "Allen Grube ’59"
Victor Heasley ’59
Victor Heasley ’59 of San Diego, California, died on Monday, July 26, 2021. He was 84. Survivors include his wife, Carol Heasley; and brother, Gene (Donna) Heasley ’55. Vic and his brother Gene are both Hope alums and after graduating from Hope studied chemistry under Cal Vanderwerf at Kansas. Vic has a notable career at … Continue reading "Victor Heasley ’59"
Mary Oosting ’59 Hoffman
Mary Jane Hoffman was born in Dayton, Ohio, the oldest child of Melvin and Julia Oosting. She attended Hope College and became a medical technologist. She served in the mission field in South India, working for the Reformed Church in America at the Scudder Memorial Hospital, where she was head of the hospital laboratory, modernizing … Continue reading "Mary Oosting ’59 Hoffman"
Paul Vander Maat ’59
Paul Vander Maat passed away August 10, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, children, Tatia and Kevin and 17 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Kirk. He worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory for 30 years as a theoretical physicist. He was a born again believer in Jesus Christ and is in … Continue reading "Paul Vander Maat ’59"

1960s

Suzanne Evans ’60 Neckers
Suzanne Evans Neckers, a teacher whose classroom ease translated well to her volunteer work as a docent in the galleries of the Toledo Museum of Art, died Thursday in her Perrysburg Township home. She was 82. She had Parkinson’s Disease, a condition diagnosed in 2007, said her husband, Douglas C. Neckers, a distinguished professor emeritus … Continue reading "Suzanne Evans ’60 Neckers"
Daryl Siedentop ’60
It is with sadness that we share the news that Professor Daryl Siedentop passed away July 15, 2021. Our friend and colleague Daryl Siedentop was born on July 28, 1938. The love of his life Roberta (Bobbie) Siedentop was a primary physical education teacher whom Daryl met while she was studying at Ohio State. They … Continue reading "Daryl Siedentop ’60"
James Larsen ’60
Jim was born August 9, 1937 to Walter and Hazel (Schoenberg) Larsen. He grew up with them and his sister, Linda, in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. They have all preceded him in death. On August 14, 1957 he married his BMW (beautiful, magnificent wife) Mary Jean (Rokos). He earned a B.A. from Hope College then he and Mary … Continue reading "James Larsen ’60"
Janet Rietveld ’62 Fishbain
Janet (Rietveld) Fishbain, 80, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, June 26, 2021, after a short battle with pneumonia, at St. Mary’s Hospital. Born Jan. 18, 1941, in Chicago Heights, Ill., to Isaac and Elizabeth (Bardwick) Rietveld, Janet spent her youth on the family farm riding her horse, participating in 4H, and spending time with her extended Rietveld family. … Continue reading "Janet Rietveld ’62 Fishbain"
Janet Rietveld ’62 Fishbain
Janet (Rietveld) Fishbain, 80, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, June 26, 2021, after a short battle with pneumonia, at St. Mary’s Hospital. Born Jan. 18, 1941, in Chicago Heights, Ill., to Isaac and Elizabeth (Bardwick) Rietveld, Janet spent her youth on the family farm riding her horse, participating in 4H, and spending time with her extended Rietveld family. … Continue reading "Janet Rietveld ’62 Fishbain"
Kristin Blank ’63 Lucas
Kristin E. Lucas Hillsdale Dec. 22, 1941 July 12, 2021 Kristin E. Lucas, age 79, of Hillsdale, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 12, 2021, at Hospice of Lenawee in Adrian. She was born December 22, 1941, in Three Rivers, Michigan to Edmund and Blanche (Bauserman) Blank. Kristin married Paul Lucas on June 15, 1963, … Continue reading "Kristin Blank ’63 Lucas"
Arlen Tenpas ’63
Arlen Bruce Tenpas, 79, of Waupun, passed on to Eternity early morning on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, after a year-long battle with lymphoma. Arlen was born on Dec. 15, 1941, in Fond du Lac, Wis. He is the son of Willard and Doris (Rens) Tenpas and the brother of Ronald Tenpas. He is survived by … Continue reading "Arlen Tenpas ’63"
Sharon Dykema ’64 Habben
Sharon Jane Habben of Morrison, IL, died Sunday June 27, 2021 at St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded. Sharon was born January 25, 1942, in Morrison, IL, to Clayton and Thelma (Renkes) Dykema. She graduated from Morrison High School in 1960 and in 1964 she graduated from Hope College … Continue reading "Sharon Dykema ’64 Habben"
Leslie Van Beveren ’64
Les (Leslie) Van Beveren of Chicago, IL, Holland, Okemos and East Lansing, MI and Estero, FL, passed away in his home surrounded by close family on July 30, 2021. He was born in Chicago, Il, to Marten and Ann (Horak) Van Beveren. Les is survived by his wife Carol of 68 years, daughters Lynn Heline, … Continue reading "Leslie Van Beveren ’64"
Christian Van Lonkhuyzen ’64
Christiaan Van Lonkhuyzen, 79, of Central Lake and Spring Arbor, passed away on July 31, 2021 at Munson Medical Center. Chris was born on March 9, 1942, in Arnhem, Netherlands, the son of Gerrit and Jacoba (Riksen) Van Lonkhuyzen. In 1955, he immigrated to the USA when he was 13 years old, the oldest of … Continue reading "Christian Van Lonkhuyzen ’64"
John Elliott ’65
The Rev. John D. Elliott Jr. (Jack), former pastor of Greenville Community Church and longtime resident of Edgemont, passed away on June 30. He was 80 years old. His wife Ruth, of 58 years, children and grandchildren were by his side. Born on April 20, 1941, in Detroit Michigan, to John D. Elliott Sr. and … Continue reading "John Elliott ’65"
Patricia Helder ’67 Nordstrom
Patricia Helder Nordstrom of Ponce Inlet, Florida, passed away on August 23, 2021 after a long struggle with respiratory disease. Pat was born on May 4, 1945 in Holland, Michigan. She was the eldest of a brother, Bill, and later a sister, Mary Anne (Bunce). She attended Lincoln Elementary School, Washington Elementary School, E.E. Fell … Continue reading "Patricia Helder ’67 Nordstrom"
Carol Bultman ’68 Van De Hoef
Carol Bultman ’68 Van De Hoef of Libertyville, Illinois, died on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021. She was 74.She was born December 2, 1946, in Harvey, IL and passed away peacefully Thursday September 16, 2021 at Journey Care of Barrington. Carol graduated from Hope College in 1968. She owned and operated Lemstone in Hawthorn Mall for … Continue reading "Carol Bultman ’68 Van De Hoef"
William Van Eck ’68
William “Bill” Van Eck, age 74 of Rockford, passed peacefully from this life into the waiting arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, August 8, 2021. Bill was born to parents Marian (Vander Jagt) and William C. Van Eck. He is survived by his wife Jan, his children W. Todd (Jennifer) Van Eck, Kim … Continue reading "William Van Eck ’68"
Charles Felix ’69
Charles Ray Felix passed away on September 17th, 2021 after a strong and challenging fight with cancer. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on July 18, 1947 and adopted and raised by loving parents, Ray and Ruth Felix. Chuck was a high school graduate of Grand Rapids Christian, where he was a devoted member … Continue reading "Charles Felix ’69"

1970s

James DeHorn ’70
James L. DeHorn, age 73, of Hudsonville, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 25, 2021. James proudly served our country as a member of the United States Marine Corp as a Staff Sergeant. James taught at Allendale High School for 40 years as an English teacher, coached football for 25 … Continue reading "James DeHorn ’70"
Susan Steiner ’71 Bolhouse
Susan Steiner Bolhouse passed away suddenly, at home in Flint, on Friday, August 6. Susan was born in Bad Nauheim, Germany on July 30, 1949, the daughter of B. Franklin Steiner, a U.S. diplomat, and Dr. Hedda Janata Steiner. She had one older brother who predeceased her. The family was of Czech extraction. She attended … Continue reading "Susan Steiner ’71 Bolhouse"
Robert Garmirian ’71
Robert (Bob) Edwin Garmirian of Amherst, MA died at his home on August 25, 2021 after a 2 -year battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 72. The son of Rachel and Edwin Garmirian, Bob was born in New York City on March 27, 1949. He lived in Bayside and Douglaston, Queens until 1972 … Continue reading "Robert Garmirian ’71"
Craig Neckers ’71
Craig Steven Neckers, age 71, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, October 7, 2021 after a valiant battle against ALS. Craig was born on October 27, 1949 in Erie, Pennsylvania to Doris and Carlyle Neckers.  He was raised in New York, spending his childhood in the Town of Clymer … Continue reading "Craig Neckers ’71"
Dolores Schaefer ’71 Smith
Dolores ( Dee) Smith left time spent on earth with family and friends on July 22, 2021, for eternity with her Savior Jesus Christ. Dee was born on April 25th, 1930, in Columbus Ohio to Charles G. and Dorothy W Schaefer. After graduation from the Columbus School for girls, Dee attended Bryn Mawr College, but … Continue reading "Dolores Schaefer ’71 Smith"
Phyllis DeVries ’72 Everett
Phyllis Kay (DeVries) Everett of DeMotte, age 70, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on June 29, 2021. Phyllis was born to Kenneth and Lois (Hoffman) DeVries on July 17, 1950 in Rensselaer, Indiana. Phyllis graduated from DeMotte High School, class of 1968. She then went on to graduate from Hope College in … Continue reading "Phyllis DeVries ’72 Everett"
Maryl Hage ’72 Ritsema
Maryl Jean Ritsema, age 71, passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2021. She was born May 4, 1950 in Muskegon to Russ and Ruth (Dame) Hage. On May 27, 1972, she married David Ritsema at Lake Harbor Baptist Church in Muskegon. Maryl was an adored preschool teacher who taught for Muskegon Christian School for 44 years … Continue reading "Maryl Hage ’72 Ritsema"
Philip Slagboom ’72
Philip Slagboom ’72 passed away peacefully at his home on August 5, 2021. Phil was born April 11, 1945 to the late Gerard and Dora (Van Beers) Slagboom, Sr. in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Phil was a fun-loving and devoted husband, brother and uncle who made friends easily with his beautiful smile and a twinkle in his … Continue reading "Philip Slagboom ’72"
Jon Burg ’73
Jon Lewis Burg, 70, of Benton Harbor passed away Aug. 19, 2021, at Spectrum Health Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph. Jon was born July 13, 1951 in Detroit, to Gerald and Mildred (Beaudette) Burg. He lived most of his life in Benton Harbor graduating from Benton Harbor High School in 1969. He continued his … Continue reading "Jon Burg ’73"
Robin Pearce ’73 Ramey
Robin P. Ramey of East Brunswick, NJ passed away on June 14, 2021, peacefully at her home. She was 69 years old. Born in New Brunswick, she grew up in East Brunswick and from an early age her knew she wanted to be a teacher. After graduation from East Brunswick High School, she attended Hope … Continue reading "Robin Pearce ’73 Ramey"
Sheila Cerny ’73 Sila
Sheila Anne (Cerny) Sila, 70, of South Haven passed away Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, at her home following a courageous battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. She was born Feb. 5, 1951, to Frank and Doris (Albers) Cerny in South Haven. Sheila graduated from L.C. Mohr High School with the Class of 1969. She later attended … Continue reading "Sheila Cerny ’73 Sila"
Janet Boger ’74 Mignano
Janet Louise Boger Mignano was born May 1, 1952. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 27, 2021. Following a childhood in New Jersey and Michigan, she graduated from Seaholm High School, before attending Hope College, where she majored in business administration. After college, she became a manager at a Kmart store … Continue reading "Janet Boger ’74 Mignano"
Barbara Basnett ’74 Inman
Barbara Inman, age 68, of Holland, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. Ms. Inman was born to John and Elinore Basnett in Rochester, New York on September 19, 1952. Barb graduated from Hope College in 1974. She was a lifelong physical education teacher having taught for Zeeland Public Schools for 31 … Continue reading "Barbara Basnett ’74 Inman"
Willa Lemken ’74
Willa Lemken passed away Thursday, July 22, 2021. Willa was born to Evelyn M. Lemken (nee Timmerman) and Russell K. Lemken, Sr. in Queens, NY on April 16, 1951. Willa spent her girlhood in New York enjoying her dad’s wry wit, her mom’s home cooking, outings with her sisters Alison and Hilary for a beverage … Continue reading "Willa Lemken ’74"
L. James Lemmen Jr. ’76
Lloyd James Lemmen, “Jim,” age 66, went home to be with his Lord August 16, 2021, holding his beloved wife, Darlene’s hand. Together, they fought a courageous battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma for nearly five years. Born in Ann Arbor, MI to Dr. Lloyd and Ione Lemmen, who preceded him in death, it became obvious Jim … Continue reading "L. James Lemmen Jr. ’76"
John Stoppels ’77
John Webb Stoppels June 8, 1954 July 10, 2021 John Stoppels John Webb Stoppels was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on June 8th, 1954, and died in Seattle, Washington, on July 10th, 2021, after a brief struggle with pancreatic cancer. John attended Hope College and graduated with a B.A. degree in philosophy from Northeastern University. … Continue reading "John Stoppels ’77"
Gary Oster ’78
GARY OSTER was born in 1956 into a U.S. Navy family in Newport, Rhode Island. His brother Dan was born a year later. Soon, his father became a naval reservist and the Osters returned to their native Michigan. Gary grew up in Kentwood, near Grand Rapids. Gary and his brother Dan were raised in the … Continue reading "Gary Oster ’78"
Andrew Begley ’78
Andrew “Andy” John Begley, 66, of Traverse City, passed away Aug. 21, 2021. He was born in Holland, June 28, 1955 to parents Phillip and Anne (Gary) Begley. Andy graduated from Traverse City Central High School, class of 1973. Andy was extremely athletic, being a member of TC Central’s first wrestling team. He was driven … Continue reading "Andrew Begley ’78"
Jill Clegg ’79
ill Lee Clegg, age 64, passed away September 6, 2021. She passed suddenly, but peacefully, at home. She is survived by her Father and Mother, Duane and Donna Clegg; her brothers, Chris (Catherine) Clegg; Scott (Kotomi) Clegg; Todd (Andrea) Clegg; nieces and nephews, Lane (Jacob) Current and Paige (Andrew) Klooster; Alex and Lauren Clegg; Kyle … Continue reading "Jill Clegg ’79"

1980s

Imelda Martinez ’80 Ramirez
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Imelda (Martinez) Ramirez, beloved wife, step-mother, sister and aunt. Imelda died peacefully on July 9, 2021 with her husband, Nick Ramirez, and family by her side. On Nov 18, 2017 she was united in marriage to her loving husband, Ignatius (Nick) Ramirez, who survives, … Continue reading "Imelda Martinez ’80 Ramirez"
Stephen Attanasio ’81
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Stephen Anthony Attanasio of West Islip, New York, who passed away on April 22, 2021, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
James Pratt ’81
James Michael Pratt Jr.”Jamie,” 61 of Zeeland, passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at his home. Jamie was born October 4, 1959, in St. Louis, Missouri, to James Sr. and Helen ” Betty” ( Cook) Pratt. Jamie grew up in Lansing, Michigan and went to Hope College. He majored in Biology and met Paula … Continue reading "James Pratt ’81"
Lawrence Nyboer ’82
Lawrence ” Larry” Nyboer, age 61 of Holland, passed away Thursday, July 8, 2021. Larry was born in Holland, graduated fromWest Ottawa High School, and Hope College. He taught social studies for many years in the Holland Public Schools. Larry was a history buff, an avid reader, and loved watching Jeopardy. Larry was preceded in … Continue reading "Lawrence Nyboer ’82"
Deborah Brookstra ’82 Orendorf
Deborah Lynn Brookstra Orendorff, 61, of Bettendorf, Iowa, died Friday, August 27, 2021, at home. Deborah Lynn Brookstra was born November 3, 1959, at the Great Lakes Naval Base, the daughter of Donald and Georgia Brookstra of Davenport, Iowa. She graduated from Davenport West High School in 1978, and went on to attend Hope College … Continue reading "Deborah Brookstra ’82 Orendorf"
Brenda Grevel ’83 Griswold
Brenda Kay Griswold, age 60 of Grand Haven, passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Mercy Hospital. She was born on December 11, 1960 in Grand Haven, MI to Allan and Marilyn (Dyksterhouse) Grevel. Brenda graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1979 and then Hope College in 1983 with her BA in Business … Continue reading "Brenda Grevel ’83 Griswold"
Martha LaMaire VanLonkhuyzen ’83 Hules
Martha Joanne Hules, loving wife, mother, stepmother and grandmother, died July 23, 2021 unexpectedly after a health complication. Born August 7, 1949 to Martin & Johanna LaMaire, in Oak Park IL, sibling Paul followed 3 years later. Martha grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and was active in theater and the high school band. … Continue reading "Martha LaMaire VanLonkhuyzen ’83 Hules"
David Bast ’88
David John Bast, aged 55, of Holland, MI, passed away from cancer on July 8, 2021. He was born on April 9, 1966 in Orange City, Iowa to Robert and Janet (Wessels) Bast. His family moved to Chicago and then Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1984. He graduated … Continue reading "David Bast ’88"

1990s

Matthew Erickson ’94
Matthew E. Erickson, 49, a doctor of chiropractic and owner of Body Right Chiropractic, died Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at Mease Countryside Hospital. Dr. Matt grew up in Maple City, MI and attended Glen Lake Schools where he graduated from high school in 1990.  He then attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan where he obtained … Continue reading "Matthew Erickson ’94"
Joshua Watkin ’94
Joshua David Watkin, certified arborist and owner of Watkin Tree Pro in Holland, MI, passed away while on the job on Monday afternoon, August 16th, 2021. Joshua was 50 years old and is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Amy, and their six children, Joshua and his wife Tiffany, Anna, Alexa, Micah, Elizabeth, … Continue reading "Joshua Watkin ’94"
Susan Veldhof ’95
Susan Veldhof, age 48 of Holland, passed away Tuesday, September 28, 2021. Susan was born in Holland February 10, 1973 to Roger and Carol (Mouw) Veldhof. She graduated fromHolland Christian High School and earned a Bachelors Degree from Hope College. Susan was a member of Graafschap Christian Reformed Church and worked for Nelis Imports ( … Continue reading "Susan Veldhof ’95"

2020s

Matthew Zandstra ’21
Matthew James Zandstra, age 23, of Holland, MI went home to his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 13, 2021.  Beloved son of Chuck and Linda Zandstra.  Loving brother of Michelle (Steven) Hoeflich and Jonathan Zandstra.  Cherished uncle of Clara and Lydia Hoeflich.  His Beloved and precious Mady VanderZwaag.  Devoted grandson of Arlene and the … Continue reading "Matthew Zandstra ’21"

Sympathy to

Robert Gentenaar
Dr. Robert Gentenaar, who retired as an associate professor of economics emeritus in 2000 after 23 years at the college, died on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. He was 82. He joined the Hope faculty in 1977, and taught courses in macroeconomics, international economics, money and banking, principles of economics, corporate finance and econometrics.  In 1984, … Continue reading "Robert Gentenaar"
Karen Barber-Gibson
Karen J. Barber- Gibson, age 77 of Holland, passed away after a long battle with cancer on October 14, 2021 in her home surrounded by her family. Karen worked at Hope College for over 25 years in the Modern and Classical Languages Department as an office manager. She was an avid reader, aMaster gardener, and … Continue reading "Karen Barber-Gibson"
Eldon D. Greij
Dr. Eldon D. Greij of Holland, Michigan, a professor emeritus of biology and ornithologist who was also the founding editor and publisher of Birder’s World magazine, died on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021. He was 84. Greij served as a member of the Hope biology faculty from 1962 to 2003. He was named the inaugural recipient … Continue reading "Eldon D. Greij"
Tony Muiderman
Tony Muiderman, a professor emeritus of business administration at Hope College who led development of the college’s George F. Baker Scholars Program and advised the group for more than three decades, died on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021. He was 94. Muiderman, who was living in Eugene, Oregon, in retirement, joined the faculty in 1977 and retired … Continue reading "Tony Muiderman"