Obituaries: April 27, 2026
Shirley Ann Alberts
November 17, 1938-April 23, 2026
Shirley Ann Alberts, born on November 17, 1938, in Kankakee, Illinois, passed away on April 23, 2026, in Grand Haven, Michigan, leaving behind a life marked by love, devotion, and quiet strength.
Shirley was married to Gary Alberts for 52 years, who preceded her in death. Together, they built a life focused on their family and long-standing commitment.
She was a devoted and loving mother to her three children, Sue Overkamp of West Olive, Michigan; Bruce Alberts of Ludington, Michigan (who also preceded her in death), and Sherri Dean of San Diego, California.
Shirley took great pride in her children and found joy in the bonds they shared as a family. Her love for them was constant and unwavering, and her influence will continue to be felt in the lives they lead and the memories they will carry forward.
Shirley is survived by her family, including her brother, Ron Gerdes; brother-in-law, Austin Howard; son-in-law, Mark Overkamp; daughter-in-law, Tami Alberts; and son-in-law, Dan Dean. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Lee DeMint, Laura DeMint, Nicole Dean, Blake Dean, Hailey Dean, Kelli Morrison, and Jessica Cracraft, as well as 12 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Each of them held a special place in her heart.
In addition to her husband and son, Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lela Gerdes of Ashkum, Illinois; her sister, Karen Howard of Gilman, Illinois, and her sister-in-law, Cheryl Gerdes of Ashkum, Illinois. Her family history and deep roots in Illinois were an important part of her story, and the memory of those who went before her remained close to her heart.
Shirley lived in Fort Myers, Florida, for 31 years, where she enjoyed many friends and spent time playing cards. Those years were filled with companionship and simple pleasures, and she found happiness in the friendships she formed and the routines she enjoyed. She appreciated the value of good company and brought warmth and friendliness to every circle she entered. Her time in Fort Myers was a meaningful chapter in her life, one that reflected her ability to build lasting relationships.
Those who knew Shirley will remember her as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She lived a long and meaningful life, and her memory will remain a source of comfort to her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed.
A private family graveside will take place at Ashkum Cemetery, Ashkum, Illinois.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley, please visit our floral store.
Carol Yvonne Brink
July 12, 1935-April 23, 2026
Carol Brink, age 90, of Holland, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Carol's earthly battle is over, but her life in Christ is not. She rests in the arms of her Savior, where there is no pain, no fear, and no sorrow.
Her life was a reflection of the values she held close ... a rare and precious soul who reminded us of what truly mattered.
While the ache of her absence remains, there is gratitude that she is now in the presence of her loving Lord and saviour.
She loved to go camping with the family and many memories were shared around the campfire.
Talented with needle and thread, she made quilts or whatever mending needed to be done.
Tulip Time was very special to her; she loved a good parade and never missed a year.
An avid sports fan, she cheered for her teams with enthusiasm and sometimes loud yelling! She usually knew all the players by name and their stats!
She also loved to read a good book in her spare time.
Carol was accepting of everyone and loved her family dearly. She loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren fiercely!
Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, in 2007.
She leaves behind four children, Rodney Brink, Rich (Paula) Brink, Sally (Rick) Taylor, and Katie (Mark) Dejong; grandchildren, Jeff (Laura) Brink, Adam (Kelsey) Brink, Andrew (Lauren) Brink, Alex (Ashley) Brink, Aden Brink, John-Henry (Chelsea) Brink, Kyle (Jena) Taylor, Rebecca Taylor and fiancé John Dietz, Brittney (Justin) McCullogh, Trevor and Victoria Dejong; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister, Joyce Harper; brother, Bill Kievit; sisters-in-law, Karen Brink and Carolyn (Bill) Black; and nephews, nieces, and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 27, at New Richmond Baptist Church, 1909 Transport Lane. Burial will be in East Saugatuck Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4 Sunday, April 26, at the Dykstra Funeral Home-Mulder Chapel, 188 W. 32nd St.
Memorial contributions may be made to New Richmond Baptist Church.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol, please visit our floral store.
Edwin Leonard Crow
March 3, 1959-April 16, 2026
Edwin "Ed" Leonard Crow, age 67, of Nunica, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at home.
He was born on March 3, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, to the late Richard and Carol (Graham) Crow. Ed married Patti Jo Smith on November 13, 1981, in Grand Haven.
Ed graduated from Grand Haven High School and worked in maintenance for various manufacturing companies throughout the years before his retirement. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, and golfing. He also enjoyed watching TV, especially westerns and "The Walking Dead" series.
Ed will be forever remembered and missed by his loving wife of 44 years, Patti Jo; his two daughters, Sunny Prince and Stacy Blake; son, Harold Smith; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Terry Smith; brothers, Lynwood, Rick, and Johnny Crow; sister-in-law, Darlene (Maxine) Ruiter; and brothers-in-law, Tim (Merry) Smith and Tony Smith.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Melinda Vincent, and brother-in-law, Roderick Smith.
A celebration of life for Ed will take place at noon Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Grand Haven Community Baptist Church with Pastor Garry Coon officiating. Visitation will take place 30 minutes before the service 11:30 a.m.-noon at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with Ed's final expenses. Please make checks to Patty Jo Crow and mail to: 14262 State Road, Nunica, MI 49448.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edwin Leonard Crow, please visit our floral store.
Brenda Jean (Duram) Espinosa
June 22, 1958-April 23, 2026
Brenda Jean Espinosa, age 67, of Holland, formerly of Grand Haven, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
She was born on June 22, 1958, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to the late Gordon G. Duram Sr. and Dolores (Fairfield) Duram.
Brenda was a graduate of Grand Haven High School. She found joy in reading, gardening, and baking, and especially cherished time spent with her grandchildren. A devoted University of Michigan football fan, she also enjoyed spending the winter months in Florida.
Brenda will be lovingly remembered by her children, including her daughter, Heather (Junior) Rios; and son, Paul (Siayonna) Espinosa. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Mariah and Christian Tovar, and Mia Espinosa. She is also survived by her siblings: Debbie (Bill) Campbell, Marilee Duram, Sarah Duram, and David (Denise) Duram; her partner, Daniel Pegg; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Gordon Duram Jr.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brenda Jean (Duram) Espinosa, please visit our floral store.
Barbara Hiemstra
February 27, 1946-April 21, 2026
Mrs. Barbara Hiemstra, age 80, of Grand Haven, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
She was born on February 27, 1946, in Ionia, Michigan, to Maurice and Dorothy (Olshack) Weiers. On April 25, 1986, she married Danny Hiemstra in Grand Rapids.
Barbara loved to travel and embraced every new adventure. Over the years, she and her husband lived in many places, including Grand Rapids, Big Rapids, Eugene and Tualatin, Oregon; Bloomington, Illinois; Pittsburgh; Holland; Battle Creek; Saint Charles, Missouri; and Grand Haven. Wherever she lived, Barbara was always ready to see what was next.
Barbara had a driving desire to enter the professional world during a time it was difficult for women to attain positions previously held by men, but that didn’t stop her, because the one word that always described Barbara was strong. Barbara’s first positions were in advertising, first for the Ionia Sentinel Standard and later the Charlotte Tribune. She worked for Kennedy Research and then in bank management and later as a realtor, where she loved helping people and would later retire from the workforce to be able to spend more time enjoying traveling and exploring the new cities and states her and Dan would call their homes. In her free time, she enjoyed collecting recipes, caring for her orchids and loving her pets and most of all spending time with her family and friends, reminiscing about past adventures.
Later in life, she used her strength to overcome many medical adversities that most would have succumbed to, but not her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 40 years, Danny Hiemstra; her children, Brenda (Tom) Trebian‑Kolenda and James (Tracy) Trebian; stepchildren, Michelle (John) Young and Michael (Cejanet) Hiemstra; grandchildren, Alexandria, Nicholas, Maximilian, Noah, Paige, Derek, Tarah, Patrick, and Medrina; great‑grandchildren, Gavin and Emmerson; and her brothers, David and Gregory Weiers.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Dorothy, and her former husband, Harold Trebian.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 524 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Visitation to follow the service during the luncheon. On your next adventure, stop and enjoy the flowers and think of Barbara. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.
Michael "Mick" George Maple
July 16, 1949-April 24, 2026
Michael “Mick” George Maple, age 76, died unexpectedly on Friday, April 24, 2026.
A graduate of the Reeths-Puffer class of 1967, Mick was a talented athlete who attended Central Michigan University on a wrestling scholarship. Following his time at CMU, he completed naval training at the Great Lakes in Chicago and went on to work as an iron worker for 40 years, where he was a dedicated member of the Iron Workers Local 340 in Michigan. Outside of his career, he was an avid golfer and a loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers, but his greatest joy was found in the time spent with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Eloise Maple; wife, Kathy Maple; brother-in-law, Barry Wallace; and nephew, Billy Maple.
His strength, warmth, and love will be deeply missed by his children, Demetria Friberg and Harmony VanValkenberg; grandchildren, Natalie, Elyse, Ethan, and Jack; siblings, Suzanne Maple, Patrick (Patti) Maple, Deborah (Chris) Maple, Pamela (Jeff) Guy, and Dorene (Jerry) Maple; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A celebration of life will be 1-4 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the VFW Hall, North Muskegon, 1061 Witham Road, Muskegon, MI 49445. All who knew him are welcome to attend and toast to his memory.
The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook.
Richard "Dick" Sheldon Partridge
March 30, 1938-April 24, 2026
Richard "Dick" Sheldon Partridge, age 88, of Spring Lake (formerly Blanchard, Michigan), passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at American House Assisted Living-Spring Lake.
He was born on March 30, 1938, in Muskegon, Michigan, to the late Sheldon and Evelyn (Minzey) Partridge.
Dick married Vivian Cashin on September 27, 1958, in Big Rapids, Michigan. Dick graduated from North Muskegon High School and went on to earn his associate degree from Ferris State University. He spent many years living in Nunica and working at Textron/Woodward in Zeeland, where he worked as a cost estimator in the manufacturing industry. He spent 28 years of retirement in Blanchard, Michigan.
A man of strong faith, Dick was a devoted member of Pine Chapel Ministries. He found great joy in the outdoors, especially fishing, hunting, and tending to his strawberry farm. He was also a devoted fan of the Detroit Lions and especially enjoyed watching football.
Dick is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Vivian; his daughter, Nancy (Dan) Glueck; two sons, Gary (Merry) Partridge and David Partridge; two grandchildren, Jessica (Jonathon) Skinner and Brandy Partridge; three great-grandchildren, Emma and Arya Partridge, and Jacob Skinner; and his sister, Janice (James) Holtrop.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved grandson, Thomas Partridge.
The funeral service for Dick will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, with Pastor Tom Oerlich officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Historic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pine Chapel Ministries.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard "Dick" Sheldon Partridge, please visit our floral store.
Douglas Jay Schurman
May 2, 1948-April 25, 2026
Douglas Jay Schurman passed on April 25, 2026, at the age of 77.
Born May 2, 1948, Douglas lived in Holland, Michigan.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Joyce Lorraine Tiesman
September 15, 1937-April 24, 2026
At the age of 88, Joyce Lorraine Tiesman went home to be with her heavenly father on Friday, April 24, 2026, surrounded by her family.
She was born on September 15, 1937, to Henry and Tena (Vos) Tenboer of Morrison, Illinois. Joyce was educated at Prairie Center Grade School and then graduated in 1955 from Morrison High School. She married Arnold Tiesman on November 2, 1956. They made their home in Fulton, Illinois.
She worked for Dr. Curt Gronner in Morrison after graduation, then worked as a secretary at Fidelity Life Insurance Company in Fulton, Illinois. She also worked part-time at the local Dime Store in Fulton, as well as a secretary at Clinton Community College in Clinton, Iowa, for many years. Her hobbies were crocheting and knitting. She crocheted 21 afghans and gave them all to her children and grandchildren, as well as some for wedding gifts. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved attending their sports events, orchestra concerts, and band concerts.
Joyce loved music and gave piano lessons for 14 years. She was a pianist for choirs at Fulton Christian School for several years and was an organist at First Christian Reformed Church in Fulton, Illinois, for 56 years. Joyce volunteered at Bargain Bonanza in Clinton, Iowa. After retirement, Arnold and Joyce moved to Hudsonville, Michigan, in 2013 to be closer to family. She enjoyed attending and volunteering at the Senior Center. Joyce was a member of Fellowship Reformed Church in Hudsonville, Michigan.
Joyce recently wrote a 500-page book, titled “A Collection of Life Stories,” with her granddaughter. She was very proud of this accomplishment. It was filled with stories and memories through the years, from her childhood to the present. Many photos were included as well.
Joyce is survived by her husband of 69 years, Arnold Tiesman; three children Randy (Cindy) Tiesman of Hudsonville, Michigan, Terry (Julia) Tiesman of Wheaton, Illinois, and Kristi (Joe) Wyn of Hudsonville, Michigan; eight grandchildren, Ashley Tiesman, Haley (Ben) Mast, Abby Tiesman, Grace Tiesman, Peter Tiesman, Derek (Alisha) Wyn, Cory (Sidney) Wyn, and Andrew Wyn; two great-granddaughters, Ryleigh Jo Wyn and Lainey Ann Wyn; one sister, Barbara Prins; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Tena Tenboer; one grandson, Noah Benjamin Tiesman; two brothers, Kenneth Tenboer and Wayne Tenboer; one brother-in-law, Irv Prins; and two sisters-in-law, Vivian Tenboer and Ruth Tenboer.
Service details are pending.
Memorial contributions can be made to First Christian Reformed Church in Fulton, Illinois, and Unity Christian School in Fulton, Illinois.
The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook.
Valerie Kay Yodhes
November 13, 1937-April 21, 2026
Valerie Kay Yodhes, age 88, of Holland and formerly of Detroit, West Bloomfield, Allen Park and Ann Arbor, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Inn of Freedom Village in Holland.
Valerie was an Early Childhood Education Teacher at Allen Park Presbyterian Church Preschool.
Valerie was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Geraldine Benway, and son David Yodhes.
Valerie is survived by her husband of 66 years, John Yodhes; daughter, Ann (James) McKnight; and grandchildren, Ian McKnight and Caroline McKnight.
A private family service is being planned.
Arrangements are by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home and condolences may be left at langelandsterenberg.com.
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