Obituaries: Aug. 11, 2026

Dennis Allen Aalderink

November 15, 1951-August 10, 2026

Dennis A. Aalderink, age 74, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 10, 2026.

Denny had a deep love of Jesus, his Lord and savior and served the church in many ways over the years, including as an elder and cadet leader. He enjoyed history so much so that he served the Heritage Center at Graafschap Christian Reformed Church. He worked as a carpenter for over 43 years and particularly enjoyed finish carpentry.

Over the years, Denny loved spending time at the cottage, visiting with family, friends, and shut-ins, his cats, raising farm animals, cutting wood, hunting and hosting deer camp, and rough housing with his grandkids. He was affectionately known as "Dennis the Menace." He was loved and will be dearly missed.

He was preceded in death by parents, Harvey and Phyllis Aalderink, from Holland, and stepson, Kyle Ritsema from Iowa on Jan. 23, 1992.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Aalderink; children and grandchildren, Jennifer and John Tenpas (Hannah, Jordan, Michael) of Hamilton, Michigan, Kelli and Patrick Council (Haley, Anna, Devin, Josie) from Hamilton, Michigan, Tonya Osterhouse from Colorado, Kevin and Carolyn Ritsema (Kylee, Caleb, Cooper) from Ankeny, Iowa, Kurtis and Jenna Ritsema (Hannah, Ashley, Tyler, Lena) from Waupun, Wisconsin, Keith Ritsema from Zeeland, Michigan, Joy and Joe Kempen (Kyle, Isaac) from Pella, Iowa; brothers and sisters-in-law, and extended family members.

Visitation is 4-6 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Langeland Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland, MI 49423.

Memorial services are at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, at Graafschap Christian Reformed Church, 5973 Church St., Holland, MI 49423, preceded by a time of visitation with the family from 10-10:45 a.m. also at the church.

Burial to take place in Riverside Cemetery in Hamilton, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Denny's honor may be given to Positive Options of Allegan at mypositiveoptions.org or by mail to 114 Chestnut, Allegan, MI 49010, or to Graafschap CRC Cadet Program at graafschapcrc.org/worship/online-giving or by mail to 5973 Church St., Holland, MI 49423.

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Dr. Joel Lawrence Bez

July 10, 1965-August 9, 2026

After a long and courageous battle, Dr. Joel Lawrence Bez, age 61, of Spring Lake (formerly of Kalamazoo), passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 9, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born on July 10, 1965, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Bert and Carol (Ehrenfeld) Bez, Joel remained a lifelong Michigan native, loving his family, boating, and everything lake life. Joel married Leslie Baughman on October 16, 1993. Together they cherished 33 years of marriage and raising their two sons, Alex and Brad, whom he loved dearly.

Excelling academically, Joel graduated from Okemos High School in 1983 and continued his education at Indiana University, where he proudly cheered on the 2026 National Champion Hoosiers. Interested in medicine from an early age, he went on to graduate from Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine, beginning his long career as an anesthesiologist in Lansing. Joel was passionate about pain management and, above all, helping his patients, finishing his career with Southern Michigan Pain Consultants before his retirement. A man of great faith, Joel attended the Congregation of Moses Synagogue in Kalamazoo for many years.

Outside of medicine, Joel found his greatest joy in the people and places he loved. He loved a boat day on Spring Lake and Lake Michigan, relaxing with a good bourbon or cigar, and watching movies — often quoting them from memory with his two sons. He had a quick wit, a sharp sense of humor that could keep his friends and family laughing, and was a steadfast and loyal friend. More than anything, Joel loved his family. He was immensely proud of his sons, Alex and Brad, and was especially delighted to become a grandfather to Archer. He was eagerly looking forward to meeting his second grandchild, who is on the way.

Joel and Leslie were surrounded by tremendous love and support throughout Joel's long cancer journey. Their heartfelt gratitude goes to Steve and Eileen Bez, who helped them through Joel's two years of treatments at Henry Ford in Detroit, and to Rob and Elisa Baughman, who came to stay with them and provide invaluable help with home care when times became especially difficult. Their kindness, love, and unwavering support meant more than words can express.

Joel leaves behind his loving wife, Leslie; children, Alexander (Elizabeth Blanchard) Bez, and Bradley (Taylor) Bez; grandson, Archer Bez; brother, Douglas Bez; brother-in-law, Robert (Elisa) Baughman; sister-in-law, Ashley (Joe) Prager; parents-in-law, Robert and Kathleen Baughman; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Dr. Joel Bez will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, with Rabbi Shelley Goldman officiating. Interment will be at Spring Lake Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Henry Ford Health "Transplant Institute - Center for Living Donation" or Harbor Hospice Foundation.

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

Sandra Joy Hamberg

January 4, 1937-August 2, 2026

Sandra Joy Hamberg, 89, of Holland, Michigan, passed away on August 2, 2026. She was born in Muskegon, Michigan, on January 4, 1937, to Jacob Boersema and Marjorie Boersema, and moved to Holland as a young girl with her parents.

One of four children, Sandra shared an especially close bond with her sister, Sharon (Robert) Ooms, the two being nearest in age and perfectly “evened out” with the boys in the family. Sandra graduated from Holland High in 1955.

Throughout her life, Sandra worked a few different jobs, and in each one she was known for steady dedication and a willing spirit — someone who did what needed to be done, especially when it meant helping her family. In her 70s, she retired to care for her husband, Dale Hamberg, becoming his full-time caregiver with the same faithful devotion that marked every part of her life until his passing in 2019.

Sandra met Dale in the Holland area, and they were married in February of 1958. Together they welcomed five children and raised their family in the Holland area. Sandra was a devoted mother whose love was not quiet or distant, but present and constant — rain or shine, she could be found in the crowd, cheering her children on and standing among their greatest supporters. Her children remember the cookouts and get-togethers she looked forward to so much, made special by her natural gift for hospitality. She also loved bringing the kids shopping, and Saturday nights often meant dinner at The Hatch — family memories that have remained close to the heart.

In her adult years, Sandra was an active member of a sorority in town and stayed involved and energetic, enjoying volleyball and the friendships that came with it. She delighted in the simple pleasures of everyday life: watching Tigers baseball, keeping her iPad close for a game of Bingo, and, most memorably, Sandra took great pride in sending cards for every occasion, whether birthdays, holidays, get well, or just to let someone know they were on her mind. She had a remarkable way of remembering the details that mattered, holding onto important facts about the people she loved and making others feel seen and valued.

Sandra is preceded in death by her husband, Dale Hamberg; her mother, Marjorie Boersema; her father, Jacob Boersema; and her sister, Sharon (Robert) Ooms.

She is survived by her brothers, Frank Boersema and David (Carol) Boersema; her children, Jeff (Kim) Hamberg, Cheryl Fritz, Kelly (Jessica) Hamberg, Steve (Misti) Hamberg, and Kory (Jennifer) Hamberg; her grandchildren, Andrea (Xavier), Izak (Megan), Ian, Abby, Avery, and Mackenzie; and her great-grandchildren, Sabrina and Xavier.

A celebration of life will be 5-7 p.m. August 21, 2026, at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, Michigan 49424.

Donald Everett Reis

August 30, 1939-August 9, 2026

Donald Everett Reis, age 86, of Grand Haven, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at home.

He was born on August 30, 1939, in Milford, Michigan, to the late Donald and Arlene (Strange) Reis. Don married Victoria "Vicki" Evranian on March 23, 1963, in Dearborn, Michigan.

Don graduated from Milford High School. He then joined the Air Force and proudly served his country from 1957 to 1961. After his discharge from the service, he attended Western Michigan University and then Michigan State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree. He later attended Ohio State University and the University of Michigan, where he received his master's degree. Don spent his career working as a city planner up until his retirement.

Don faithfully attended the United Methodist Church of the Dunes for many years. He loved being outdoors, enjoying his hobbies of scuba-diving, traveling, fishing, and kayaking. He was also an avid reader who loved a good book.

Don will be forever remembered and missed by his loving wife of 63 years, Vicki; daughter, Kimberly Stevens of Dallas, Texas; son, Jeffrey (Stephanie) Reis of Miami, Florida; three loved grandchildren, Lauren (Charles) Clark, Luca Reis, and Valentino Reis; two great-grandchildren, Charlie and Callum Clark; his sister, Phyllis Rickard; and brother-in-law, Charles (Ellen) Evranian.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gerald and Kenneth Reis; and sisters, Carol Derosa and Joyce Reis.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Interment will be at the United Methodist Church of the Dunes Memorial Garden.

Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church of the Dunes - Dunesmen.

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

Heriberto Sauceda

June 27, 1959-August 8, 2026

Heriberto "Joe" Sauceda, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, peacefully departed this world at his home on August 8, 2026.

Born on June 27, 1959, in Douglas, Michigan, Joe lived a life full of love, laughter, and dedication to his family and community.

Joe was the cherished son of Heriberto and Maria Sauceda, who preceded him in death, along with his brother, Samuel Sauceda; cousin, Gilbert Villafranca; and his mother and father-in-law, Lino and Yolanda Lopez.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Viola Sauceda, whom he married on June 17, 1978. Together, they built a life centered around their family, rooted in love and respect.

Joe leaves behind a legacy of warmth and kindness through his children, Misty (Jason) Sharda, Teena Jackson, and Joe (Ashley) Sauceda. His spirit continues to shine brightly in his grandchildren, Braelyn, Lilliana, Carter, Keiana, Dallas, Raelynn, Ariyanna, Greyson, Daelani, and Lane, all of whom he adored deeply. Joe also leaves behind his adopted son, Jacob (Deanna) Stewart; godson, Eduardo (Lisa) Lopez Jr.; siblings, Mary Ortiz, Elva Garza, David and Dora Sauceda, Christy and Frank Rodriguez, Stella and Luther Livingston, Lydia and Johnny Gonzalez of Texas, Amelia Roberts, and sister-in-law, Janie Sauceda; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A proud graduate of Fennville High School, Joe pursued a career as a fiberglass technician, where he contributed his skills to Chris Craft, Power Quest, and Sail & Ski in Austin, Texas. His unwavering work ethic and dedication were evident in all he did. Joe was a man of many talents and interests. He was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, where he found community and faith. His passions included playing basketball, shooting pool, and cooking — especially creating his own hot sauce. Joe was an avid collector of tools and took great pride in maintaining a pristine garage and yard. His love for the Dallas Cowboys was well-known, and attending their training camps brought him great joy. Joe’s musical talent as a drummer added rhythm to family gatherings and celebrations.

Above all, Joe cherished his family and the time he spent with them. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he found immense pleasure in giving them rides on his tractor. Known for his easy smile and great sense of humor, Joe brought joy to everyone he knew. In honor of Joe's memory, donations may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church in Douglas, Michigan. As we say goodbye to Joe, we remember a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. His warmth and kindness will be missed by all who knew him, but his spirit will forever remain in our hearts.

Funeral and visitation times are pending and will be announced in the coming days.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church, 100 St. Peters Drive, Douglas, MI 49406.

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

Robert Serum

September 6, 1941-August 6, 2026

Robert Serum, 84, of Hudsonville, died of heart failure on Thursday morning, August 6, 2026.

Robert was born in Hudsonville, Michigan, to Herbert and Kathleen Serum. He graduated from Hudsonville High School and continued his education at Hope College, later earning his PhD in English Literature at the University of Alabama. He saw the world change in unimaginable ways — bearing witness to more than a third of our country’s history — and he saw it through just one working eye. He lost his eye during a childhood accident. If he were here, he would tell you his greatest accomplishment was marrying his wife, Camella Karsten, on June 9, 1967. They were married for 59 years.

To those who knew him, he was many things: a football teammate at Hudsonville, a high school teacher, an English professor, dean of the business school, a friend from the community club, a donor, a sailor, your vice president of academics or your head of international programs at Northwood University. He was many things to many people, which makes it all the more impressive that he was, to us, above all of that, a very good husband and father.

Robert became a father later in life, welcoming his son at age 44 and his daughter a few years later. Because of that, he was never certain he would get to see them grow up, writing both of his children letters when they were babies to open in the event he didn’t make it to their adulthood. The message inside is one they will carry for the rest of their lives: it is never too late to start over, to change course, to dream something new.

As a lifelong educator, he leaves a legacy to many, but to us he leaves this: the tendency to stay up past bedtime with a good novel, the belief that laughter heals, the willingness to admit mistakes and change, a belief that the good we do matters, an unusual preoccupation with the weather, the love of a good root beer float, the importance of checking on your friends, and his four grandsons, including one named in his honor.

He had friends around the world. He was a devoted Alabama football fan and printed out the college football schedule every weekend. He was interested in the world and opened himself to new ideas daily. He was a tremendous example of someone who lived his faith, motivated by love instead of fear.

A heart that did so much for so many for so long was bound to fail eventually. He simply gave all he had to all of us. And what is a life well lived if not that? There was nothing left for us to say at the end because we were not a family to leave things unsaid. He loved us and we loved him and we always knew it. In the end, we were together, and that was enough.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Phillips.

In addition to his wife, Camella, he is survived and forever loved by his children, Andrew (Samantha) Serum and Robyn (John) Hammontree; four grandsons, Preston, Herbie, Jack and Robert “Walt”; his siblings, Jim (Marilyn) Serum and Kathy Serum, and many extended family members.

It is a gift to have had this time with him, and we are lucky to have so much to grieve.

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Florence Mary Thatcher

October 30, 1935-August 2, 2026

Florence Mary Thatcher (Ver Strat) passed away peacefully on Sunday, Aug 2, 2026.

Known to her family as Florence or Floss and to her many friends and acquaintances as “Cookie." She lived a life filled with zest and tenacity. She displayed a keen sense of style and fashion with a willingness to live life her way.

Florence had a special place in her heart for all animals and a particular fondness for felines. It should be no surprise that she was a lifetime fan of the Detroit Tigers baseball team.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents, Cass and Fern (Ogden) Ver Strat, and siblings, Velma (Ver Strat), Melvin, David, and William Ver Strat. She is survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A heartfelt thank you to her congregation at Newhall Community Church, friends and neighbors at Leisure Acres, and residents and staff at Cortland Northview. A very special thank you to Carol Haner (Ver Strat) and Marguerite Herrema, who assisted Florence with countless trips to and from shops and appointments when she needed them over the years. To Lisa, Kelly, and Crystal at Cortland during the twilight of her time on this earth. Blessings to all who treated her with such kindness and consideration.

A funeral service for Florence will be at noon Friday, August 21, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Florence will be laid to rest at Grandville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to the Pleasant Hearts Pet Food Pantry or Vicky's Pet Connection in memory of Florence. Your support of an organization that takes care of animals in need would be the greatest tribute to her. The family welcomes memories at cookcaresbyron.com in Florence’s online guestbook.

Lyle J. Van Kampen

September 21, 1976-August 7, 2026

Lyle Van Kampen, 50, of Fennville, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 7, 2026.

Lyle was born September 21, 1975, in Holland, Michigan, to Lee and Vonne Van Kampen. Lyle graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1993 and became a self-employed construction contractor for his profession.

He is survived by his parents, Lee and Vonne Van Kampen; his brother, Larry and Lisa Van Kampen; nephews and nieces, Connor Kuipers, Cameron and Trinity Kuipers, Andrew Van Kampen, Stella Van Kampen, and Elise Kuipers.

Lyle enjoyed boating from the time he was a child, taking many family summer trips. He owned many boats throughout the years. For Lyle, boats and good music always went well together, so each of his boats, big or small, sported the best sound system.

Lyle, a self-taught cook, took great pride in preparing great meals for his family and friends. He was often seen around his smoker preparing a good piece of meat for an event or in the kitchen cooking or baking up amazing recipes that left everyone in awe.

Lyle lived generously and became an organ and tissue donor with Gift of Life-Michigan. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Gift of Life-Michigan in memory of Lyle: giftoflifemichigan.org/charitablegiving/make-a-contribution.

A funeral service will be held to honor the faith and life of Lyle Van Kampen at 1:30 p.m. Friday, August 14, 2026, at Graafschap Christian Reformed Church, 5973 Church St., Holland, MI 49423. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday, also at Graafschap CRC. Private interment will be in Graafschap Cemetery.

Arrangements by the Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland, MI 49423.

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