In Memoriam

1940s

Raymond Lokers ’40
Raymond J. Lokers, 103, of Hamilton, lived and died in the comfort of belonging to his faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. Ray understood that he was saved by grace and he wanted others to experience that blessing as well. He loved Haven Reformed Church, faithfully serving as an elder and Sunday School teacher. Ray was born … Continue reading "Raymond Lokers ’40"
Joyce Muilenburg ’40 Booher
Joyce died peacefully on Friday, September 16, 2022 at the Markesan Resident Home, Markesan, WI at the age of 99. She was born May 7, l923 in the family’s farm home in Maurice, IA. She graduated from Maurice, Iowa High School, Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago, IL and received a B.A. degree from Hope College, Holland, … Continue reading "Joyce Muilenburg ’40 Booher"

1950s

Robert Koop ’50
Robert Koop, 97, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children, on August 13, 2022. He was eleven days shy of his 98th birthday. He was born in Holland, Michigan on August 24, 1924 to William and Minnie ( Boes) Koop. He graduated from Holland High School and immediately enlisted in the Air Force. As Sergeant … Continue reading "Robert Koop ’50"
Pauline Hendrieth ’51 Williams
Mrs. Pauline Hendrieth Williams peacefully transitioned Thursday, June 16, 2022, at the blessed age of 94.  She was born September 24, 1927, in the Springhill community of Brewton, AL to the late Excel Colander Hendrieth and Claudia Volucia Hendrieth. She was married to Reverend Samuel Williams and remained by his side for 56 years until his death in 2007. She leaves to cherish … Continue reading "Pauline Hendrieth ’51 Williams"
Eunice Schipper ’52 Northuis
On Friday, September 16, 2022, Eunice M. (Schipper) Northuis went to be with her Lord and Savior. She was born in Zeeland, Michigan to Sybrand and Margaret Schipper on November 4, 1930 and was the second of six children. Eunice attended Zeeland High School, Michigan State College, and Hope College. After graduation she taught in … Continue reading "Eunice Schipper ’52 Northuis"
John Boeve ’53
John Boeve (age 90) of Osprey, Florida died July 21, 2022. He was born in Peekskill, NY on January 20, 1932, son of John Boeve and Marie (Hieftje) Boeve. He received his bachelor’s degree from Hope College, his masters and doctorate PhD from The University of Michigan. He was employed as a Latin teacher, counselor … Continue reading "John Boeve ’53"
Paul Van Den Brink ’53
Van Den Brink, Dr. Paul L. Portage Passed away Sunday evening September 4, 2022. Paul was born May 21, 1931 in Holland, MI the son of Raymond and Gertrude (Hop) VanDenBrink. He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Army following the Korean War. A graduate of Hope College and the University of Michigan School … Continue reading "Paul Van Den Brink ’53"
Doris Stoffregen ’56 Latham
Doris S. Latham (nee Stoffregen), 88, a retired librarian formerly of Ramsey, NJ, died on August 4th in Bartonsville, PA after a short illness. Doris leaves behind four children, Beth Latham ’81 Confrancisco, Susan Latham ’84 (David Meschter), Lisa Latham, and William Latham as well as four grandchildren, Jennifer Confrancisco Hills (Gordon Hills), Catherine Confrancisco, … Continue reading "Doris Stoffregen ’56 Latham"
Carol Houghtaling ’58 Brinkerhoff
Carol Eleanor Brinkerhoff sang into the next life on Sunday, August 14, 2022. She rejoiced each day of this life with her husband and travel buddy of 64 years, Jim Brinkerhoff, and their life together was full of music of all sorts. She was born in Newburgh, N.Y. on July 2, 1936, to Harold and … Continue reading "Carol Houghtaling ’58 Brinkerhoff"
Janice Miller ’59 Holcomb
Age 85, passed away September 4, 2022.  She was born April 2, 1937, in St. Joseph, Michigan, to Clair and Bertha (Binger) Miller.  Janice attended Hope College, graduating with a Bachelors degree and completed her Masters at Michigan State University.  She worked as a teacher, retiring  from North Elementary in the Lansing Public Schools.  She … Continue reading "Janice Miller ’59 Holcomb"
Janet MacKay ’59 Kuyers
Janet Ann Kuyers, 85, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022. She was born on December 31, 1936, in Jackson, Michigan, to Malcolm and Connie Mackay. Jan is survived by her husband of 64 years, David ’57; brother and sister-in-law Robert ’64 and Margaret ’66 Mackay; daughter, Susan Ledvina ’83; son, Mark ’87(Rhonda) Kuyers; five … Continue reading "Janet MacKay ’59 Kuyers"

1960s

Gary Looman ’60
Gary Looman, of Webster Groves, MO, passed away Friday, August 5, 2022 at the age of 84. Loving husband to the late Roberta “Robin” Looman; beloved son of the late Abraham and Jeanette Looman; loving father of Sue Kristin ’89 (Russell ’91) Dittmar, Karen Beth ’91 Looman, and Ann Michelle ’96 (Dave) Hunter; cherished grandfather … Continue reading "Gary Looman ’60"
Douglas Neckers ’60
DOUGLAS NECKERS OBITUARY News story By Alexa Scherzinger Blade Staff Writer Douglas Neckers, whose dedication to the study of photochemistry helped pioneer 3D printing technology, died Tuesday in his Perrysburg home. He was 84. Mr. Neckers, who also gained recognition for his commentaries and interest in various scientific and cultural topics, had been in good … Continue reading "Douglas Neckers ’60"
Christine Pindar ’61 Van Eck
Mrs. Christine Van Eck, age 94, of Grand Haven passed away Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at home. She was born December 19, 1927, in Albany, New York toWilliam and Beatrice (Dow) Pindar. On December 24, 1949, she marriedMarvinVan Eck and he preceded her in death in 1998. Christine was a member of Fellowship Reformed and … Continue reading "Christine Pindar ’61 Van Eck"
Gerald Nieusma ’62
Capt. Gerald Edwin (Jerry) Nieusma passed away quietly, in the company of his family, at his home in Morgantown, WV, on Sunday, August 7, 2022. He is preceded in death by his parents, an older sister, Bobbie, and a younger brother, Bill. He is survived by his spouse of 60 years, Judy Nieusma; four children … Continue reading "Gerald Nieusma ’62"
Daughn Schipper ’63 Greenwood
Daughn Lee Schipper Greenwood passed away on August 30, 2022, at age 81. She was born November 13, 1940, in Coopersville, MI to Lee C. Schipper and Arlene Fern Schipper. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, and then by her husband Terry in 2009. She is survived by her brother Max … Continue reading "Daughn Schipper ’63 Greenwood"
Carl Nykamp ’63
Carl Bruce Nykamp, 81 years old, of Milo passed away Sept. 25, 2022 at his home, surrounded by family. Carl was born April 22, 1941 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Robert Richard Nykamp and Florence Louella DeBoer Nykamp. Carl grew up in Michigan, Ohio, and Iowa. He attended Hope College and played basketball on their … Continue reading "Carl Nykamp ’63"
Sandra Holmen ’64 Harz
Sandra “Sandy” Kaye Harz, age 80 of Grand Haven, passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at Trinity Health Hospital, Muskegon. She was born on July 8, 1942 in Grand Haven, MI to the late Carl and Rose (Pruis) Holmen. Sandy married Ray D. Harz on July 9, 1965 in Grand Haven. Sandy graduated from … Continue reading "Sandra Holmen ’64 Harz"
Ralph Jackson Jr. ’64
Ralph E. Jackson, Jr. passed away August 21, 2022, in his hometown of Frankfort, Michigan. Ralph was born July 9, 1941, to Ralph E. and Irma Jackson Sr. in Frankfort. He had two older brothers, Robert who passed in 1976 and Lyle who passed away in 2020. He would tell you that Lyle was his … Continue reading "Ralph Jackson Jr. ’64"
Billie Cable ’65
Billie Ann Cable, age 79, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. Born on August 24, 1943 in Cincinnati, she was the daughter of the late William E. and Frederica (Stevens) Chain. She was a resident at Mt. Healthy Christian Village. Billie graduated from Mt. Healthy High School in 1961. She earned her Bachelor … Continue reading "Billie Cable ’65"
Patrick Price ’67
Pat was born on the South Side of Chicago on September 25, 1943, to Donald and Marjorie Price Pat had two younger brothers, Martin and Michael. When not causing trouble with his brothers, Pat was an All-Star baseball player referred to as “Fast Pitch Price” in the local newspapers. Luckily, he caught the eye of … Continue reading "Patrick Price ’67"
Gilda Davis ’69 Holvick
Gilda Lynn Holvick (Davis) went to be with our Lord and Savior Wednesday August 3, 2022, at the age of 75. She was the lifeblood and heartbeat of her family, caring for all around her in the most selfless, loving way. Her kindness and internal beauty extended way beyond her family to all who knew … Continue reading "Gilda Davis ’69 Holvick"

1970s

Randall Cain ’72
Randall Allan Cain, 72, of Boulder, Colorado joined the angels in Heaven on July 4, 2022, after a brave battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Randy was born on May 28th to Doris & Bud Cain in St. Joseph, Michigan where he attended St. Joseph High School. He went on to Hope College in Holland, Michigan where … Continue reading "Randall Cain ’72"
Bruce Groendyk ’74
Bruce Wayne Groendyk, made his transition on Monday, August 29, 2022, following a short illness. He is survived by Barb, his wife of 38 years; and his children, Paula, Andres, and Elver. He is also survived by uncles, Bob Swart, Ken (Kathy) Swart, sisters-in-law, Peggy Tepper, Katie (Jan) Maskell, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bruce … Continue reading "Bruce Groendyk ’74"
Laure Adolph ’75
Laurie Adolph, 68, of Morrison, IL, died Sunday, July 31, 2022 at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 6, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church in Morrison, officiated by Rev. Dr. Michael Selburg. A visitation will precede … Continue reading "Laure Adolph ’75"
Michael Waalkes ’75
Dr. Michael Phillip Waalkes, 68, passed away Wednesday July 27, 2022 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dr. Waalkes was born August 6, 1953 to the late T. Phillip and Francis Brewster Waalkes in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Waalkes received his Bachelor’s degree from Hope College in biology and chemistry in 1975 and his Ph.D. from West Virginia … Continue reading "Michael Waalkes ’75"
Gary Brugger ’79
Gary Norman Brugger, age 64, passed away Monday, August 1, 2022, at home. He was born October 28, 1957, in Grand Haven, MI to Melvin and Lillian (Schindlbeck) Brugger. Gary graduated from Hope College and worked as plant manager for Kraft Heinz Foods in Holland. He loved fishing, photography, scuba diving and hunting. He was … Continue reading "Gary Brugger ’79"

1980s

Steven Bredeweg ’80
Steve Bredeweg, age 64, of Holland passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 25, 2022 and was welcomed into the joy of Heaven. Steve graduated from Hope College and was a member of Park CRC. He was an instructor/ coach at the community pool for 35 years where he caught everyone’s attention with his shrill whistle. … Continue reading "Steven Bredeweg ’80"
Trisca Rutledge ’89 Beasley
Trisca (Rutledge) Beasley passed away unexpectedly alongside her parents Bruce and Leah Rutledge in a tragic car accident on Monday, September 12. Trisca was born to Bruce and Leah in Waldron, MI on February 25, 1967. Trisca had lived in Manchester, MI, and most recently was planning to reside in Freeport, MI following her soon … Continue reading "Trisca Rutledge ’89 Beasley"

1990s

Holly Palmer ’97
Holly Cheff Palmer, beloved friend, philanthropist, and community leader, died unexpectedly on July 23, 2022, as a result of surgical complications. She was born on February 18, 1951, to parents Francis and Annabelle Palmer, in Holland, Michigan. Holly attended West Ottawa Public Schools, graduating in the top ten of her 1969 class, prior to attending Michigan … Continue reading "Holly Palmer ’97"
Amanda Black ’99
In the providence of our Lord, Amanda Black was called home to be with Him. Amanda loved the Lord Jesus and faithfully served His church. She was a kind and good friend to us all. Words cannot express how much she will be missed. Amanda was born in Columbus, Indiana on January 14, 1977. She … Continue reading "Amanda Black ’99"

Sympathy to

Francis Fike
Francis Fike, age 89, went to be with his Lord on November 1, at Holland Hospital. Francis was born in New York State and spent many childhood years on his grandparents’ farm. He attended Duke University for undergraduate studies. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Union Seminary, and then attended Stanford University where … Continue reading "Francis Fike"
Gwendolyn Schmidt Snoek
Gwendolyn Lydia Snoek (“Gwen” or “Gwenda”) passed away peacefully at home in Denver, Colorado on September 2, 2022, after a 10-year struggle with ME. Gwenda had a B.A. in Linguistics from York University and a Ph.D. from Colorado State University in cognitive neuroscience and most recently worked as a researcher and assistant professor at Hope … Continue reading "Gwendolyn Schmidt Snoek"
Norma Wolcott VanderMeulen
Norma Wolcott VanderMeulen Aug. 15, 2022, Chicago, Illinois Norma was an instructor of Spanish at Hope College from 1948 to 1950. Norma Fern Wolcott was born in LaGrange, a small farming town in northern Ohio. She graduated from the College of Wooster and earned her master’s degree from Northwestern University in Spanish language and literature. … Continue reading "Norma Wolcott VanderMeulen"