Obituaries: Aug. 28, 2026

Joyce M. Black

July 24, 1929-August 17, 2026

Joyce M. Black, age 97, met her heavenly father peacefully on Monday, August 17, 2026. 

She was born on July 24, 1929, to Leo and Laura (Carpenter) Klein in Flint, Michigan. 

A celebration of Joyce's Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417.

Share memories with the family at sytsemafh.com.

Marcia Ann Boerman

October 13, 1942-August 26, 2026

Marcia Ann Boerman, age 83, of Hamilton, Michigan, went to be with her Lord on August 26, 2026.

She was born on October 13, 1942, to Harvey Klein and Hermina Klein. Marcia’s life was marked by steady devotion — rooted in faith, strengthened by family, and expressed through a generous spirit that only grew more constant with time.

Raised in the Holland and Hamilton area, Marcia knew the rhythms of a typical farm upbringing. Mornings often began with collecting eggs from the chickens — never her favorite chore — before heading off to school. She graduated from Allegan High School in 1960, carrying forward the practical strength and quiet perseverance that shaped her early years. She was one of two children and shared her childhood with her brother, Larry (Carol) Klein.

In 1957, Marcia met Junior Boerman. After Junior enlisted, they continued their relationship through letters, making plans and building a future with patience and purpose. In 1961, Marcia and Junior were married, and not long afterward they welcomed their first child, eventually growing their family to five children over the years. More than any title or role, Marcia treasured being present — showing up, encouraging, and supporting her children in anything and everything she could.

Throughout her life, Marcia worked many odd jobs, yet her central work was always the care of her home and family — making sure the children were tended to and life was held together with steadiness and love. Later in life, she worked at Herman Miller, retiring in 1998.

Marcia’s interests reflected both her diligence and her warmth. She could often be found in her garden, and in the summer she was known for rallying the family to help can anything that might spoil before it could be eaten. She was an avid reader and enjoyed sewing and crocheting. She also loved garage sales — drawn not only by the surprise of what she might find, but by the thought that something there could be just what someone else might need. If Marcia knew someone was in need, she made it her mission to help, and she was unafraid to ask her community and loved ones to join her in that effort. Her care for others did not fade with the years; it deepened, as she found new ways to be a steady support to those around her.

That same faithful presence extended to her grandchildren. Marcia attended their events whenever she could. Even when football was not her favorite, she was invested if one of the grandkids was playing. At baseball and softball games, she kept stat sheets — meticulously maintained — an enduring sign of how attentively she loved and how fully she showed up.

Marcia was a regular member of Bentheim Reformed Church, where she participated in missionary work and volunteering. Most notably, Marcia and Junior volunteered for over 10 years with the Kentucky Mountain Bible College, giving their time and energy in a spirit of humble service.

Marcia is survived by her husband, Junior Boerman; her children, Terry (Muriel) Boerman, Gwyn (Doug) Schreur, Sandi (Mark) Nyboer, Kristi (Jim) Ter Horst, and Dean (Michelle) Boerman; her grandchildren, Corey (Kelli), Travis (Lindsey), Ken (Heather), Adam (Megan), Tom, John (Krystal), Amanda (Tom), Luke (Lanie), Tyler, Sammie (Jake), Austin, Levi, and Cooper; and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Larry (Carol) Klein.

Marcia was preceded in death by her father, Harvey Klein, and her mother, Hermina Klein.

Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Bentheim Reformed Church, 3997 38th St., Hamilton, MI 49419, and again from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery, 3613 47th St., Hamilton.

Marjorie Jane Grotenhuis

July 21, 1924-August 26, 2026

Marjorie Jane (Stowie) Grotenhuis, born July 21, 1924, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus and reunited with her loved ones in Heaven on August 26, 2026, at the age of 102. “Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Walter, who passed away in 1997; daughter, Sherril Heydenburg; and son-in-law, Brent Turner.

She is survived by her sons, Dale Grotenhuis and Bruce Grotenhuis; daughter, Carol Turner; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Marjorie was a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother. Her greatest joy was loving and caring for her family, always putting the needs of others before her own. She had a heart for helping others. She lived her life with grace, kindness, and compassion. Her faith in Jesus Christ was the source of her strength and at the very center of her life. Her greatest legacy will be the love she poured into her family, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness and generosity.

Marjorie was a longtime member of Calvary Church, where she faithfully served throughout her life in many ministries and areas of the church.

Visitation with Marge’s family and friends will be 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418. Funeral services for Marge will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 2, at Cook Memorial Chapel.

The family would like to thank the staff at Sunset Manor and Villages for loving and caring for Marge as their very own.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Marjorie, contributions may be made to Sunset Legacy Foundation or Calvary Church on the East Beltline. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.

Thomas Edward Joiner

August 5, 1937-August 25, 2026

Thomas Edward Joiner, age 89, of Spring Lake, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at home, surrounded by his family.

He was born on August 5, 1937, in Danville, Illinois, to the late Floyd and Helen Lucille (Burris) Joiner. Tom married Janet Sutton on November 9, 1985, in Freesoil, Michigan. She preceded him in death on July 10, 2026, after sharing 40 years of marriage.

Tom graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1955, where he played varsity football, basketball and track. His athleticism led to a lifelong love of sports, especially the Lions, Tigers and Michigan State. He attended Michigan Technological University, where he earned his B.S. degree in civil engineering, and later obtained his professional engineer license in the state of Michigan.

After working at several municipalities early in his career, including being the Director of Public Works and the City Engineer in Grand Haven, Michigan, Tom established Joiner Engineering Inc., in Spring Lake, Michigan, in 1973. He also served as the Ottawa County Surveyor from 1977 to 2000. He possessed a rare and genuine love for his work. Driven by that passion, he graciously offered his guidance and mentorship as a consultant throughout his whole life.

Tom's love of engineering was matched by his deep appreciation for the great outdoors. Throughout his life, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He especially treasured the opportunities to travel to the western states on hunting excursions with his family and friends. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, where he shared his passion for wildlife and the outdoors with others. Whether through his work or his time spent hunting and fishing at his log cabin (rightfully named "Joiner Adventures") in the woods in Freesoil, Michigan, Tom approached life with curiosity, dedication, and a genuine love for what he did. Above all, he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Tom will be lovingly remembered and missed by his daughters, Jacki Joiner, Joni (Scott) Westfield, and Jennifer (Kurt) Klaassen; step-children, Kim Nagy and Dr. Frank (Janine) Nagy; nine grandchildren, Cody (Aly) Vela, Khailey (Michael) Rice, Jordan (Sydney) Klaassen, Lauren Klaassen (and fiancé, Jacob Kammeraad), Colton Whipple, Kathryn (Will) Hardaway, David (Aubree) Carlisle, Alexia Nagy, and Julianna Nagy; four great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Lilith, Alyssa, and Casey; and brother, Hal (Julie) Hansen.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Janet; his son, Thomas C. Joiner; great-grandson, Cailen Vela; son-in-law, James Carlisle; and brothers, Chuck Joiner and Greg Hansen.

The funeral service for Tom will take place at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home with Pastor Eldon Eldred officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A private family interment will be at Spring Lake Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to his great-grandson's nonprofit children's fund: "Cailen Loves Everybody" at cailenloveseverybody.com.

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

Thomas "Tom" Dale Peterson

July 23, 1938-August 14, 2026

Thomas “Tom” Dale Peterson, 88, was born July 23, 1938, in Smithville, Arkansas, to John and Opal Peterson.

Tom passed on August 14, 2026. He spent the remainder of his life in Michigan after moving there in 1957, and he leaves behind a legacy marked by steady generosity, quiet selflessness, and a warmth that made people feel at ease in his presence. Tom's southern charm and hospitality were always evident, as you could always catch him saying, "Howdy," even to strangers who passed by.

Tom’s early years were shaped by a life lived close to the land in the hills of the Ozarks. Growing up, the family did without electricity, relied on what they could raise and make, and learned to stretch what they had — sometimes smoking a large pig to carry them through the winter. He often told stories from those days, including the times he picked cotton in Arkansas and traveled to Florida to pick citrus fruits. From that upbringing came an education of a different kind: the ability to work with his hands, to meet hard work head-on, and to do what needed to be done without fanfare. Those skills stayed with Tom for a lifetime.

In Michigan, Tom worked as a contractor and spent much of his career at Maple Leaf Farms as a maintenance technician. He was known for his work ethic and reliability, working until he was 80 and still taking on odd jobs until he was 83 — because for Tom, being useful was a way of showing care.

In 1973, Tom met Dorothy (Dort), and together they began blending their families. They were married on August 2nd, 1974. In 1979, Tom and Dort gave birth to identical twin girls. Their marriage was remembered for the deep love and steady devotion they shared, each with a role that fit like a well-worn glove — Tom often the brawn of the tasks at hand, and Dorothy the brains. Together, they raised a family of nine daughters and one son, building a home filled with the kind of everyday support that becomes a lifelong foundation.

Tom’s hands were rarely still. He built his own homes and made most of his furniture by hand, and he took pride in the visible proof of effort and care in everything he created. Anyone passing by could see his green thumb at work; Tom could often be found in the garden growing everything from cucumbers to flowers. Though cucumbers weren’t his favorite — “those were for the kiddios" since they loved them — he grew them anyway, a small and telling example of how naturally he put others first. On Sunday mornings after church, you would find him in the kitchen making his famous pancakes and sawmill gravy for his large family. He would always say, "It'll keep you'uns from starvin' ." This was a family tradition that kept the family together. As his children grew, one of his favorite things became helping them with repairs and renovations, leaving a small part of himself in each and every one of their homes. He was the kind of father who would drop everything when someone needed him, and he did it with a generous spirit and a steady, practical kindness.

As a grandparent, Tom was amazing — supportive, present, and dependable. All of the grandkids loved him and wanted to play with papa. The grandkids knew that if they needed anything, he would be there. Even into his later years, he would still find a way to get down on the floor and play, meeting them with the same openhearted attention that defined so much of his life. And throughout it all, Tom’s humor remained close at hand: he was witty, quick with a comeback, and able to lighten a moment without ever diminishing what mattered.

Tom's children and grandchildren would watch him build and craft anything from dollhouses, picture frames, and furniture to remodeling homes and even building his own homes; the list goes on. He could build anything, and when he ran into a challenge, he always had a way to fix it and make it beautiful as he cheerfully hummed his famous tune. He always had a saying, "Don't sweat the small stuff". His positive attitude and this one saying reminded everyone to always focus on what makes you happy and do what you love.

Tom was an inspiration to all and led by example. By watching him build and create, it was also building, teaching, and guiding his children and grandchildren into who they are today. If something didn't work and his first idea didn't go as planned, he never gave up or complained and always found another clever way to fix it and make it work and make it beautiful. He had a way of making the impossible possible. Where others would have given up, he kept going until his goal, project, and work were completed, and he was satisfied with a job well done. His light-heartedness made a stressful moment disappear. He danced when it seemed like there was no hope. He laughed and joked around with his funny sayings, making even the unenjoyable enjoyable.

He made all of those around him feel at peace and happy. He would often say, "You can't change it, so don't worry about it." His problem-solving, perseverance, determination, strength, and sense of humor through challenges taught his family to never give up and that there was always another way to fix it. If something didn't work out the first time, never give up and keep trying until it worked. He taught all to face challenges head-on with determination, strength, and with a smile on your face and a cheerful hum. Tom's legacy of the incredible man he was and his strong spirit will live on, for he has built a beautiful masterpiece in each of his loved ones.

Tom brought beauty to everything and to every heart he touched, and he left this earth with the same strength, determination, courage, and beauty until his final job here on earth was complete: to enter the glorious gates of heaven.

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy Peterson of 47 years; her parents, Rev Lambert and Jennie VanHaitsma; his parents, John and Opal Peterson; brothers, Jay (Bernice) Peterson and Bill (Bert) Peterson; sisters, Maycanzada (Sis) Smith, Mary (HD) Walker; son, Harlan, and daughter-in-law Jody Berens; son-in-law, Tim Nichols and grandson, Scott Voshel.

Tom is survived by his sister, Katherine Parker; by his daughters, Gale Bailey, Robbie (Robert) Fowler, Kellie Nichols, Jennifer (Kris) Assaley, Jolene (Randy) VanMaldegen, Judy (Jerry) Nuismer, Vicky (Verl) Bleeker, Pat (Rich) Cullers, Sue (Tim) Schuiling; his grandchildren, Heather Voshel, Sara (Joshua) Patzer, Hidie Nichols, Autumn Nichols (Kyrel Hall), Kristin Dorothy Assaley, Willie (special grand pup), Anna VanMaldegen, Joey VanMaldegen, Dustin (Michelle) Schuiling, Jenassa (Trevor) Brown, Leah (Eric) Scholten, Chase (Cassie) Bleeker, Bobbi Jo (Juan) Guerra, Justin (Jamie) Schuiling, Jamee (Chrissy) Schuiling, Dalton (Anyaa) Troost, Tammy (Dave) Nykamp, Julie (Kurt) Butterworth, Michael (Toni) Cullers, and Kayla Nichols (engaged to Justin Grischke). He is also survived by many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life is being planned by family for a future date.

Carla Joe Rozema

September 11, 1961-August 26, 2026

Carla J. Rozema, 64, passed away peacefully, no doubt already scouting out the best camping spot in the Great Beyond.

Born in Peoria, Illinois, to Frank Gorman and Sandra (Pankey) Hodge, Carla lived life the way she liked her coffee strong, on her own terms, and rarely sat still long enough to finish it.

Carla spent her career as an accountant, where she was, without question, excellent at math and even better at making sure everyone else did theirs correctly. When she retired, she promptly decided that “relaxing” wasn’t really her style and started a professional house-cleaning business because apparently to

Carla, a clean bathroom counted as a hobby.

Carla was married to her husband, Rick Rozema, for over 20 years, proving that patience truly is a virtue (and so is a good sense of humor). Together they built a big, blended family full of love and chaos in all the best ways. She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Angela Clayton, and a loving stepmother to Phil (Wendy) and Charlie Rozema. She cherished being “Grandma” to Dylan and Aleena Renfrow and Keaton and Emma Rozema, and was known to spoil them at every opportunity as grandmothers’ prerogative.

If Carla wasn’t working, she was probably outside. She had a genuine passion for camping, boating, and traveling, and never met an adventure she didn’t want to sign up for. Her most loyal travel companion was her beloved dog, Mason, who accompanied her on more adventures than most humans could keep up with.

Carla was also the family’s resident prankster, and you were never quite safe; she was always plotting her next joke and counting down the days until she could pull it off. But underneath the practical jokes was someone who showed up when it mattered. She was always ready with a listening ear, a helping hand, and genuine kindness for anyone who needed it, family and friends alike.

Carla was preceded in death by her father, Frank Gorman.

Carla is survived by her husband, Rick; her daughter, Angela; her mother, Sandra Hodge; her brothers, Donald, Ronald, and Frank Gorman; her sisters, Michele Selby and Connie Madril; and a wonderful crowd of nieces, nephews, and grandchildren who were lucky enough to call her family.

Carla will be remembered for her hard work, her wandering spirit, her sharp wit, and her huge heart. She lived life fully, loved her family fiercely, and left behind a legacy and probably a to-do list someone still needs to finish.

A memorial/celebration of life will be 1-4 p.m. on September 12, 2026, at Hidden Creek Clubhouse 4790 Hidden Creek Dr., Holland, MI 49423.

John Edward Sloan

June 3, 1934-August 24, 2026

John Edward Sloan, age 92, of Grand Haven, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Trinity Health Grand Haven Hospital.

John was born on June 3, 1934, in Muskegon, Michigan, to the late John and Hannah (Japinga) Sloan. John married Connie Miesch on December 27, 1955, in Muskegon, Michigan.

John graduated from Muskegon Heights High School and went on to attend Muskegon Community College, where he earned his millwright certification. He built a long and dedicated career. He worked for Campbell, White, and Cannon for 24 years before joining Howmet, where he worked until his retirement.

John was a member of a local amateur radio club and enjoyed the friendships and connections it brought him. He had a talent for remodeling, painting, cleaning, and restoring homes, always especially happy to lend a helping hand to his children. John also loved boating and spending time on the water. He and his wife, Connie, cherished their winters in Naples, Florida, which they lovingly called their “happy place.”

John is survived by his loving wife, Connie; children, Ann (Clark) Knutson, Kathryn Niergarth, Karen (Charles) Pistis, Teresa Nivison, Jean (Tim) Cuddington, John (Edk) Sloan, Paula Davis, Dave (Rysa Miller) Sloan; 26 grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren; many great great-grandchildren; sister, Linda (Autry) Goodman; and brother, Tom (Elaine) Sloan.

John was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Mary Pleimling; and one grandson.

A memorial Mass for John will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at St. Patrick Church of St. Patrick – St. Anthony Parish, with Father Dan Schumaker officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to meet them for a Visitation immediately following the service at the church. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Muskegon at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick – St. Anthony Parish.

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

Virginia Lou Wilson

January 18, 1944-August 25, 2026

Virginia Lou Wilson, age 82, passed away on August 25, 2026.

Born on January 18, 1944, in Bentheim, Michigan, Virginia’s life was rooted in the steady values of home and family, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Virginia was a resident of Holland, Michigan.

Virginia is survived by her husband, Gerald Wilson; her daughter, Brenda (Jim) Boerman; her daughter, Pamela Hutcheson; her son, James Bronson Jr.; her stepdaughter, Cheryl Gross; her stepdaughter, Brenda Bridges; and her sister, Betty Woodwyk Virginia. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

Virginia was preceded in death by her son, Darell Bronson; her stepdaughter, Deborah Wilson; her mother, Jennie Cliffman; and her father, Albert Cliffman.

No funeral services are being planned at this time.

Keith Alan Wolters

October 25, 1956-August 26, 2026

Keith Wolters, age 69, of Zeeland, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Keith was a man of deep faith, a servant's heart, and seemingly endless ideas and projects. He loved the Lord and lived his faith through the way he worked, served, gave, and cared for others. An electrician by trade and part owner of his family business, Keith was a natural builder and problem solver who gave countless hours of his time and talents to help build Lighthouse Community Church and serve at Grace Adventures.

Those who knew Keith well knew there was always something happening in the barn, usually with his faithful dog, Gibbs, close by. A man of many talents, he could be found restoring cars, making maple syrup, or working through whatever new idea had captured his attention. The barn was his place to create, fix, figure things out, and contemplate the many unfinished projects still waiting for him. He also found great joy in being outdoors, whether exploring the sand dunes or riding the trails in his side-by-side. There was always another idea to explore, another project to begin, or another trail to follow.

Above all, Keith loved his family. He deeply loved his children and grandchildren, and one of his greatest hopes was that they would know and follow the Lord. His legacy lives in far more than the things he built with his hands; it lives in the family he loved, the faith he shared, the people he served, and the lives he helped shape.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ann (Smith) Wolters.

Keith is survived by his wife, Judy (Brewer) Wolters; daughters, Kathlyn (Jeff) Born, Kylene (Ross) Smith, Stefan (Josh) Hull; stepsons, Chad (Julie) Meyer, Shaun (Stephanie) Meyer, and Chris (Ratchanan) Meyer; 15 grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, many extended family members and friends.

A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Lighthouse Community Church, 7624 Lake Michigan Drive, Allendale, MI 49401. Pastor Steve Demers will be officiating. Burial will be in the Olive Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday, August 28, at Dykstra Funeral Homes – Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave., Holland, MI 49424. Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland or Lighthouse Community Church.

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