Obituaries: April 8, 2026

ONN Staff profile image
by ONN Staff
Obituaries: April 8, 2026
[Stock image]

Sherry Sue (Krathwohl) Brown

January 4, 1958 ~ April 6, 2026

Sherry Sue Brown, age 68, of Robinson Township, entered the loving arms of Jesus unexpectedly on Monday, April 6, 2026, while at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital, surrounded by her family.

She was born on January 4, 1958, in Lansing, Michigan, to the late Charles and Lois (Wolfe) Krathwohl. Sherry married Dean Brown on May 11, 2002, in Grand Haven.

Sherry graduated from high school and was a member of Lifetree Church in Grand Haven for many years. She was an avid outdoorswoman and nature lover who enjoyed fishing, watching birds, especially hummingbirds, and tending to her rose bushes around the house. She also loved animals and enjoyed the companionship and comfort her cats provided for her.

Sherry will be lovingly remembered and missed by her husband of almost 24 years, Dean; her daughter, Krystal Brewer; her step-children: Tricia Kerridge and Dennis Brown (Alyssa Glass); seven grandchildren: Bryce Kerridge (Aubree Prestia), Austen (Kivrin) Kerridge, Keira and Noah Brown, Sia and Aera Hyson, and Hennessey Brewer; great-grandchild, Aurora Kerridge; parents-in-law, Wes and Millie Brown; and siblings-in-law: Alan (Bunny) Brown, Lorrie (Dwayne) Potter, Andy (Bonnie) Brown, and Dan (Cathelyn) Brown.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Johnny Krathwohl.

The memorial service for Sherry will take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Lifetree Community Church with Pastor Jeff Elzinga officiating, luncheon to follow. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held at a later date at Robinson Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with Sherry's medical expenses. Please make checks out to Dean Brown and mail to: 14079 104th Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sherry Sue (Krathwohl) Brown, please visit our floral store.


Charles Hackley Byrd

May 3, 1938-April 1, 2026

Charles Hackley Byrd, age 87, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on May 3, 1938, Charles lived a life marked by quiet strength, unwavering dedication, a spirit of adventure, and deep love for those closest to him.

Known to many simply as Charlie, he will be remembered for his steady presence, kind heart, and the wisdom he shared so naturally with family and friends. He valued hard work, loyalty, and the importance of family above all else, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Charlie dedicated many years of his life working for General Motors, where his strong work ethic and dependability reflected the values he carried throughout his life.

Beyond his work, Charlie and his wife shared a deep love of travel and adventure, spending much of their life together on the road and creating memories across countless miles. Alaska held a special place in his heart, a place whose beauty, freedom, and rugged spirit mirrored his own appreciation for life’s wide-open spaces and simple wonders.

Throughout his life, Charlie built meaningful relationships and created countless memories that will continue to be cherished by those he leaves behind. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the stories he told, and the love he gave so generously.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Pat Byrd of Holland; his children, Tim and Sara Byrd, Jeff Byrd, Pete and Theresa Ziegeler, Scott and Jenifer Byrd; along with seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, all of whom will forever carry his memory forward.

He was preceded in death by family who welcomed him home.

Though he is no longer with us, Charlie’s one-of-a-kind sense of humor, steady love, and especially his devotion to Pat will continue to guide and inspire those who knew and loved him.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles, please visit our floral store.

There are no events scheduled at this time. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or plant a tree in memory of Charles Hackley Byrd.


Mary Margaret Ekdahl

December 8, 1944-April 6, 2026

Mary M. Ekdahl (née Peel), 81, of Saugatuck, Michigan, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026, at Resthaven Maple Woods in Holland, where she was loved by the staff who cared for her.

Born December 8, 1944, to Teresa Peel and adopted by her loving father, Paul Peel, Mary spent her early school years in Grand Haven before graduating from Saugatuck High School. She settled in Saugatuck for her adult life, where she became a well-known figure. Known as “Dimples” in her early childhood days, the nickname stayed with her throughout her life among family and friends.

Mary worked at several local businesses throughout her life, but her favorite place was Saugatuck Drug. She enjoyed seeing the people who came into the store and being part of the town’s daily rhythm. A strong-willed and straightforward woman, Mary spoke her mind and lived life on her own terms.

For most of her adult life, Mary courageously battled Crohn’s disease, yet she never let it stand in the way of caring for her family. She worked tirelessly, devotionally caring for her husband, Don, and her son, Hugh, during their own battles with cancer. Her selflessness and unwavering commitment to her loved ones were a testament to the kind of woman she was — tough, resilient, and fiercely loyal.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her daughter, Dawn; her son, Hugh; her parents, Paul and Teresa Peel; and her brother, Dan.

Mary is survived by her sisters, Sally Smale and Patsy Peel; her brothers, John Peel, Jeffrey Peel, and Ron Peel, along with Jeffrey’s wife Diane and Ron’s wife Kelley; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and grandchildren who will miss her dearly.

Mary was a woman of substance who left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family.

A private family graveside service will be at Riverside Cemetery in Saugatuck on Friday, April 10.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Home-Saugatuck Chapel.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary, please visit our floral store.


Marilyn Grace Glueck

August 12, 1939-April 6, 2026

Marilyn Grace Glueck, age 86, of Grand Haven, passed away Monday, April 6, 2026, at The Leila & Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence.

She was born August 12, 1939, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to Lester and Hazel (Faust) Crandle. Marilyn married David Walter Glueck on October 3, 1959, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Grand Haven. David preceded her in death on January 12, 2017.

Marilyn, along with her husband, owned and operated Glueck’s Evergreen Acres Christmas Tree Farm. She, along with her husband, were season ticket holders for many years for Muskegon Pro Hockey. Marilyn enjoyed ice skating, bird watching, and spending time with family. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Grand Haven Eagles Auxiliary.

Marilyn is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Marcia (Rick Andresiak) Glueck and son, Dan (Nancy) Glueck; her two brothers, Matt (Barb) Crandle, and Jim Crandle; brother-in-law, Bob (Carol) Glueck; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Jean Westra, and her brothers, John and Albert Crandle.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with the Rev. William Vander Werff as celebrant. Friends may meet the family 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417.

Memorials in Marilyn’s name may be given to St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.


George J Moes

January 26, 1931  -  February 6, 2026

George Moes, age 95, passed away on February 6, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.

He attended Montello Park school, where he graduated from the eighth grade. Leaving school life for work life, he started at Ebelink Flowers, where he made a very proud 12 cents per hour and drove the flower delivery truck at age 14. He would move on to Baker Furniture and eventually Lankheet Construction. In the mid-'70s Moes Construction became a reality, installing pools. The business is now run by the third generation. The business would be a place of joy and memories for the family. The classic Moes Construction truck in the driveway was always a sign that he was home, likely sitting in his recliner, taking in a Tigers or Lions game. The shop itself was often a place for his grandkids to come and sit in the showroom hot tubs, while he worked in the back room. He took pride in his business and frequently made pool calls to customers on weekends, evenings and holidays.

He married the love of his life, Eleanor Klungle, and they enjoyed 73 years of marriage before her passing in 2023. He loved her so sweetly, especially at the end of her life, waiting on her and serving her in the way she served him for many years. It's hard to imagine how beautiful their reunion was in heaven.

His grandkids were his pride and joy, and they brought a softness to his hardworking demeanor. He loved to tell them stories. The legacy would continue on to the great-grandkids, who somehow managed to pull out an even softer side to him.

George loved his Savior, served his church, and faithfully built a family that would do the same. A life well lived by a man well loved.

He is predeceased by his wife, Eleanor, and granddaughter, Lisa; sisters, Genevieve Snyder and Gertrude Bleeker Van Rhee and their spouses; in-laws, Nick Klungle, Leonard Klungle, Jacob Klungle, Janet Geertman, Charles Klungle, Sue Myrick, John Klungle, Nelson Klungle, Ila Schutt and their spouses.

He is survived by his children, Tom and Jan Moes, Craig and Ellen Moes, Jane and Brian Borr and Jeff and Beth Moes. Grandchildren Julie and Doug Smith, Ryan Moes, Peter and Daysha Moes, Betsy and Mark DeBruin, Jon and Jacqui Borr, Abby and Ian Banks, Lydia and Trent Miller, Ben and Page Moes, Simeon and Piper Moes and 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his in-law Ruth Klungle.

A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, April 10, with a one-hour visitation prior to the service at Dykstra Funeral Home-Mulder Chapel, 188 W. 32nd St., Holland.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holland Hospital Fund Development or Hospice of Holland.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George, please visit our floral store.


William Frederick Roy

October 1, 1948-April 5, 2026

William Frederick Roy passed on April 5, 2026, at the age of 77.

No services are scheduled at this time. 


Robert Dale Terpstra

July 8, 1933-April 7, 2026

Pastor Robert (Bob) Terpstra passed peacefully into the presence of his Savior very early on April 7, 2026, after a weeklong struggle following a stroke. His life story includes many roles, adventures and experiences!

Bob was born in Holland, Michigan, on July 8, 1933, to Henry and Hester Terpstra and was always proud to claim his Dutch heritage and the inherited genes that kept him looking years younger than his age! He had such fun asking newly met “friends” to guess his age after he reached his late 80s. Strangers became friends in minutes!

He attended Holland High School, Moody Bible Institute and Bryan College (Tennessee). After serving as youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Lincoln Park, Michigan, he became senior pastor in McBain, then Wyoming Park, Michigan, then again at the church in Lincoln Park, and then Immanuel (Baptist) Church in Holland, Michiga — his home church — for 17 years, during which time he also served as Holland Police chaplain for many years.

Following retirement from the pastorate, he became the transportation supervisor for Holland Public Schools for 12-plus years, also teaching the bus driving classes and doing road testing of bus and truck drivers. Being a born and raised Holland, Michigan, native, he was the perfect Tulip Time trolley tour guide — in full Dutch costume with wooden shoes. Another of his favorite roles was as funeral home attendant at Lakeshore Memorial Services, which he did for 25 years. Bob was well-known for doing personalized funeral services, always including the saying “The surest thing in life is death; the most unsure thing is when …” so each person needs to be prepared.

He married Barbara Elgersma in 1956 and they shared 50 years of marriage and ministry, prior to her passing in 2007.

They were blessed to adopt two girls, Beth Roe and Brenda (Terry) Bosch. The girls have since blessed him with six grandchildren: Michelle (Jenna) Ezinga, Michael (Faith) Ezinga, Mitchell (Bridget) Ezinga, Mackenzie (Dana) Baumgardner, Jessica (Mike) Bowman, Rebecca (Brenen) Louwerse; great-grandchildren: Malakai Van Volkinburg, Lauryn Baumgardner, Phillip James Dawe, Lincoln Baumgardner, Carmen Ezinga, Adeline Louwerse, and baby boy Ezinga on the way.

Other family members include Jan’s children, Jared (Jen) Boyd and Jodi Boyd; grandchild, Taylor Andrews; Bob’s siblings, Ken (Bonnie) Terpstra and Elaine (Rev. Monty) Ledford; many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

In 2008, God brought Jan (DeRidder) Boyd into his life. He would say God had this union planned “before the foundation of the world!” And both enjoyed the “best years of our lives” together for close to 18 years! Pastor Bob and Jan became known as PB&J, and many friends enjoyed following their adventures all over the world! For about 14 years, they enjoyed condo living and involvement. Then in 2022, as life and activity level slowed, they added an apartment onto daughter Jodi's "barndominium" in Holland, Michigan, where they enjoyed watching birds and wildlife from their sunroom, entertaining friends at home, helping Jodi in the medical missions warehouse, and hosting an AirBnbB and "glamping" site.

Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. April 11, 2026, at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, Michigan 49424.

Memorial visitation will be 10-11 a.m. April 17 at Immanuel Church, 325 104th Ave., Holland, followed by a memorial celebration of life at 11 a.m. April 17 at Immanuel Church.

As everyone who knew him knows, he had a huge heart for people and was the ideal "pastor" and friend to all, and "Everybody loves Bob" was a very common theme! He thoroughly enjoyed being with people, but also cherished time alone with just him and Jan in the peacefulness of home. As friends would depart from a visit with him, he would always say, "Right home now!" He is now the one who has gone home!

Memorial contributions may be given to One for Israel, oneforisrael.org or Make a Difference Ministries, P.O. Box 5334, N. Muskegon, MI 49445; madministries.net.

Please visit lakeshorememorial.com for further information.


Susan Jane Williams

May 26, 1937-April 3, 2026

Susan Jane (Sue) Williams passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026.

She was born in Zanesville, Ohio, on May 26, 1937, the daughter of the late Samuel Alvin and Mary Eleanor (Peirce) Bell.

Sue grew up in Middletown, Ohio, and graduated from Muskingum College. She attended graduate school at the University of Kentucky and later finished her MSW degree at Grand Valley State University.

Her social work career involved public welfare in Hamilton and Columbus, Ohio. Her extensive community service included work for a homeless shelter in Washington, D.C., the Congressional Select Committee on Aging, and the Center for Women in Transition in Holland, where she served as interim director. She ended her career as Director of the FOCUS/SOAR program at Hope College and as a teacher of a successful Freshman Seminar. Wisely counseling a significant number of athletes earned her a varsity letter upon retirement.

Susan was most proud of her work for Civil Rights, both in Columbus and Lexington, Kentucky. For over 40 years, she attended and had leadership roles at the First Presbyterian Church in Holland, where she served as a deacon. More recently, she attended Unity on the Lakeshore church where she reveled in the love, acceptance and compassion of that congregation.

All who met her on various boards and committees knew her for her ready smile and her caring concern for the welfare of others. Since the time she was 12, her motto came from a message she saw on a New England Gravestone that said, "She done what she could." Thus, she tried to live in accord with Emily Dickinson's poem, "If I have helped one fainting Robin into its nest again, I shall not have lived in vain."

Her survivors include her husband of nearly 66 years, Donald, and two sons, David of Holland and Brian (Heidi) of Ann Arbor; brother, Sam (Joyce) Bell of Hudson, Ohio; and two nephews, two great-nephews and a great-niece.

Cremation has taken place. The burial will be in the columbarium at Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio, with a service later this summer. An informal celebration of her cheerful spirit will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at Freedom Village (auditorium); Rev. Cathy Hoop will preside.

Memorial gifts may be made to Muskingum University, Development Office, 260 Stadium Drive, New Concord, Ohio 43762, or Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd., Holland, MI 49423.


Sara Vanbiesbrouck

December 28, 1930-April 3, 2026

Beloved by many, Sara Vanbiesbrouck, age 95, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, April 3, 2026, in Grand Haven, Michigan.

She was born December 28, 1930, in Naples, Italy, to Fernando and Antonia (Ranuaro) Fucci. At age 24, she immigrated to the United States, where she established her home in the Detroit area for 42 years. In 1957, she married the love of her life, Robert Vanbiesbrouck, who preceded her in death on April 26, 2011. Together, they enjoyed 25 years in warm Boca Raton, Florida, before his passing. In 2021, she relocated to Spring Lake, Michigan, to live with her son and be near family.
 
Sara worked for many years as a self-employed housekeeper extraordinaire. She was an excellent cook, especially known for her pasta and meatballs, and took great pride in hosting beautiful gatherings. She had a natural gift for gardening, and everything she tended thrived. Sara was an ardent fan of baseball and hockey, from the pros to little league and mites. Most importantly, this included her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether through volunteering or simply lending a hand, Sara's specialties were cleaning and organizing, or gifting delicious Italian meals, previously prepared or live and in-person lessons.

Sara was also a faithful attendee of Harvest Bible Church, Spring Lake. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Because of her faith in Jesus Christ, the promised reality, rewards, and reunion of Heaven are now hers.

Survivors include her sons, Julian (Donna) Vanbiesbrouck of Rochester, Michigan, and John (Rosalinde) Vanbiesbrouck of Spring Lake; seven grandchildren, Alexandra Vanbiesbrouck, Patrick (Ashley) Vanbiesbrouck, Ian (Kristin) Vanbiesbrouck, Ben (Chelsea) Vanbiesbrouck, Nick (Lindsey) Vanbiesbrouck, Daniel (Cauryn Nowicki) Vanbiesbrouck, and Nicole Vanbiesbrouck; 10 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Rosa Bounocore of Italy and Mary Fatia of South Africa; and many nieces and nephews.

Sara was also preceded in death by her son, Frank Vanbiesbrouck; four brothers; and a sister.

A celebration of Sara’s life will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Harvest Bible Church-Spring Lake Campus. Visitation with her family will be at 10 a.m., and the service will start at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Harvest Bible Church-Spring Lake Campus or Moody Radio, which will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at sytsemafh.com.

Arrangements are being handled by The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456; 616-842-6100.


Edward Jan Westerbeke

October 20, 1937-April 5, 2026

Edward J. Westerbeke, age 88, of Holland, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

Edward J. Westerbeke, lovingly known as “Big Ed, Beke or Sonny,” lived a full and joyful life defined by curiosity, kindness, and a healthy pursuit of the ever-elusive hole-in-one.

Ed was born in 1937 in West Sayville, Long Island, New York, to Edward and Jessie Westerbeke. He grew up on Brook Street in the home his father built, alongside his brother Richard and a loyal dog named Smudgie. His journey eventually brought him to Holland, Michigan, where he attended Hope College — and where he met the love of his life, Jane Klaasen. The two were married in 1960 at Third Reformed Church and celebrated their 65th anniversary last summer.

While at Hope, Ed was a pre-med chemistry major and a proud member of the Knickerbocker fraternity, later earning the affectionate title among classmates as “the Knick who made good.” He went on to earn a degree in pharmacology from the University of Tennessee before attending medical school at Wayne State University. From 1967 to 1969, he served in the U.S. Navy as a medical officer assigned to the Marines on a ship in the Mediterranean Sea for several months.

After completing his training in Grand Rapids and Detroit, Ed and his family settled in Stevensville, Michigan. In 1973, he opened his orthopedic surgery practice in nearby St. Joseph, where he cared for patients with both skill and compassion for many years. He was also an active member of the Rotary Club and Point O’ Woods Country Club, where friendships flourished both on and off the golf course.

Ed retired from medicine in 2013 and returned to Holland. There, he could often be found cheering on Hope College basketball, tending to his garden, enjoying a good book, or watching Lake Michigan sunsets — always keeping an eye out for that rare and magical “green flash.”

He had a love for travel and treasured many adventures, including a meaningful visit to Westkapelle in the Netherlands, where he connected with distant relatives and explored his family’s roots. Closer to home, Ed was a devoted Chicago Cubs fan and never forgot the thrill (and disbelief) of witnessing the infamous Bartman Ball incident from just a few feet away.

Above all, Ed cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife Jane; his children Ann (Michael) Kyle, William Westerbeke, and Mark (Tonya) Westerbeke; seven treasured grandchildren — Jacob, Aidan, Mikko, Ella, Kollen, Mia, and Asa — each of whom brought him immense pride and joy; sibling Richard (Libby) Westerbeke, his niece and nephews Kim, Brian and Gregg and their children.

The family will receive visitors 11:15-11:45 a.m. Monday, April 13, at the Dykstra Funeral Home-Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave., Holland. Everyone is invited to travel with the family in procession to Lakewood Cemetery, Lakewood Avenue and 168th Street, Park Township, for a graveside service at noon. The United States Navy Honor Guard and V.F.W. Post 2144 will bestow military honors.

A celebration of life will take place following the graveside service at 2:30 p.m. Monday, April 13, at Freedom Village, 145 Columbia Ave., Holland, in the sixth-floor auditorium. The Rev. Janelle López-Koolhaas will officiate.

Ed’s life was rich with purpose, laughter, and love. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to Third Reformed Church or Hope College.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward, please visit our floral store.

ONN Staff profile image
by ONN Staff

Subscribe to Our Newsletter for Daily or Weekly Updates

Customize your email newsletter subscription for daily or weekly updates on your favorite topics.

Success! Now Check Your Email

To complete Subscribe, click the confirmation link in your inbox. If it doesn’t arrive within 3 minutes, check your spam folder.

Ok, Thanks

Read More