Obituaries: Aug. 23, 2026

Carla Jean Brooks

November 12, 1949-August 19, 2026

Carla Jean Brooks, 76, of Muskegon, Michigan, passed away at the Harbor Hospice Poppen Residence on August 19, 2026.

Carla was born in Grand Haven, Michigan, on November 12, 1949, to the late Charles and Thresa (Murphy) Buikema.

Carla is survived by her son, Rodney Brooks.

Anne Christine DeGraves

January 13, 1931-August 20, 2026

Anne Christine DeGraves, age 95, passed away on August 20, 2026, leaving behind a family who adored her and a lifetime of memories created through her extraordinary energy, generosity, and love.

Born in Moline, Michigan, Anne made her home for many years in Wyoming, Michigan, and later enjoyed 23 wonderful years at Outdoor Resorts in Long Key, Florida. This community became an important and joyful part of her life.

Those who knew Anne knew that she was, quite simply, “a force of nature.” She was strong, determined, creative, and endlessly energetic, but above all, she was the best mother and grandmother her family could have wished for. Anne didn't simply tell her family that she loved them — she showed them.

She worked throughout her adult life while still finding seemingly unlimited time and energy for her children and her community. When her daughter wanted to ride her horse, Anne would use her own lunch hour to drive her there. She led a remarkable 48-member Girl Scout troop and was deeply involved with the Wyoming Park Boosters, always willing to step forward when something needed to be done.

Her devotion to family extended well beyond her own children. Anne became the guardian and advocate for her older sister, who lived with mental illness. At a time when people with mental illness were too often forgotten or hidden away, Anne stood beside her sister. She became involved in efforts to improve and clean up the institutions responsible for her care. It was one of many examples of Anne's determination to take care of the people she loved.

Anne also had a wonderfully creative side. She made crafts that she sold at shows, but perhaps her creativity was displayed most memorably in the elaborate dinners and shows she helped create during her years at Outdoor Resorts. An evening organized by Anne was never just dinner. There was The Speakeasy, the Italian Fest, the China Dinner, and many others — each one different, imaginative, and memorable down to the smallest detail. Anne had a gift for turning an ordinary gathering into an occasion people would talk about long afterward.

Later in life, Anne became a member of Grandville United Methodist Church, where she found a community of faith that meant a great deal to her. She especially enjoyed helping with funeral dinners and the fellowship that came with serving others. She treasured the friendships she made there and the sense of God's community she found within the church.

Anne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert J. DeGraves, and her sisters Audrey Lincoln, Lila Bileth, and Margie Mosley. Later in life, Anne had the special opportunity to meet members of her father's second family and form relationships that added another chapter to her family's story. She was also preceded in death by her half-siblings, Paty Czinder, Barbara Kaminski, and Bill Bileth.

Anne is survived by her daughters, Denise Polino and her husband, Tony, and Cynthia Rinard and her husband, Mike. She is also survived by her grandson, Brian, his wife, Amber, and great-granddaughters Elise, Ainsley, and Emilia; her grandson, Chris, his wife, Kelli, and great-grandson, Caden; her grandson, Sean, his wife, Kelsey, and great-grandchildren Jacob and Carli. She is also survived by her dear sister-in-law, Doris, and by her Bileth half-siblings, Bonnie Grooters, Jack Bileth, and Vicki Hickmont, with whom Anne was joyfully reunited later in life.

Anne lived 95 years, but the measure of her life cannot be found simply in its length. It can be found in the family she fiercely loved, the sister she protected, the children she encouraged, the communities she served, the friendships she treasured, and the countless celebrations she made more beautiful simply because she was there.

She worked hard. She loved deeply. She created, organized, helped, protected, and celebrated. She was a force of nature, but to her family, she was simply Mom and Grandma. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

The celebration of life service will take place at 4 p.m. Friday, August 28, 2026, at Grandville United Methodist Church, 3140 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville, MI 49418, with a luncheon to follow.

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

Ysidoro Piaz DeLeon Jr.

April 21, 1952-August 15, 2026

Ysidoro “Robert” DeLeon, age 74, of Wyoming, Michigan, passed away on August 15th, 2026, at home.

He was born in Mathis, Texas, on April 21, 1952. His family worked the fields from Texas to Michigan and eventually settled in the West Michigan area. He attended Holland High School. He was a semi-professional billiards player and could be found many nights at the Anazeh Sands Pool Hall. He was an avid golfer as well. He was a long-time worker at the Keebler factory in Grand Rapids and missed his elven friends in his retirement. He had an infectious laugh and always had a story to tell. Though he made it hard sometimes, he was greatly loved, and he will be greatly missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Josephina DeLeon; father, Rodrigo Longoria; wife, Rosa DeLeon; and brothers, Ernesto and Gabriel Longoria.

He is survived by this mother, Esther Longoria; children, Jeremy (Amy), Timothy (Angela), Andrew, Jesse, Steven, Thomas, Matthew (Kitrina Zammitt) DeLeon; siblings – Enedina (Lon) Waldron and Rodrigo “Jr.” (Lisa) Longoria; Grandchildren Amaya and Solara DeLeon, Gabriel, Ethan, and Lucas DeLeon, Caleb and Ezra DeLeon, Avery Mullins, Madison King, Aislin Bissell, and Thomas DeLeon Jr. Great-grandchild – Elliot DeLeon; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends.

There is a celebration of life service from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, MI 49424.

James "Jim" Campbell Dolan

July 18, 1944-August 19, 2026

James "Jim" Campbell Dolan, age 82, of Ada, (formerly of Grand Haven), passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at home.

He was born on July 18, 1944, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to the late Eugene and Francis "Tant" (Campbell) Dolan. Jim married Mary Miller on October 17, 1987, in Grand Haven.

While growing up, Jim attended St. Patrick's School and then graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1962. He then went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University and his Master of Arts degree from Michigan State University.

During Jim's 30-year career in education, he served as a teacher, coach, principal, assistant superintendent, and director of instructor services for Hopkins, Eau Claire, and Rickford School Districts, as well as the Allegan Area Educational Service Agency. Jim was recognized by the Michigan Association of School Boards in 2003 and 2004 for his leadership in developing and implementing a countywide, multiagency literary initiative.

After retirement, Jim and Mary created, produced, and sold collectible Christmas memorabilia at their studio, Wistyria Editions in Grand Haven for 10 years.

Jim meant a lot to the school community. His hard work and kindness touched many students and teachers. People will remember him for his warm heart and the great help he gave every day.

Jim is lovingly survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary; step-children, Monique (Keith) Keegan, Renee Bruneau, and Trey (Jodee) Bruneau; and his six beloved grandchildren, Maxfield (Annie) Keegan, Francine and Carlisle Wright, Sydney (Truitt) Loewen, Lilly (Ben) Clark, and Rylee Bruneau.

Private family services will be held. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James "Jim" Campbell Dolan, please visit our floral store.

Elmer Albert Frank III

November 20, 1963-August 18, 2026

Elmer (Duke) Frank went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Duke had two brothers and one sister. He is survived by his sister, Cheryl, and rejoins his brothers, Ronald and Ricky; his mother, Marla; and his father, Elmer, in heaven.

Although Duke was raised a “Florida boy,” he spent most of his adult life here in Michigan. To know Duke was to love him. He had many friends and chosen family here in Michigan. And he loved his family that resides in the Carolinas. Duke impacted many people in different ways, as highlighted below:

Duke was the embodiment of Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself.” He lived to serve others, and his example will be remembered forever.”

“Duke valued all people. I think of my kids running around church and Duke listening to them, asking them questions, and playing with them as they bounced by.”

“Duke loved with all of his heart, gave with all of his being, laughed with the biggest smile, and made a lasting impact on everyone around him. He was incredibly proud of the impact he made in both his church and recovery communities, connecting the recovery journey with the courage to take a leap of faith through skydiving. This passion inspired him to create Jump for Recovery, an event that brought together his love of recovery, adventure, and community while making an immense impact on the recovery community.”

"Duke had a passion for helping others. When he learned of a need, he would bend over backwards to meet the needs of people within our community."

A celebration of life will be at 4 p.m. Friday, September 11, at BLVD Church, 238 W. 15th St., Holland. In lieu of flowers, you can donate to Jump for Recovery, an annual celebration of recovery that Duke co-founded in 2023 jumpforrecoverymi.com.

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

Please visit lakeshorememorial.com for further information.

Dorothy Jeannette Hale

January 31, 1950-August 20, 2026

Dorothy Jeannette Hale passed on August 20, 2026, at the age of 76.

She was born on January 31, 1950, and resided in Hudsonville, Michigan.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Rodney "Rod" Lew Kruithoff

February 8, 1937-August 20, 2026

Rodney Lew Kruithoff, age 89, of Zeeland, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2026, peacefully at home.

Rod was born on February 8, 1937, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to the late Adrian and Irene (Boerema) Kruithoff in Grand Haven. Rod married Lucille Zalsman on November 17, 1956, in Grand Haven, and they cherished 69 years of marriage.

Rod began his career in the auto parts industry at Oldberg’s, where he worked from 1958 to 1959, before joining Michigan Auto Parts in Wyoming, Michigan, where he worked from 1960 to 1973. His love of automobiles and his work as a mechanic inspired him to open his own business, Rod’s Auto Parts, which he owned and operated from 1973 until 2003. Rod had a lifelong passion for buying, selling, and restoring automobiles and took great pride in his extensive collection of antique trucks, including Ford F-1 through F-7. He also enjoyed selling used cars and auto parts and sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for automobiles with others.

Rod is survived by his loving wife, Lucille; daughters, Kathleen Rupp, Peggy (Bob) Hoekwater, Theresa Kruithoff, and Jennifer German; grandchildren, Jeremy, Nicole, Mike, Kyle, Kaleb, and Emmy; 14 great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Esther Kruithoff and Karen Kruithoff; and several nieces and nephews.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Mandy Harnden; sisters, Murriel Potter, Hope Kruithoff, and Ardith Hitsman; and brothers, Terrance and Russell Kruithoff.

The funeral service for Rod will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, with Pastor Bill Russell officiating. A graveside service will be at 12:30 p.m. at Olive Township Cemetery. Following the graveside service, there will be fellowship and lunch in Rod’s barn at 10910 Stanton St.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rodney "Rod" Lew Kruithoff, please visit our floral store.

Priscilla Dean Sanders

February 12, 1950-August 22, 2026

Priscilla Dean Sanders passed on August 22, 2026, at the age of 76.

She was born on February 12, 1950, and resided in Holland, Michigan.

No services are scheduled at this time. 

Lana Kay (DeHeer) Smith

July 29, 1949-August 20, 2026

Lana Kay Smith, age 77, of Grand Haven, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Lakeshore Assisted Living.

She was born on July 29, 1949, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to the late Herbert and Geraldine (Vander Stelt) DeHeer. Lana married Michel Smith on October 23, 1992, in Grand Haven.

Lana graduated from Grand Haven High School and then Muskegon Community College with her degree in cosmetology. She owned and operated her salon, The Hair Artist, in Grand Haven for many years. She enjoyed being outdoors, taking care of her garden and flowers, and loved going camping and on car rides. Lana also enjoyed traveling to Florida and was known for her kindness and always helping others.

Lana will be lovingly remembered and missed by her husband of 33 years, Michael; her two sons, Justin (Annie) Smith and Adam (Ashlan) Smith; many beloved grandchildren; and several cousins.

She was preceded in death by two sons, David and Daniel Vanderwall, and her sister, Mary DeHeer.

The funeral service for Lana will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Emmanuel Free Church, with Lana's son, Pastor Justin Smith, officiating. Private family Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Lakeshore Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Free Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lana Kay (DeHeer) Smith, please visit our floral store.

Robert Lee Van Den Brand

May 19, 1952-August 18, 2026

Robert (Bob) Van Den Brand passed away on August 18, 2026.

A lifelong resident of Holland, Michigan, Bob built his life around faith, family, and service.

He is survived by his wife, Patty; his children, Nikki (Matt) Laarman, Kristen (Steve) Wiltz, Scott (Lindsey) Ensing, Emily (Trey) Conner; 10 grandchildren, Draike, Chase, Paityn Tenley, Oliver, Wylen, Pippa, Braxton, Tyson and Kinley; and his brother, Ron (Kristy) Van Den Brand.

Bob worked in the furniture industry his entire career, retiring from Trendway Corp., where he spent the majority of his career. He served in the Army National Guard and was a faithful member of Fellowship church for many years, serving as an elder, deacon, on the praise team, and volunteering in many ways. He enjoyed golfing, pickleball, camping, hunting, fishing, and volunteering.

Bob will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his faith, and the love and kindness he shared with everyone around him. He was a humble man who served others before himself. His legacy of faith, fun, and generosity will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.” ~ Matthew 25:21

Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. on August 24, 2026, at Fellowship Reformed Church, 2165 W. Lakewood Blvd., Holland, MI 49424.

A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. on August 25, 2026, at Fellowship Reformed Church, 2165 W. Lakewood Blvd., Holland, MI 49424.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Fellowship Reformed Church.

Larry Jon Weenum

January 29, 1949-August 20, 2026

On August 20, 2026, Larry got his prayer answered. He got to “see his maker,” face to face.

He got his traveling mercies. "When a person’s steps follow the Lord, God is pleased with his ways. If he stumbles, he will not fall, because the Lord holds his hand." ~ Psalm 37:23-24.

One of the highlights of his life was being a medic in the Army as an SP5 and protecting ALL OF US. ... Being the happy, upbeat person he was, he had many stories to tell about those times!

I think he would say he had a good life. ... Not without its troubles, but a good life. He lived in Chicago for several years where he worked for a good company, teaching himself to be an engineer with "on the job" learning. His company sent him to a couple of European countries to set up the company's machinery.

Michigan was still in his blood, as was FAMILY. We were happy to see him move back here and spent many hours together with him and his dogs, which were family to him. He also taught himself how to make things with leather, and we each have gifts from that hobby.

He often mentioned how blessed we kids were to have parents who raised us to be grounded in the goodness of God. He certainly shared that; he was a man who plowed neighbors’ driveways, mowed their lawns, helped them in any way he could, and they thanked him by being good neighbors for him, and they got his mail, walked his dog, stopped in to say "hello," and drove him where he needed to go.

I, personally, was so amazed at his dear friends, some I'd never met and some I got to know much better towards the end of his life. So FAITHFUL, dedicated, so helpful, so caring, so trustworthy, so ... CLOSE, so much love shared among them. "I got your back, Brother." We are so boundlessly grateful for all their help.

He was a wonderful brother, brother-in-law, and friend.

A private service is being planned at this time.