Obituaries: April 20, 2026
Theodore John Boeve
June 6, 1952-April 16, 2026
Theodore John Boeve, age 73, passed away April 16, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Born June 6, 1952, in Holland, Michigan, he was educated at Hope College and received his master’s degree from Western Michigan University. He began his career as a CPA in Traverse City, Michigan, followed by 35 years at Herman Miller in Zeeland, Michigan.
He loved golf, architecture, reading, and most of all, spending time with his family. He was kind, extremely generous, intelligent and loving.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Karlene (Hintz) Boeve; son, Mark Boeve and his wife, Bonnie, and their son, Lawson; daughter, Michelle Boeve, and her daughter, Madeleine Philippe; and his siblings Julie (Boeve) Olsen and her husband, David, and their daughter, Kathryn; Johnny Boeve; and Mary-Ann (Boeve) Collison and her husband, Rick.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Fair Haven Church, 2900 Baldwin St., Hudsonville, Michigan. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.
To honor his memory, donations can be made in his name to: Kids Food Basket - kidsfoodbasket.org.
Llewellyn Edward Devries
June 19, 1945-April 16, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Llewellyn Edward DeVries on April 16, 2026, at the age of 80.
Llew was born in Holland, Michigan, on June 19, 1945.
After losing his parents at a young age, Llew's older sister Rochelle (husband Ed) stepped up to raise him and his siblings, a true act of love.
Llew was also fortunate to have many mentors who guided him along the way during his time at West Ottawa, leaving a lasting impact and inspiring his lifelong devotion to the West Ottawa program. His involvement in athletics was a defining part of his youth, playing football where he proudly scored the first touchdown on the “new field” and competing on the track team, setting records and receiving MVP honors in both sports. Llew was inducted into the West Ottawa Hall of Fame in 2010. These experiences instilled in him discipline, resilience, and deep sense of commitment that he carried with him throughout his life.
Llew proudly served his country during the Vietnam War, demonstrating courage and dedication that reflected his lifelong sense of duty. In recognition of that service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Marksman Rifle, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, and made Sergeant during his time served.
Following his military service, Llew continued to serve his community as a police officer. Earning the respect and trust of those around him, he retired as Ottawa County's most decorated police officer. A testament that speaks volumes to his character, built upon a foundation of consistent discipline, devotion, and humility that he would carry throughout his life.
At heart, Llew was also a farmer. He lived his life on the very land where he was raised, working the same farm and home that shaped him into the man so many knew and respected.
Llew will be remembered as a loyal, humble, gracious, and fair man - someone who carried himself with integrity and earned the deep respect of all who knew him. It was the little things in life that made him the happiest.
Llew was survived by his son Andrew (wife Brandi) DeVries and preceded in death by his daughter Heather Potter.
Llew’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the values he upheld, and the memories shared by family and friends.
Visitation will be held at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, MI 49424, on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 1-3 p.m., with a celebration of life to follow at 3 p.m.
Ronald Joseph Fredricks
August 17, 1941-April 17, 2026
Dr. Ronald Joseph Fredricks (Fedorowicz) P.E., age 84 of Grand Rapids (Jenison), passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Ron was born August 17, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, to Alphonse Joseph and Jane Francis (Dukarski) Fedorowicz, of Polish and Lithuanian heritage. As a young boy, Ron endured a life-altering illness, contracting Pott’s disease, which left him bedridden in a body cast for nearly two years. Doctors feared he might never walk again. In hope and faith, his parents sought the prayers of Capuchin friar Blessed Fr. Solanus Casey, who assured them that Ron would be healed. Through what the family has always regarded as a grace-filled intercession, Ron recovered fully — going on to run, play, and live a full and active life. This experience left a profound and lasting impact on his faith and the life he would lead.
Following his recovery, Ron moved with his family to Saginaw, Michigan, where he was joined by his beloved younger brother, Richard Fedorowicz, his loyal companion and lifelong friend. Ron was active in the Boy Scouts and developed an early passion for amateur radio, earning his license and call sign, K8DMR, as a young teenager — a pursuit that remained a lifelong joy.
Ron graduated from Saginaw St. Mary’s High School in 1959, where he excelled academically and also enjoyed participating in athletics, including baseball, football, and basketball. He shared his musical talents as well, performing Everly Brothers songs in the school talent show.
He went on to attend Michigan State University, graduating magna cum laude with a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1964, and later earned his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1970. A brilliant engineer with a deep love of learning and teaching, Ron served as a professor at Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, and Calvin University, inspiring countless students over the years.
Ron built an accomplished career in aerospace and electrical engineering, working with organizations including Lear Siegler, Magnavox, Smiths Aerospace, Boeing, and General Electric. His work in the instrument division at Lear Siegler contributed to the development of the “Loran-C” navigation system, which played a pivotal role in its adoption by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Aviation Administration for civil aviation. He also published research on the “Optimization of Functional Differential Systems” and “Airborne Omega” performance testing. In recognition of his contributions, Ron received numerous professional honors, including awards from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), in which he was nationally involved. In addition, Ron was named the 1982 “Outstanding Engineer of the Year” by the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers.
Ron remained deeply involved in the amateur radio community throughout his life and was an active member of the Grand Rapids Amateur Radio Club. In 2024, he was honored as “West Michigan Ham of the Year,” a fitting recognition of his lifelong passion and contributions to the field.
In the 1970s, Ron discovered a love for downhill skiing, which ultimately led him to meet the love of his life, Mary Iris Fredricks (Breimayer). The two met through the Lincoln Ski Club (later the Greater Grand Rapids Ski Club), where they spent years skiing together. They were married on May 7, 1977, beginning a loving marriage that spanned more than 48 years.
Ron was a devoted husband and a loving father to Kristina Marie Rexford and Daniel Joseph Fredricks. In 1984, Ron transitioned to independent consulting, working with Midwest and bicoastal corporations. This move gave him greater flexibility to spend time with his family — a choice he made intentionally. Though highly successful in his field, he always placed his responsibilities as a husband and father above all else.
The Fredricks family shared a deep love of skiing, spending countless days on the slopes — from the molehills of Michigan, including backyard runs of “Mt. Fredricks,” to the mountains of the western United States and Canada. Ron also played a key role in helping establish the West Catholic High School ski team in the mid-1990s, fostering a love of the sport in future generations.
A man of deep and abiding faith, Ron enthusiastically participated in the life of the Church. He served as a lector and member of the choir at Holy Spirit Parish in Grand Rapids, and more recently at Holy Redeemer Parish in Jenison. His faith, rooted in both early suffering and lifelong devotion, was evident in the quiet and steady way he lived and loved.
He was his children’s greatest supporter, always present, always encouraging, and always leading with love.
Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Mary (Breimayer) Fredricks; children, Kristina Marie Rexford and Daniel Joseph Fredricks; grandchildren, Allyson and Eric Larson, Adam and Jenny Kolb, and Anna Kolb; and great-grandchildren, Natalie, Nora, and Oaken Larson. He is also survived by his brother, Richard (Brenda) Fedorowicz; sisters-in-law, Barbara Klein, Brenda Fedorowicz, and Peggy Breimayer; and many cherished nieces and nephews. He will also be deeply missed by countless extended family members and dear friends — most especially his “little brother,” Rick Clemence.
Ron’s life was marked by faith, perseverance, intellect, and love. From a childhood marked by suffering and miraculous recovery to a life of achievement, devotion, and quiet sacrifice, he leaves behind a legacy that will endure in all who knew him. His love will live on forever in the hearts of those he touched.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, April 24, 2026, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish Church, 2700 Baldwin St., Jenison, MI 49428, with prayers of the Rosary beginning at 6:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish Church, with a visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. In memory of Ron, donations may be made to Amazon Relief, Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish, or West Catholic High School – Ski Team Boosters. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in Ron’s online guestbook.
John Dirk Nordyke
October 11, 1954-April 17, 2026
John Dirk Nordyke passed on April 17, 2026, at the age of 71.
John was born on October 11, 1954, and was a resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Dr. Donald Wayne Steere
August 14, 1938-April 14, 2026
Dr. Donald W. Steere, D.D.S., age 87, of Grand Haven, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Born on August 14, 1938, and raised in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of the late Albert J. and Mary L. (De Persia) Steere.
Dr. Steere earned his bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and his degree in Oral and Maxillofacial Dentistry from Loyola University Chicago. He maintained dental offices in Wheeling and Glendale, West Virginia, where he was a highly respected oral surgeon and a lifelong member of the West Virginia Dental Association.
Throughout his adult life, Dr. Steere supported Catholic Charities and generously provided dental care at no cost to residents of local convents and to underserved members of the community. He also volunteered his services to inmates at the West Virginia Penitentiary.
Beyond his distinguished career as an oral surgeon, Dr. Steere was an avid pilot who maintained a lifelong passion for flying. He flew often and instilled that same passion in his sons. His cottage in Grand Haven, Michigan, was his happy place, where he spent his later years under the care and support of his nurse, Karen Fredricks.
Dr. Steere is survived by his children: Beth (Rhett) Walker of Sumter, South Carolina; Jennifer (Robert) Mason of Columbus, Ohio; Robert Steere of Concord, North Carolina; and his daughter-in-law, Anna Steere of Columbus, Ohio; his grandchildren: Madison, Reese, and Riley Walker, Kate, Brooke, and Dean Mason, and Chloe and Tessa Steere; his brother, Dr. Robert C. (Dian) Steere; and his former wife, Cheryl Jones.
He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Donald.
A private family gathering to celebrate Dr. Steere's life will be held this summer at his cottage in Grand Haven, Michigan.
In keeping with his generous spirit, Memorial Contributions may be made to Catholic Charities West Virginia at ccwva.org.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Donald Wayne Steere, please visit our floral store.
Donald Lee Timlowski
March 11, 1939-April 16, 2026
Donald Lee Timlowski, age 87, of Zeeland, went to be with his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Donald was a member of First Baptist Church in Zeeland and, for 38 years, was an active member of First Baptist Church in Otsego, Michigan. He served in the U.S. Army, both active and reserve, for six years.
Don had numerous hobbies, but enjoyed woodworking the most. He made his wife, Faye's, bedroom set, a music box replica of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, for his daughter, Jocelyn, and Adirondack chairs for his son, Tibby. Don and Faye enjoyed traveling and went on many cruises and to nearly all 50 states. They also saw almost all the lighthouses in the Midwest and nearly all the amusement parks in the U.S.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Maria Timlowski, in-laws, Rev. John and Susie Tillman, and a nephew.
Donald is survived by his wife of 62 years, Martha "Faye" Timlowski; children, Jocelyn Janis Riddle and Rev. John Tilden Cread Riddle II, and Donald Tibor "Tibby" Timlowski; grandchildren, Devin Riddle, Caleb Riddle, Samuel Riddle, Connor (Lizz) Timlowski, Aiden Timlowski, and Madelyn "Maddie" Timlowski; sister, Shirley Selzer and numerous special nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m. Monday, April 20, 2026, at First Baptist Church, 246 W Main St., Zeeland, with the Revs. Paul Mann, John Riddle, and Tom Vanden Berg officiating and Pastor Jeremy Cobb leading the music. Burial will be in Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego, Michigan, where Mr. Bill Rose will deliver the committal. Visitation is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Memorial contributions may be made to Upward Bound Ministries and Faith Promise Mission. Condolences may be left online at yntemafh.com.
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