Obituaries: April 7, 2026
Betty June Blackport
June 20, 1936-April 3, 2026
Betty June Blackport, age 89 of Jenison, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Born on June 20, 1936, Betty lived a life marked by steadfast faith, enduring love, quiet strength, and deep devotion to her family. She was a woman whose life reflected grace in every season, and whose legacy will continue through the generations she so dearly loved.
Above all, Betty was a woman of faith. She loved the Lord and lived her life as an example of Christian love, perseverance, and kindness. Through both the joys and hardships of life, she trusted in God’s plan and remained a steady source of encouragement and comfort to those around her.
Betty shared a beautiful love story with her beloved husband, Jack, to whom she was married for 68 loving years until his passing on January 11, 2025. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and unwavering commitment. Side by side, they made their home in Jenison, where they raised a family and created a legacy now stretching five generations deep.
Betty was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother who poured her heart into her family. She had a nurturing spirit, a loving heart, and a quiet strength that made those around her feel safe, supported, and deeply cared for. Her family was one of her greatest joys, and she treasured every moment spent with them.
She was also a woman of incredible resilience. Betty courageously defeated cancer on several occasions, facing each battle with determination, faith, and remarkable strength. Her perseverance was an inspiration to all who knew her and a testament to the courage with which she lived her life.
Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Blackport; parents, Harry and Hazel Van Putten; in-laws, John and Nellie Blackport; sister, Donna Robertson; brother, David Van Putten; sister-in-law, Gloria Van Putten; brother-in-law, Thomas Van Putten; and son-in-law, David Herrmann.
She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Susan (Steve) Verburg; grandchildren, Sara (Jason) Miller and Brett Herrmann; great-grandchildren, Marysa (Adam) Fisher, Samantha (Jacob Carlson) Miller, Kyla Herrmann, and Brian Herrmann; great-great grandchildren, Melody and Maverick Fisher; brother-in-law, Phillip (Wendy) Blackport; sister-in-law, Sandie (Frank) Leech; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
The family extends special thanks to the Corewell Health Hospice team: Amy, Kristi, Chaplain Steve, and Troy — for the compassion, care, and comfort they provided.
Betty will forever be remembered for her deep faith, loving heart, strength in adversity, and the warmth she brought into the lives of those around her. Her life was a testament to faith, family, and enduring love. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds peace in knowing she is now reunited with Jack and resting in the presence of her Savior.
A private family graveside service will be held. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook.
Gary Allen De Boer
January 22, 1959-April 1, 2026
Gary Allen De Boer, 67, of Zeeland, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Gary was born on January 22, 1959, in Grand Rapids to William and Joyce De Boer. He went to Jenison Schools and graduated in 1978. Gary then went to trade school and became a machine repair journeyman for his work career. In 1985, he married Cindy Ellsworth and they raised their daughters in Zeeland. Gary and Cindy are members of Foundry Church in Zeeland. Gary loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, walking with his buddy Clyde in the Allegan woods. Gary also enjoyed spending time in the Upper Peninsula and working on his garden at home.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cindy, their children and grandchildren: Emily and Donovan Bursma (Ryker), Elizabeth and Mike Mennes (Macey, Raiden, William); siblings: Cheryl and Gary Bigoness, William and Julie De Boer, Roger and Shawn De Boer; brother-in-law Jay Ellsworth, many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Joyce De Boer, and his parents-in-law, Grant and Barbara Ellsworth.
A memorial service in Gary's honor will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 20, 2026, at Foundry Church, 425 100th Ave., Zeeland. Visitation will be 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in Beaverdam Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Foundry Church.
Arrangements are by the Yntema Funeral Home, 251. S. State St., Zeeland.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gary Allen De Boer, please visit our Sympathy Store.
David Frye
August 23, 1956-April 2, 2026
On Thursday, April 2, 2026, David Frye unexpectedly passed into eternity.
Because of his personal relationship with Jesus Christ, he is now resting with his Savior.
David was preceded in death by his parents, James and Della Frye, as well as his parents-in-law, John and Mona Stobbe.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 46.5 years, Sharon Frye (Stobbe); their children Jodi and Mike Riemersma (Emily, Caleb, and Nathan), Alex Frye and Charu Ganesh, and Kelynn and Matthew Rodriguez (Jameson, Easton, Hudson, and Deacon). David is also survived by his siblings, James and Julie Frye and Linda Frye, who will deeply grieve his loss.
He is further survived by his in-law siblings, Dave and Hang Stobbe, Phil and Carrie Stobbe, Marcia and John Duel, and Carole and Rick VanDam.
David loved working outdoors. He spent 35 years delivering mail as a rural carrier in Jenison, Michigan. In addition, he farmed many acres and founded Frye Custom Lawn Care.
David had a lifelong love of sports. He played tennis and football at Jenison High School and briefly played football at Grand Valley State University. He later shared his passion by coaching Little League in Georgetown for many years, leading multiple All-Star teams to championships. He also coached softball at various levels for several area schools.
David rarely missed an opportunity to watch his grandchildren play baseball and softball, offering encouragement and instruction along the way.
Above all, David had a deep passion for Jesus Christ. He lived out his faith through grace, mercy, and loving kindness toward others. His remarkable ability to forgive was a true gift, and he was known by many as a peacemaker.
Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, Michigan. The funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Rock Urban Church, 3710 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville, Michigan, with visitation one hour prior. A luncheon will follow. Private graveside services will be held at West Drenthe Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rock Urban Church. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook.
John Hellman
October 31, 1925-April 3, 2026
The steady hand of John Keith Hellman, 100 years old, of Allendale, eased to rest on April 2, 2026.
He was a man who measured his life in relationships: the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who surrounded and looked up to him, the friends who showed up to golf or bowl with him, and the family members who knew he could be counted on to always reach out to help.
Born in Harvey, Illinois, on October 31, 1925, John (who, as a child, was always called Keith by his family) grew up on a farm in Northern Michigan. John spent a great many of his working years at Lear Siegler. He also spent time with his brother Earl running a fishing and vacation resort called Mana Pine in Manistee, MI. He loved the water and continued waterskiing right up to his 75th birthday. John was recognized for his service in World War II.
In 2019, after 71 years of marriage, John was preceded in death by the love of his life, Verna (Hess) Hellman.
He is survived by his children, Lynn (Bernie) Schmidt, Kevin (Karen) Hellman, Kim (Robert) Bolthouse; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, Michigan, with visitation prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. Pastor Larry Alverson will be officiating. Interment will be at Georgetown Cemetery.
In honor of John, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.
David L. Johnson
January 26, 1940-April 4, 2026
David L. Johnson passed on April 4, 2026, at the age of 86.
Born on January 26, 1940, David was a resident of Wyoming, Michigan.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Nancy E. Schmidt
September 29, 1937-April 5, 2026
Nancy E. Schmidt, age 88, of Spring Lake, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2026, at American House Spring Lake.
She was born September 29, 1937, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, to Charles Z. and Martha A. (Zeman) Serpan Sr. She married James W. Schmidt on June 25, 1960, in Cleveland, Ohio. James preceded her in death on November 23, 2016.
Nancy was a well-known substitute teacher at Fruitport Schools and was remembered by many of her students. She loved cooking, baking, sewing, knitting, and was an avid reader. Nancy served as a deacon at Spring Lake Presbyterian Church.
She is lovingly remembered by her two daughters, Lisa (Robert) Schroeder, and Linda (Vince) Browand; three grandchildren: Jacob, Joshua, and Jana Schroeder; sister-in-law, Susan Schmidt; and her nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Martha A. Vavra, her brother, Charles Z. Serpan, Jr., her brother-in-law, Thomas A. Schmidt, and her sister-in-law, Mary “Polly” Serpan.
A private family service will be held with interment in Lake Forest Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.
