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.
Ruby Carpenter was raised in rural upstate New York and was quite courageous when she left home at 17 to travel to Hope College in Holland, MI. She studied toward a degree in Education at Hope for two years and then returned to New York to finish her degree. In 1941, she married Cornelius J. … Continue reading "Mary Carpenter ’41 Steketee"
She loved to laugh. Mary Juliann “Muncie” Boeve, age 95, passed away on June 30, 2023. She was born on August 27, 1927, in Holland, MI and graduated from Holland High School. Muncie had a great enthusiasm for life with many hobbies and activities including sewing, playing piano, bridge, and cooking, although her favorite hobby … Continue reading "Mary VandeWege ’49 Boeve"
Ruth Yeomans, age 95, of Holland, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Holland Hospital following a brief illness. She was the daughter of Harry and Jennie Koop. Ruth was a life-long member of Fourteenth Street Christian Reformed Church where she was involved in numerous ministries and activities. … Continue reading "Ruth Koop ’49 Yeomans"
Albert Jay Boers, age 95, was taken home to heaven on June 27, 2023. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on February 28, 1928, he narrowly missed being a Leap Year baby. If you knew Al, you know he would have had fun with that over the years! Al was a hard worker at dozens of … Continue reading "Albert Boers ’51"
Kathleen Stuart (Veltman) Parkins, age 94, of Loveland, Colorado, the daughter of Dr. John F. and Esther (Jongewaard) Veltman, was born March 19, 1929, in Winterset, Iowa. She died September 18, 2023, at North Shore Health and Rehab Facility in Loveland, Colorado. Kathy attended school in Winterset and a few years in Jefferson, Iowa, before … Continue reading "Kathleen Veltman ’51 Parkins"
Kenneth Hulst of Jackson, MI went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at the age of 93. He was the son of John and Frances Hulst, born June 24, 1930 in Holland, MI. Kenneth is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Rachel Hulst; two daughters, Audrey Marriott and … Continue reading "Kenneth Hulst ’52"
Duane G. Peekstok, age 92 of Kalamazoo, went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 5, 2023. He was born on September 17, 1930, in Kalamazoo, the son of Charles and Carrie (Workman) Peekstok. Duane was a 1948 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and a 1952 graduate of Hope College. He enjoyed playing varsity basketball at both … Continue reading "Duane Peekstock ’52"
Reverend Melvin J. Voss, 93, of Belmond, IA, formerly of Parkersburg, IA, peacefully passed on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at Israel Family Hospice House, Ames, surrounded by his family, following a week-long illness. Funeral arrangements are being completed with the Andrews Funeral Homes, Belmond. Melvin’s public funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, … Continue reading "Melvin Voss ’52"
Cary, North Carolina – Jane Noxon DeWitt, 92, of Cary, NC passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023. Jane was born on August 3, 1931 in New York City, the daughter of Paul A. and Mildred S. Noxon. Jane was a 1953 graduate of Hope College in Holland, Michigan. She was the loving wife of … Continue reading "Jane Noxon ’53 De Witt"
Victor Nuovo, Charles A. Dana Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, died on October 5 in Middlebury with his family by his side. He was 91 years old. For many decades, Nuovo’s depth and breadth of class offerings and intellectual research inspired and informed countless students at Middlebury. He was also deeply involved in the welfare of … Continue reading "Victor Nuovo ’54"
John Timothy Santinga, aged 91, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on October 23, 2023. He was born on September 23, 1932 to Beatrice (Santinga) and Henry Weenink of Kalamazoo, Michigan. John’s mother Beatrice died during childbirth, whereupon John was adopted and raised by his loving grandparents, Timothy and Alice Santinga. John graduated … Continue reading "John Santinga ’54"
Dr. Minad G. Venema Cook, 90, passed away August 2, 2023, after a 15-year battle with long covid. Mina Venema was born May 5, 1933. She grew up on the family farm in Michigan, the youngest of 7. She received her BS in Chemistry from Hope College. June 18, 1955, she married George J. Cook, … Continue reading "Mina Venema ’55 Cook"
Braak, Dorah Dorah Louise Braak, age 89 of Grand Haven, passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Riverside Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. She was born on September 27, 1934, in Muskegon, MI to the late Walter and Eloise (Hayford) Evans. Dorah married Ronald Braak on July 13, 1955, in Grand Haven. He preceded her … Continue reading "Dorah Braak ’56"
He attended Pullman Technical High School, Hope College, Western Theological Seminary, and the University of Washington. He worked for Quality Concrete.
MONTAGUE – Harold Knoll, Jr., 88, was born on December 16, 1934, and died on September 29, 2023. Harold attended Holland Public Schools, Hope College, and Western Michigan University. He was an educator, teaching Special Education classes in Ottawa Area Intermediate Schools, and Elementary Education in Holland Public Schools. He was also a turkey farmer … Continue reading "Harold Knoll Jr. ’57"
Donna Boeve was born October 10, 1936, and passed away on July 23, 2023, in Rochester, MN, at age 86. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Ken ( Sr.) and Violet Paris, brother Ken ( Jr.), husband Jerry, and son Curtis. Donna was born in Kansas City, MO, and shortly thereafter her family … Continue reading "Donna Paris ’58 Boeve"
Robert (“Bob”) William Vander Lugt, of Ocoee/Winter Garden, Florida, moved home to heaven on Sunday, July 9, at age 87. Born on January 12, 1936 in Pella, Iowa, he also lived and studied in Pennsylvania and Michigan, before graduating from law school in Indiana. Married to “the girl across the street” Ruth Ellen Mokma, … Continue reading "Robert Vander Lugt ’58"
Mary Hunter Schmidt Walker (1936-2023) was welcomed into heaven on October 2. She is survived by her husband, Dean Walker, her sister, 3 children and 4 grandchildren. Mary, a Hope College graduate (1958), had a special passion for education. She served 14 years on the Reading School Board, including a term as president; 8 years … Continue reading "Mary Hunter ’58 Walker"
Norman Harold Arndt, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, went to be with his Lord and Savior in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on October 5, 2023. Born on March 3, 1933, in Morley, Michigan, to Carl and Doris Arndt, Norman led a life marked by service, faith, and love for his family. Norman was predeceased … Continue reading "Norman Arndt ’59"
Egbert “Ed” Boer, age 95, a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, died on Sunday, July 30th at his home surrounded by his wife and daughters. Ed was born to Peter & Amy (Kuiper) Boer on May 6, 1928. He managed Boers Transfer and Storage, and retired from Holland Motors Express/USF Hollland. He … Continue reading "Egbert Boer ’60"
Hazel passed away Friday, September 8, 2023 at New Hope Valley with her family by her side at the age of 86. She was born September 9, 1936 in Holland, Michigan to the late Louis and Marie (Rookus) Rosendahl. Hazel was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church. She was a school teacher, and she … Continue reading "Hazel Rozendahl ’60 Groenhof"
Phyllis Vander Werff, 87, was born on April 17, 1936 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and passed away on August 20, 2023 in Orange City, Iowa. Phyllis attended school at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, University of Edinburgh in Scotland, and Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa.
Thomas Albert Klaasen, age 84, of Dallas, Texas passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023. He was born in Holland, Michigan on July 5, 1939. Tom received a BS from Hope College and a masters from The University of Indiana. He went on to get his Ph. D. from Michigan State University. Tom married Mary … Continue reading "Thomas Klaasen ’61"
Sharon Flynn, 83, of Ann Arbor, MI passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. Sharon was born on April 8, 1940 to Verne and Dorothy Norris. The youngest of 3 children, Sharon loved bugging her older brother and sister and trying to follow in their footsteps. Sharon graduated from Godwin Heights High School in 1958 … Continue reading "Sharon Norris ’62 Flynn"
Jerry H. Hamelink, 83, of Holland, Michigan, was born on March 16, 1940, and passed away on October 15, 2023. Jerry attended Holland High School, Hope College, Michigan Technical University, Brigham Young University, and West Virginia University. He worked for a chicken hatchery in Holland, Consumers Power in Jackson, Upjohn in Kalamazoo, and Western Michigan … Continue reading "Jerry Hamelink ’62"
On Sunday August 13, 2023, Judith (“Judy”) Kay Dunn passed peacefully at age 82 from sarcoma cancer. She is survived by her four children John (Deb), Ann Marie ’92, Mark ’96 (Chanda), Steve ’96 (Tara ’96), and her grandchildren: Madison, Courtney ’21 (Jack Hamilton), Jack, Lauren, Jake, Tommy, Ava, Steve and Nick. A memorial service … Continue reading "Judith DeRyke ’63 Dunn"
After July 1, 2023, the world grew a little quieter and heaven filled with the boisterous greetings of Robert (Bob) Stoel who was reunited with his parents (Herman and Maggie) and his son Brent, who died shortly after birth. Bob was born April 10, 1940 and grew up on the northside of Holland ice-fishing in … Continue reading "Robert Stoel ’63"
Paul W. Swets, son of William A. and Ethel Leestma Swets, was born on April 2, 1941 and died on July 14, 2023. He is survived by his one and only beautiful wife and best friend, Janiece Sue Smoll Swets ’65, and his extraordinary family (he wrote this 🙂 son, Judson Paul Swets married to … Continue reading "Paul Swets ’63"
Thomas (Tom) W. Ewart passed away on July 29, 2023, at his home. He was 81. A celebration of life will be held at Holy Trinity Church, in Nevada City on Saturday, August 19 at 10 am. A reception will follow at the church. Tom was born April 21,1942 to Roswell H. Ewart and Nelle … Continue reading "Thomas Ewart ’64"
Barbara Rae Happel, age 81 of Spring Lake, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. She was born on March 16, 1942, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to the late Ray and Willamen (Nyland) Fisher. Barb married Thomas Happel on July 19, 1997, in Grand Haven. He preceded her in death on December … Continue reading "Barbara Fisher ’64 Happel"
Lee Kirk Gerard, of Okemos, Michigan, died on October 4, 2023, at the age of 81. His battle with Parkinson’s Disease in recent years showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile. He was born in Clare, Michigan, on February 6,1942, to Frederick and Virginia Gerard of Muskegon, Michigan. Lee was devoted to … Continue reading "Lee Gerard ’65"
Gary Alan Teall, age 79, passed away on Tuesday, July 4 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was truly loved and will be dearly missed by his family, including his wife of 53 years, Elaine Teall, son Eric Teall (Jenni), daughter Maggie Teall (Mark Beaver), daughter Kathy Teall (Nick Vartanian), his 8 grandchildren: … Continue reading "Gary Teall ’65"
James Eveland Lemmerz passed away on Monday, October 2nd after many years suffering from different complications of Agent Orange. God ended his pain and confusion with his family and friends by his side. Jim was proceeded in death by father James, mother Helen, brother Russel and sister Libby and is survived by his wife Sherry … Continue reading "James Lemmerz Jr. ’66"
Jeffrey Lynn Waldron, 78, was born on May 29, 1943 in Canton, Illinois. He recently passed away on November 12. A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at First Baptist Church of Redlands on Saturday, December 2 at 2:00 PM. Jeff attended school at Hope College. He worked for the General Accounting Office and … Continue reading "Jeffrey Waldron ’66"
Dennis L. Wegner, 79, of Ottumwa, died October 16, 2023 at Vista Woods Care Center. He was born March 18, 1944 in Kalamazoo, MI to Harold and Wilma Kwekeboom Wegner. He married Carole Aardsma and to this union 2 sons were born, Lorin and Darryl. He married Saundra JoAnn Swanson Anderson in 1994. Dennis earned … Continue reading "Dennis Wegner ’66"
Calvin Paul Boer, age 79 of Holland, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at home. Cal was born in Holland September 18, 1944 to Peter and Amy (Kuipers) Boer and was a lifelong resident of the area. A graduate of Holland Christian High School, Cal would continue his studies at Hope College, earning a … Continue reading "Calvin Boer ’67"
Adrian George Slikkers Jr., 77, of Portage, passed away July 16, 2023 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at a later date with burial to take place at Lakeview Cemetery, South Haven. Adrian was born Aug. 3, 1945 in Holland to Adrian George Slikkers, Sr. and Elizabeth (Boer) Slikkers. On … Continue reading "Adrian Slikkers Jr. ’67"
Ronald William Giermann of North Fort Myers, Florida passed away on Sunday July 2, 2023 while under the care of Hope Hospice House in Cape Coral, Florida. Ron was born in Chicago on March 21, 1947 and lived with his family in Riverdale, Illinois. He graduated from Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois in … Continue reading "Ronald Giermann ’69"
Lucy, our youngest, therefore, the most loved of our siblings, was born April 13, 1948 in Gulangyu, Xiamen, Fujian Province (福建省廈門市鼓浪嶼)in China shortly after the brutal Sino-Japanese War, 1937-1945, and World War II, 1941-45. Our oldest sister, Mary Wang Ling-yee Chen, and I were born before WW II, respectively in 1937 and 1938, and our … Continue reading "Lucy Wang ’69 Lee"
In loving memory of Carolyn MacGregor Getty October 24, 1948 – November 12, 2023. On November 12, 2023 Carolyn MacGregor Getty, a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, was gently embraced by her Savior after more than a yearlong courageous battle with cancer. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, William, her infant daughter, Renee Louise, … Continue reading "Carolyn MacGregor ’70 Getty"
Howard and Helen Marian (Vander Linden) Glendening gave birth to two children: Richard Norman and Linda Kay. They were living in Moline, Illinois when Linda was born on May 12, 1942. In 1947 an employment opportunity for Howard brought them back to Leighton, Iowa where he eventually became president of the Leighton State Bank, formerly … Continue reading "Linda Glendening ’70"
Thomas Michael Stack, 74, formerly of Ellenville, NY entered into Glory peacefully in his sleep on October 12, 2023 in his new home of 3 months in Wimberly, Texas. Tom was born on Nov. 6, 1948 in Troy, NY to parents Eugene and Ruth Stack. He graduated from Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School in Burnt … Continue reading "Thomas Stack ’71"
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Rebecca Lynn Zurcher of Pomeroy, Ohio, born in Cleveland, Ohio, who passed away on November 4, 2023, at the age of 74, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them … Continue reading "Rebecca Tate ’71 Zurcher"
Jack is survived by his wife of 27 years, Sybille DeJong, of DeWitt, MI; his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, Matthew, Jane, and Thys DeJong, of Plymouth, MI; his daughter, Melissa DeJong of Los Angeles, CA; his step-daughter & step-grandson, Debra and Van Wirtz, of Marshall, MI; and several in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded … Continue reading "Jack DeJong ’72"
Marlene VanDenBerg Kuite went to her heavenly home on July 30, 2023 at the age of 87. Marlene was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Kuite of 70 years, son Mark Kuite and great granddaughter Kimberly, Kuite. Marlene will continue to live on thru her family. Daughters Kristi Wiersum, Robbin McGee, grandchildren Gina Gerfen, … Continue reading "Marlene VandenBerg ’72 Kuite"
With heavy hearts, we announce the death of John H. Brown of Holland, Michigan, who passed away on September 1, 2023 at the age of 69. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
Ben D. Tubergen, age 69, of Holland passed away on Saturday morning, July 15, 2023. He died in the comfort of his home following a cancer diagnosis in April 2023. Ben was born in Holland on December 12, 1953. He was a graduate of Holland Christian High School, attended Calvin College and graduated from Hope … Continue reading "Ben Tubergen ’76"
Kathy Lynn Hartger, age 65 of Montague, passed away on Tuesday morning, October 3, 2023 at the Newaygo County Compassion Home in Fremont. She was born on November 4, 1957 in Fremont, Michigan to Willis “Bill” & Thelma (VanKorlaar) Hartger. Kathy graduated from Hope College in 1980, and she was a school teacher in Muskegon … Continue reading "Kathy Hartger ’80"
Timothy R. Tietz of Brick, NJ, passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 8, with his loving wife Karen by his side. Tim was 62 years old. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Tim lived throughout the Midwest before his parents settled in East Kentwood, Michigan. He graduated from East Kentwood High School in Michigan in 1979, and … Continue reading "Timothy Tietz ’83"
Gerald attended Covenant Christian High School, Hope College, University of Michigan, and Michigan State University. Gerald worked at Lear Siegler/Smiths Industries/GE Aerospace, CRI, and Vibration Research
With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Kim McBee Foster of Overland Park, Kansas, who passed away on October 28, 2023 at the age of 57. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. She was predeceased by : her father Larry Gray … Continue reading "Kim McBee ’87 Foster"
Amy Ritsema, age 55 of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed into her eternal home on Thursday August 17, 2023. Amy was born on January 26, 1968, to Father, Edward J DeVries of Crossville Tennessee and Mother, Joan Lieffers DeVries of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Amy was preceded in death by Joan and Ray Lieffers, Maternal Grandparents, John, … Continue reading "Amy DeVries ’90 Ritsema"
After a two-year battle with Glioblastoma brain cancer, Nicholas Scott Grasman, 44, of Midland, MI died on October 27, 2023 in his home. His witty comments and charming smile are greatly missed. Nick grew up on a celery farm in Byron Center, Michigan. He was born on March 26, 1979 to Chuck and Darlene (Root) … Continue reading "Nicholas Grasman ’01"
Jeffrey David Templeton went to be with his Lord on November 17, 2023 as a result of a traffic accident in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The oldest child of Jeff Sr. and Sue Templeton, he was born in Toledo, Ohio on May 21, 1981. He is survived by his parents, sister Libby Boren (Zack), grandparents Bill … Continue reading "Jeffrey Templeton ’03"
Elizabeth Farmer, affectionately known as Liz, passed away at the age of 43, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of passion and dedication. Born to Pat and Dale Farmer, she was the beloved sister of Mike and his wife Jenny, along with their children Emma (24) and Drew (20), as well as her brother … Continue reading "Elizabeth Farmer ’05"
Stephen Daniel Pels, affectionately known as Steve, passed away on June 20, 2023, in Grayling, Michigan. Steve’s love for nature and the environment shaped his career as a fishing guide in northern Michigan. He was a man of action, preferring to express his love through deeds rather than words. From the age of five, Steve … Continue reading "Stephen Pels ’09"
Professor Sang Hyun Lee, pictured in 2005 Princeton Theological Seminary shares with great sadness the passing of Sang Hyun Lee PhD, LHD (Hon.), DD (Hon.), Kyung-Chik Han Professor of Systematic Theology Emeritus. Professor Lee passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023. Lee was a celebrated scholar, teacher, mentor, and the first Asian American faculty member … Continue reading "Sang Hyun Lee"
Mark George Moran died peacefully at his home on October 29, 2023. He was 72. Mark battled a variety of health issues over the last year and a half, exhibiting a tenacity and a will to live that was truly inspiring to family and friends. Mark was born in Chicago, IL on November 8, 1950, … Continue reading "Mark Moran"
Nancy Nicodemus (88) passed away peacefully on December 2nd, 2023, surrounded by her family after extended care at home and a brief stay at Resthaven Care Center in Holland, Michigan. Born Nancy Ann Schrock in 1934 in LaGrange, Indiana, to Paul and Ruth (Reed) Schrock, she was the middle of three children. Preceding her in … Continue reading "Nancy Nicodemus"
David Paul Roossien of Holland, MI, passed away on Saturday December 2, 2023, at the age of 83. He was born in Holland, MI on April 28, 1940, to Richard and Minnie (Otting) Roossien. David was the oldest baptized member of Pillar Church, Holland, MI. David was a graduate of Davenport College. He retired after … Continue reading "David Roossien"
Carol Craig Schaap, a radiant beacon of love, laughter, and generosity, passed away peacefully August 4, 2023 at her home in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire and uplift all those who had the privilege of knowing her. Born on October 7, 1937, in Detroit, Carol’s journey was one … Continue reading "Carol Schaap"
Rev. John William Stewart, Jr. died at home on October 7, 2023. He leaves behind his wife Maureen and three sons: Calvin Stewart (Susan) of Silverthorne, CO and grandchildren: Olivia (Brock) Shoemaker and great-grandson Willem; Merrick (Kristi) and great-grandson Jackson Stewart, and Elissa Stewart (Todd Carpenter and son Carson); son Todd Stewart (Rebecca) of Wilmette, … Continue reading "John (Jack) Stewart"
