Obituaries: Aug. 13, 2026

Donald J. Bruggink

June 30, 1929-July 27, 2026

We announce with great sadness that Donald J. Bruggink, 97, died of complications related to severe pneumonia on July 27, 2026, in Athens, Greece.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude Amelia (nee Hyink) and Dirk John Bruggink; son, Donald Ian; and brother, Dennis (Joan). 

He is survived by his son, John (Jennifer); granddaughters, Leandra and Althea; brother, Dave; and his long-time travel companion and caregiver, Joanne Bent.

Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and colleague and friend to many. 

Don was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on June 30, 1929. He grew up in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin, before attending Central College in Pella, Iowa, where he met his future wife, Erma Van Roekel.

After graduating with a B.A. cum laude in 1951, he attended Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, where he earned a B.D. in 1954. Don and Erma married in 1953 and together went to Scotland, where Don earned his Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh, New College, in 1956. Don and Erma were married for 64 years, until her death in 2017. Don said he learned much about being a better person during those years. 

Don served as pastor of Fordham Manor Reformed Church in the Bronx, New York, from 1957 through 1961. In 1962, Don moved his family, which now included two sons, to Holland, Michigan, when he began teaching at Western Theological Seminary (WTS). Holland was home for the remainder of his life, with the exception of a sabbatical year in 1970-71 when Don and family moved to Rome, Italy, and also traveled throughout much of Europe. 

Don loved to travel and remained an international traveler right up to his final days. His journeys included annual breaks from Michigan winters in Cancun as well as recreational trips to every continent. Don was a lover of the fine arts, regularly taking in a ballet or opera when he was in New York for meetings, and consistently supporting the performing arts in the Holland and Grand Rapids area. He enjoyed fine food, being out in the sun, and swimming. Don had a lifelong interest in cars and usually owned at least one obscure model. He acquired a fully electric vehicle, his last car, at the age of 91.

Don was the WTS James A. H. Cornell Professor of Historical Theology from 1966 until his retirement in 1999.  While on the faculty of WTS, he inaugurated a series of overseas Western Christendom Travel Seminars for WTS students, and 28 groups traveled with him in several countries between 1968 and 1999. After retiring from WTS, Don continued offering educational travel seminars through Overseas Connects at WTS from 1999 until 2015.  

Don served as a Senior Research Fellow at the Van Raalte Institute from 2003 until his death. Coffee time with his colleagues there was a treasured and motivating part of his days. 

Don’s major publications were "Christ and Architecture" (1965) and "When Faith Takes Form" (1971) both with his architect cousin Carl H. Droppers. These publications resulted in honorary memberships in several architectural and religious design societies and led to Don acting as consultant to 81 building committees. He researched and conducted 13 overseas architectural tours on behalf of the Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art, and Architecture (IFRAA)/American Institute of Architects.

Don received the IFRAA Conover Award in 1984 and was awarded an honorary D.D. from Central College in 2002. Don was also honored with a special tribute in the spring 1999 issue of the Reformed Review, and the festschrift: "Tools for Understanding," "Essays in Honor of Donald J. Bruggink," James Hart Brumm, ed., in 2008.

Don’s many other professional accomplishments were described in a joint press release from WTS, The Van Raalte Institute, and Hope College at hope.edu/news/2026/campus-life/western-theological-seminary-vri-and-hope-college-pay-respect-to-devoted-theologian-and-rca-leader-don-bruggink.html.

All are welcome to meet the family from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, at Third Reformed Church in Holland, with a memorial service at 11 a.m., and fellowship at a light lunch afterward. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Don’s memory to: The Third Reformed Church Memorial Fund, Doctors Without Borders, The American Indian College Fund, or The Holland Museum.

Robert B. Rodriguez

June 25, 1942-August 9, 2026

Robert B Rodriguez, 84, of Holland, Michigan, passed away on August 9, 2026.

Born on June 25, 1942, in Dallas, Texas, Robert was the son of Simon Rodriguez and Gloria Rodriguez, both of whom preceded him in death.

One of six children, he was raised in Dallas alongside his brothers and sisters.

Robert built a life grounded in work, devotion, and family. He held two main jobs through his adult years, first with National Motors in South Haven. After the family moved to the Holland area in 1988, he began working at the Life Savers Factory, where he remained until retiring in 2003, when the factory closed its doors. Through the years, Robert was known for his reliability and the quiet dignity with which he carried responsibility.

Around 1958, Robert met Otilia. The two were married in 1959, and in 1960, they moved to Chicago before relocating to Fennville/South Haven in 1965, eventually settling more permanent roots in the Holland area. Together they welcomed three children into the world. In 2017, Otilia passed — a loss felt deeply by Robert and the entire family.

In 2018, Robert met Leola, and the two were married later that year, continuing a life shaped by companionship, commitment, and enduring faith.

Central to Robert’s life was his faith; he was a devoted and steady Christian and a regular attendee at his church, Church of God of Prophecy. He often played his harmonica at church in the band, something he participated in with Otilia and Rick. Music brought him immense joy, and he cherished sharing it with those he loved.

Robert also found happiness in the simple, meaningful rhythms of everyday life. Going out to eat was a favorite, with preferred spots including Russ', Wok in Wok out, Pizza Ranch, and IHOP. For Robert, a meal out was never just a meal — it was a way to gather family close and spend true time together. And when Robert invited someone out, it was understood that their money would be no good; his generosity was practical, consistent, and offered with a kind-hearted ease that made others feel cared for. In quieter moments, he enjoyed watching Boxing, Seinfeld, and a good true crime series.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Simon Rodriguez; his mother, Gloria Rodriguez; his wife, Otilia Rodriguez; his son, Bob Rodriguez; and his brother, Simon Rodriguez.

Robert is survived by his wife, Leola Rodriguez; his son, Richard (Olga) Rodriguez; his daughter, Priscilla (Jerry) Prys; his sisters, Alicia De La Torre and Maria Luisa Caballero; his brothers, Raymond (Amelia) Rodriguez, Aucensio (Josie) Rodriguez; and his grandchildren, Sierra (Seth) Schut, Jager (Micayla) Prys, Hannah (Matthew) Barber, and step grandchildren, Marc Soliz, Armondo Soliz, and Monica Soliz.

Memorial Visitation will be held at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James Street, Holland, Michigan 49424, on August 24, 2026, from 5-7 p.m.

Darlene Slachter

September 11, 1960-August 1, 2026

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Darlene Slachter, of Grand Haven, who peacefully entered the presence of her Lord on August 1, 2026, at the age of 65.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents Cornelius ("Casey") and Mary Verwys, and her dear brother, Cornelius ("Neal") Verwys.

She leaves behind her loving siblings Randy (Rosie) Verwys, Mary Koetje, Shirley Verwys, John Verwys, and Paul Verwys; daughter, Candie (Dustin) Sentz; and two adored granddaughters, Eliana and Lyla Palmer. She is also lovingly remembered by her nieces Jamie (Skip) Short and Kaylee (Justin) Duram, and nephew, Kyle Koetje. She held a special place in the lives of her treasured great-nieces and great-nephews Raegan and Madison Short, Isaiah Verwys, and Sophia, Remington, Tucker, Easton, Asher, and Tate Duram. She also leaves behind extended family and countless friends whose lives were forever changed by her love, kindness, and unwavering faith.

She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel like family and faithfully checked in on those she loved. To many of her younger co-workers she became like a godmother — always offering a listening ear, sharing wisdom, teaching life lessons (and even how to drive), giving thoughtful advice, and lifting others up through heartfelt prayer. She shared a special bond with her dear young friend, Kayla Coats, whom she loved as family.

She enjoyed taking daily walks with her beloved dog, Bear, chatting with neighbors, laughing, shopping trips, canoeing, and just spending time with family and friends. Her contagious smile, uplifting spirit, and genuine love touched countless lives. Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. She loved the Lord with all her heart and lived out her faith through service, kindness, and generosity. Whether volunteering, helping those in need, or offering encouragement and prayer, she reflected Christ's love in all she did. She was humble, generous with her time, and thrifty in the way she lived, always thinking of others.

Above all else, she loved her family and wanted to be remembered for her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Though she will be deeply missed, her love, service, and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. We find comfort knowing she has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and now rests in the eternal joy of her Savior.

A celebration of her life will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, Michigan, with visitation prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m.

Interment will take place at Beaverdam Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor her memory to perform an act of kindness, serve someone in need, or support a ministry or charitable organization that reflects her compassionate heart.

The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook.

Esther Rita Sullivan

April 13, 1951-August 8, 2026

Esther Rita Sullivan, of Spring Lake, Michigan, passed away at Trinity Hospital in Muskegon on Saturday, August 8, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

A devoted woman of faith, Esther dedicated her life to serving others through Christian education and compassionate mentorship.

Born in Muskegon on April 13, 1951, to George and Myrtle (Baird) Clark, Esther was a graduate of Mona Shores High School, class of 1969. Esther married the love of her life, Duane Sullivan, on March 10, 1984. Her friends fondly remember their time together at Lakeside Assembly of God, sharing adventures that would last a lifetime. Early in her career, Esther was among the first staff with Teen Challenge in Muskegon, later training at the David Wilkerson Ranch in Texas and traveling across the United States. She lived in Washington State for many years, working at a Christian school in Wenatchee and teaching at Life Christian School in Tacoma, where she shared her love of music by playing the violin with children.

From 2011 to 2016, Esther continued her calling as a drug and alcohol counselor in Alaska. After retiring, she returned to Muskegon in 2017. She was a loyal Seattle sports fan alongside her husband, cheering for the Mariners and Seahawks. In recent years, she faced several health challenges with resilience. She will be remembered for her kindness, her gentle spirit, her steadfast faith, and the quiet strength she displayed throughout her life.

Esther was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Duane, and her sister, Marcia Riley. She is survived by her son, Nathan Sullivan; her brother, Gary Clark; Niece, Heide Riley; nephew, Todd Riley; and dear childhood friends who were like family, including Sharon Tierman and Clara Harrell.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A private memorial service will be held with her pastor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of your choice or to an organization supporting addiction recovery, such as Teen Challenge, reflecting Esther's lifelong commitment to this work.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Marion Alice VerMurlen

March 3, 1928-August 3, 2026

Marion A. VerMurlen, age 98, passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side, on Monday, August 3, 2026, in Grand Haven, Michigan.

She was born to Christopher and Elizabeth (Glascott) Olson on March 3, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois. On January 25, 1968, she married Robert C. VerMurlen in Honolulu, Hawaii, and spent 56 wonderful years together working hard, playing hard, giving freely of their time and talents and forging meaningful relationships.

Marion was an active member at Second Reformed Church in Grand Haven, a past president for the American Legion Auxiliary #28 and a recipient of Life Membership, Ladies Auxiliary 1988. The years she spent with the Auxiliary members brought her much joy and enlarged her family, as many of those relationships were deep and long-lasting.

She enjoyed and treasured her and her husband’s family and the time and memories they made together. She leaves behind a history of love, laughter, and friendships, and she will be deeply missed. During the last years of her life, she was loved and nurtured by the staff of the Terrace in Grand Pines and by Careline Hospice, and they remember her sweet smile and spunky attitude.

She is survived in death by her children, Katherine Kokonas-Spencer, Tom Kokonas, Karl-Erik (Karmala) Johnson; stepchildren, Sharon Klinesmith, Robert (Michele) VerMurlen; grandchildren, Daniel (Candice) Weidner, Joseph (Porsha) Weidner, Marial (Christopher Angelucci) Coulter, Erin Stichauf, Phoenix Johnson, Faith Johnson, Liam Johnson, step-grandchildren, Jennifer (Ryan) Drock, Melissa VerMurlen, Kristy VerMurlen; great-grandchildren, Alice, Harvey, Quinn, Autumn, Theo, Nico, Penelope, Bobby, Logan; step-great-grandchildren, Evan, Annabeth, Daisy.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert VerMurlen; her parents, Christopher and Elizabeth Olson; brothers, James Olson, William Olson, Robert Olson; cousin, John Doyle; stepson-in-law, Tom Klinesmith; step-granddaughter, Kelly Klinesmith.

Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026, fat The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, with a memorial service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m., where Robert and Marion will be placed together at Lake Forest Cemetery, 1304 Lake Ave. Grand Haven, MI. 49417.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to VFW Post 2326 or to the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary #28. Arrangements are through The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services. Please consider signing the family’s online guestbook and share memories at sytsemafh.com.