Obituaries: April 9, 2026
Margaret Baker
September 7, 1939-April 6, 2026
Margaret Baker, 86, of Grand Haven, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, April 6, 2026.
She was born on September 7, 1939, in St. Louis, Michigan, to Bernard and Emma (Franz) McBride. Margaret married Garland Allen Baker on January 13, 1962. Garland preceded her in death on September 16, 1988.
Margaret graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in Saginaw, Michigan, as a Registered Nurse. At age 49, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ferris State College. Margaret worked in nearly every capacity as a nurse for Mercy Hospital in Muskegon (now Trinity Health Hospital Muskegon). She retired in 2001, but continued working PRN as a Home Health Care Nurse until age 71. Margaret was so proud to be a nurse and enjoyed educating her patients and helping them heal. For the last seven months of her life, Margaret was a Hospice patient and got to see nursing from the perspective of a patient. She enjoyed each and every nurse and the social worker she met through Hospice, and she and her family were and are grateful for their expertise and support.
Margaret was a bit of an introvert, but also never met a stranger while out and about. Trips to Meijer were never short!
She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where she served on the funeral luncheon committee, volunteered in the food pantry, and was a eucharistic minister. Margaret also volunteered at Cheapstacks Used Books, the bookstore at the Grand Haven Public Library.
Margaret was extremely proud of and took great pleasure in her three children and their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed reading, sewing, knitting, cooking, traveling, and volunteering.
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Michael (Mary Lynn) Baker, Edward (Lisa) Baker, and Suzanne (Matthew) Baker Hite; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren (and three more on the way); her sister, Jane Brown; and two brothers, Don (Pamela) McBride, and Joseph McBride. She also leaves behind a dear, lifelong friend, Nancy Bylsma.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Walter and Albert McBride.
A mass and private graveside service will be held at the Spring Lake Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her dear husband, Garland. No flowers, please.
Memorials in Margaret’s name may be sent to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Food Pantry in Spring Lake or Trinity at Home Hospice of Grand Haven. Arrangements are entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.
Darwin "Darby" Boerman
January 27, 1959-April 7, 2026
Darwin “Darby” Boerman met his Savior and reunited with his son, Ryan, in heaven on April 7, 2026. Darby was firmly planted on the Boerman farm in Bentheim.
Darby is survived by “his girls,” wife of 42 years Diane and daughters Emily Boerman and Marissa Boerman and his sister, Dawn and Brian VanderHulst. He is also survived by mother-in-law Jan Betten; sisters-in-law, Judy Betten, Kris and Don Swackhammer, and Jodi and Dave Heneveld; nieces and nephews, Josh Swackhammer, Nate and Monica Swackhammer, Rachael and Aaron Walters, and Matthew and Megan VanderHulst, Leah, Seth, and Micah Heneveld; treasured great-nieces and -nephews, Aiden, Owen, and Brysen Swackhammer; Noah, Adah, and Benjamin Walters, Noella and Thys VanderHulst, as well as many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Ryan; parents, Jerald and Harriet Boerman; father-in-law, John Betten; and sister-in-law, Kim Betten.
Darby worked at Hamilton Farm Bureau for 43 years. He loved serving the farming community and building relationships at the pit with his fellow farmers. He enjoyed the fellowship, talking about farming, family, and life with co-workers and farmers and enjoyed the friendships he built over the years.
Darby loved his community and had a passion for investing in the next generation. He enjoyed being a youth group leader through the years, going to the students’ events and cheering for them throughout their lives. Mr. Darby enjoyed mentoring his Kids Hope student and saying hello to all the students and teachers at Bentheim Elementary School. In recent years, he enjoyed building a new community at Community Church of Douglas and sharing life with the congregation.
Family was central to Darby’s life. He farmed the family farm alongside his dad, his wife, and his children, all of his life. Diane, “Muffin” was the love of his life, and as he often said, she was “the wind beneath his wings.” Together, they were a team in everything from fighting muscular dystrophy to cleaning the house. Darby cherished Muffin and, with her, built a firm foundation for their family. Emily, Marissa, and Ryan were the joys of his life. He was a steady cheerleader for each of them in all their activities, interests, goals, and adventures. His children are the reflection of Darby’s heart, hard work, and humor.
The core of his life was his deep faith in Jesus. As a farmer, faith and trusting God for His provision were central to his everyday life. Around the dining room table, Darby taught his children to pray for God’s provision (rain) and to thank him for his goodness when He provided (a light, steady one-inch rain in July). He passionately served God in His church in Bentheim and Douglas and radiated the warm, loving kindness of God to those who crossed his path. Darby was on the lookout for God’s hand at work, or as he called it, “divine intervention,” all around him and wanted others to catch a glimpse of the goodness of God in all things.
A service in honor of Darby Boerman will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Community Church of Douglas, 6874 Wiley Road, Fennville, MI 49408. Visitation will be 3-6 p.m. Sunday, April 12, and 5-7:30 p.m. Monday, April 13, at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland, MI 49464. Interment will be in Bentheim Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ryan Boerman Legacy Fund, C/O Holland/Zeeland Community Foundation.
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Deborah (Debbi) Kay (Ellsworth) DeYoung
July 20, 1949-April 8, 2026
Deborah Kay DeYoung, age 76, of Grand Haven, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Debbi was born on July 20, 1949, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to Frank and Bonnie (Wales) Ellsworth.
Debbi graduated from Grand Haven High School, Class of 1966, and worked as a secretary for many years at Gypsum Supply West. She was a dedicated volunteer, Golden Eagle member, and former Auxiliary Secretary and Auxiliary President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie #925. She also sat on all seats in the District and Zone of the State Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary. She was always willing to lend a helping hand and give back to others.
Debbi found joy in the simple things, especially watching Hallmark Christmas movies, sipping on a Diet Coke, and her fond appreciation for turtles. When asked how she was doing, her classic answer and mantra was, "Pretty close to perfect."
Debbi will be lovingly remembered and missed by her daughter, Tamara Gargano; her grandson, Zach (Autumn) Gargano; and brother, Curt (Jan) Ellsworth, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother and sister, David Ellsworth and Grace Kruizenga; and Carl Meyer.
A memorial visitation for Debbi will be 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the Grand Haven Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie #925 (Upstairs Hall). Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Lakeshore Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with Debbi's funeral expenses. Please make checks out to Tamara Gargano and mail to: Klaassen Family Funeral Home, 1500 Robbins Road, Grand Haven, MI 49417.
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Louise Redeker Laughlin
May 31, 1932-April 7, 2026
Louise was called home to our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.
Louise was born on May 31, 1932, to Walter and Mary (Posobiec) Kuzniar in Fruitport, Michigan, one of nine siblings. She married the love of her life, James Laughlin, when she was 19 on May 24, 1952. They made their home together in Grand Haven until Jim passed away in 2006. They were married for 54 blessed years and raised two daughters together. After Jim’s death, she married Arnold Redeker on July 11, 2009. Arnie and Louise spent seven wonderful “golden years” together until his death in 2016.
Louise was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church for over 60 years, where she faithfully served on many boards and committees.
Louise enjoyed her work as office manager at several local Grand Haven businesses, including Jeltema Electric and Baas Clothing Store, where she made friendships that lasted long after retirement.
She had an eye for design and loved decorating and working on home projects, but her real passion was her beautiful flower garden. The joy of her life was spending time with her grandchildren, who loved her dearly.
Louise will be lovingly remembered by her two daughters, Vicki (Douglas) Koster and Lori (Craig) Johnston; grandchildren, Meghan (Scott) Stachowski, Nicholas Koster, Nathan Koster, Alexander (Juliane) Johnston, Michael (Amy) Johnston, Kyle Johnston; and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by Arnie’s three children, Bill (Aileen) Redeker, Jack (Linda) Redeker, Ruthann (Tom) Butterworth, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will also be missed by her lifelong friend, Joan Allen Nummerdor. They shared crazy times together in their youth and still laughed daily on the phone while reminiscing and encouraging each other.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Sheldon Meadows Assisted Living Center in Hudsonville, Michigan, for the love and care Louise received there, and also to Corewell Hospice for Louise’s beautiful end-of-life care.
A private interment will be held at Lake Forest Cemetery. A celebration of Louise’s life will be taking place this summer; details will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Grand Haven. Arrangements have been entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI, 49417. Please sign the family’s online guestbook and share memories at sytsemafh.com.
Leola J. Oonk
March 19, 1931-April 8, 2026
Leola Jeane (Van Koevering) Oonk, 95, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 8, in Zeeland, Michigan.
Born on March 19, 1931, in Zeeland, Leola was a woman of great faith and quiet resilience who moved through life with a smile on her face and a song in her heart. A graduate of Zeeland High School and the Grand Rapids Junior College School of Nursing, she devoted many years to caring for patients at Zeeland Hospital, bringing to her work the same tenderness she brought to everything she loved. She helped bring hundreds of babies into the world as the lead RN of the OB Department, and those who worked alongside her knew they were witnessing something more than skilled nursing; they were seeing a vocation lived out with joy. After retirement, she provided home care nursing for infants and also volunteered as a flight nurse for Wings of Mercy.
Leola was unapologetically devoted to the people in her life. She was the kind of woman who would not hear a bad word spoken about anyone she loved — and she loved widely and without reservation. To know Leola was to feel known. She was a loyal and trusted friend, a gifted and tireless volunteer, and a steadfast presence for anyone who needed one. She was deeply intelligent, an avid reader who engaged thoughtfully with ideas and people alike; always curious, always generous with her attention.
Her faith was not ornamental; it was the foundation of everything. A member of Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, she lived her beliefs through daily acts of grace, protection, and welcome.
She is survived by her son Tom (Deb) Oonk of Zeeland; grandchildren Holly (Rob) Corrigan, Logan (Lindsey) Oonk, Spencer Oonk, Matthew Oonk, and Isaac Oonk; great-grandchildren Harper Corrigan and Colin and Marin Oonk. Brother David Van Koevering of Eaton Rapids; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Her husband, Jack, to whom she was married for 56 years, preceded her in death in 2007, followed by her beloved son, Timothy Oonk, in 2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents, George and Dorothy Van Koevering, and her brothers, George and Barry.
A celebration of life service will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Second Reformed Church, 225 E. Central Ave., Zeeland. Visitation will be 1-2:15 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be in Zeeland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wings of Mercy.
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Larry Simerson
August 19, 1940-April 4, 2026
Larry E. Simerson, 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 4, 2026, while surrounded by the loving care of his family.
Born on August 19, 1940, to Lawrence LeRoy Simerson and Fay Ella Good, Larry lived a life defined by faith, hard work, and devotion. He graduated in 1958 and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1963. A man of many talents, he put his all into every job he performed throughout his life. He was skilled in numerous trades, a business owner, and retired as a Manufactured Housing Community Manager.
Above all, he was a dedicated servant of the Lord, a loving and devoted husband, and a true family man. He had a tender heart of gold and never met a stranger. He was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.
He found great joy in life’s simple pleasures, family gatherings, watching sports, especially devoted to the Detroit Tigers and NASCAR races.
He is survived by his loving children, David & Lisa Simerson, Todd Simerson, Tonya & Sal Clemente, stepchildren, Craig Maxwell and Chris Maxwell, sibling Everett Simerson, extended family, as well as numerous cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry forward his legacy of kindness, strength, and faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 41 years, Pat Simerson, four siblings, two grandsons, and many loved ones and friends.
His life was a testament to love, faith, and generosity. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him.
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