Obituaries: Aug. 4, 2026

Betty Lou Headworth

April 16, 1942-August 1, 2026

Betty Headworth, age 84, went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, August 1, 2026.

She is survived by her son, David Headworth; niece, Amy Parps; nephew, Mike (Crystal) Hubbard; daughter-in-law, Kimberly Hamann; grandchildren, Sara (Jorge) Caballero, Ronald (Shanell) Headworth, Ryan (Jamie) Headworth, Ashley (Bryan Stahle) Headworth, Shawnee Headworth, Terra (James) Westrick, Justin (Hillary) Headworth; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; special caregivers Lori Preston, Barb Topp, and Marla Hammond.

Betty was an active member at Parkwood Presbyterian Church in Jenison, where she was involved in a quilt ministry that raised funds for mission work. She also sang in the choir. A special thanks goes out to Pastor Sara and the congregation for the care they gave Betty.

There will be a gathering at a date TBD in the fall to celebrate Betty.

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

Ralph Albert Johnson

December 10, 1952-July 29, 2026

Ralph Albert Johnson was born on December 10, 1952, to Harold and Esther Johnson in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

He was brought into the Lord’s kingdom through Holy Baptism shortly afterwards. He attended St. James Lutheran School in Grand Rapids and Holy Trinity Lutheran School in Wyoming. He was confirmed at Holy Trinity in 1967. He graduated from Rogers High School in Wyoming in 1971. He worked at Johnson Furniture for many years. He was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church for over 60 years, where he was involved in various ministry activities.

Ralph was devoted to his family and friends. He was funny, always had a joke, and liked to tease. He never forgot our most embarrassing moments and loved to remind us of them with that big grin of his and a little chuckle. He would always say, “Behave yourself.” He was trustworthy and humble. He was a faithful Christian who loved his Savior, Jesus Christ. Ralph faithfully served his Savior throughout his life until the Lord called him to Himself on July 29 at the age of 73 years.

Ralph is survived by his three loving sisters, Shirley Grube of Warren, Michigan; Carol (Keith) Bilitz of Eagle Lake, Minnesota; and Debra (Mark) Gephart of Grand Rapids. He is also survived by nine nieces and nephews and 21 great-nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Esther; grandparents; and many uncles and aunts.

A Christian funeral will be at noon Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 4201 Burlingame Ave. SW, Wyoming, MI, with his pastor, the Rev. Stephen Schamber, officiating. The family will meet with relatives and friends prior to the funeral service from 10 a.m.-noon.

Interment will be at Grandville Cemetery on August 17. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.

Here are the obituaries for Mandy Karokiewicz and her children:

Amanda "Mandy" Karolkiewicz

November 13, 1986-July 23, 2026

Amanda Rachel “Mandy” Karolkiewicz, age 39, of Grand Haven, Michigan, died Thursday, July 23, 2026.

She was born November 13, 1986, in Royal Oak, Michigan, to Gary Anderson and Rebecca (Wood) Anderson. Mandy married Kristopher Karolkiewicz on August 21, 2009.
 
Mandy was a mom, educator, and author with a great sense of humor, an infectious laugh, and a contagious smile that would light up a room. Growing up, Mandy was her mom’s shadow and was inseparable from her sister, Molly. She was a tender-hearted girl who played softball, loved to sing, and once won “Miss Congeniality” in a Miss Michigan pageant. In third grade, after learning about orphanages in China, she felt compelled to help and made a commitment to adopt from China if the opportunity presented itself.
 
Some students remember Mandy as the “Blow-Pop Lady.” Whether a student did something particularly good or had an especially bad day — either way, Mandy had a Blow-Pop for them. In January 2026, Grand Haven Public Schools recognized her impact as a substitute teacher at Peach Plains Elementary: “Mandy goes above and beyond for students, especially when they’re having a hard day, responding with empathy, patience, and care. She pours her heart into her work, is always willing to help wherever needed, and helps make Peach Plains a better place to learn and work."
 
Mandy loved her family, and especially her six children — Keegan, Bennett, Caroline, Ella, Smith, and Teddy — to whom she dedicated her children’s book, "The Magical Mantra" (2023) and for whom she modeled a life of curiosity, courage, and self-sacrifice. And she kept that promise to adopt, welcoming Caroline and Ella — both orphaned in Hangzhou — into her family in 2017 and 2018. She recently took them to visit China so that they could get to know the country of their birth.
 
Her family agrees that Mandy truly made the world a better and brighter place, and they will dearly miss her.
 
Mandy is survived by her parents, Becky and Steve Lawwill, Gary Anderson; sister, Molly (Kyle) Cessna, and step-sister, Jericca (Austin) Rys; eight nieces and nephews; in-laws, Bill (Barb) Karolkiewicz, John Barwacz.

She was preceded in death by her step-brother, Allston Lawwill; mother-in-law, Athena “Tina” Barwacz. Her beloved children passed away with her.
 
A celebration of life for Mandy and her children will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at Harvest Vertical Church — Grand Haven Campus, 12900 US-31, Grand Haven, MI 49417.

Memorial contributions in memory of the Karolkiewicz family may be given to: Mandy Karolkiewicz Family Foundation – Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. For more information, please visit Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.

Keegan Michael Karolkiewicz

April 25, 2011-July 24, 2026

Keegan Michael Karolkiewicz, age 15, of Grand Haven, Michigan, died Friday, July 24, 2026.

He was born April 25, 2011, in Lansing, Michigan, to Amanda (Anderson) and Kristopher Karolkiewicz and was a rising ninth-grader at Grand Haven High School.
 
Keegan was outgoing, friendly, funny, and gentle, known for reaching out to and befriending others. He had a habit of including everyone and noticed those standing alone. Keegan loved his siblings and was proud to be the oldest. He took his big-brother responsibilities seriously, teaching his younger siblings the ways of TikTok.
 
Keegan ran cross-country, but he was most competitive with himself – he always wanted to finish faster than his most recent race, and he ran his best time at his last meet. His love of cooking temporarily translated into a desire to be a chef, until he realized it was not as easy as warming things up in the microwave. Next up was driving: Keegan had just passed driver's ed and was looking forward to getting his license next April.
 
He is survived by his grandparents, Becky and Steve Lawwill, Gary Anderson, Bill and Barb Karolkiewicz, and John Barwacz. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Keegan will be deeply missed.

His parents and siblings — Bennett, Caroline, Ella, Smith, and Teddy — passed away with him.
 
A celebration of life for Keegan, his mom, and his siblings will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at Harvest Vertical Church – Grand Haven Campus, 12900 US-31, Grand Haven, MI 49417.

Memorial contributions in memory of the Karolkiewicz family may be given to: Mandy Karolkiewicz Family Foundation – Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. For more information, please visit Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.

Bennett Chase Karolkiewicz

August 22, 2013-July 24, 2026

Bennett Chase Karolkiewicz, age 12, of Grand Haven, Michigan, died Friday, July 24, 2026.

He was born August 22, 2013, in Lansing, Michigan, to Amanda (Anderson) and Kristopher Karolkiewicz and was a rising seventh-grader at Lakeshore Middle School.

Bennett loved all things outdoors. When he was very young, he would go around the yard identifying insects and reptiles and hunting for turtles. When he caught his first fish, he pulled it out of the water, looked at it, and said, “Hi!” This past year, he set out to win a trophy in the Stony Lake Fishing Tournament, and he did, taking home third place. He recently earned his hunting license and bagged his first doe with his Grandpa last fall.
 
Bennett shared his mom’s love of singing and participated in the school choir. He had an inquisitive mind, enjoyed trivia, and loved history. He recently spent time learning about World War II. Bennett treasured a gift from his Grammy and Papi — a small glass bottle with a pinch of sand from the beaches of Normandy.
 
He is survived by his grandparents, Becky and Steve Lawwill, Gary Anderson, Bill and Barb Karolkiewicz, and John Barwacz. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Bennett will be deeply missed.

His parents and siblings — Keegan, Caroline, Ella, Smith, and Teddy — passed away with him.
 
A celebration of life for Bennett, his mom, and his siblings will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at Harvest Vertical Church — Grand Haven Campus, 12900 US-31, Grand Haven, MI 49417.

Memorial contributions in memory of the Karolkiewicz family may be given to: Mandy Karolkiewicz Family Foundation — Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. For more information, please visit Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.

Caroline Grace Karolkiewicz

November 21, 2014-July 24, 2026

Caroline Grace Karolkiewicz, age 11, of Grand Haven, Michigan, died Friday, July 24, 2026.

She was born November 21, 2014, in Hangzhou, China, and was adopted by Amanda (Anderson) and Kristopher Karolkiewicz when she was 2 years old. Caroline was a rising sixth-grader at White Pines Intermediate School.
 
Caroline was up for conquering any challenge. Last summer, she gave herself the challenge of reading 100 books, and she did it. Born with limited use of the right side of her body, she played basketball, joined a swim team, and fished — until she had to hook her own worms, that is. Whenever she visited her Grammy and Papi’s home, she played the piano and drums. She was the first grandchild to fly in the pilot’s seat of a small plane with her Papi.
 
Caroline was always curious about her birth country — especially the food and technology — and had hoped to reconnect with her foster mother during her recent visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou with her mom and her sister Ella.
 
She is survived by her grandparents, Becky and Steve Lawwill, Gary Anderson, Bill and Barb Karolkiewicz, and John Barwacz. She is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Caroline will be deeply missed.

Her parents and siblings — Keegan, Bennett, Ella, Smith, and Teddy — passed away with her.
 
A celebration of life for Caroline, her mom, and her siblings will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at Harvest Vertical Church — Grand Haven Campus, 12900 US-31, Grand Haven, MI 49417.

Memorial contributions in memory of the Karolkiewicz family may be given to: Mandy Karolkiewicz Family Foundation – Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. For more information, please visit Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.

Smith Wyatt Karolkiewicz

June 24, 2015-July 24, 2026

Smith Wyatt Karolkiewicz, age 11, of Grand Haven, Michigan, died Friday, July 24, 2026.

He was born June 24, 2015, in Lansing, Michigan, to Amanda (Anderson) and Kristopher Karolkiewicz and was a rising fifth-grader at White Pines Intermediate School.
 
Smith loved playing in the sand, shelling in Florida, and hunting for Petoskey stones and sea glass in Michigan. As a devout vegetarian, he had reservations about the family’s fishing pastime, but he joined in anyway. When he once caught a fish big enough to eat, he said, “Grandpa, throw him back in!” He enjoyed deviled eggs and meatless spaghetti, and at family cookouts, he’d make his vegetarian meal on his own grill.
 
Smith had joined the swim team with his sister Caroline, and he was just learning to waterski and play golf with his Papi.  He took great care of his little brother Teddy, but he did not want to share a bed with him at Grammy and Papi’s house – he said Teddy slept like a starfish. Any time they had to share a bed, you would find Smith asleep on the floor in the morning.
 
He is survived by his grandparents, Becky and Steve Lawwill, Gary Anderson, Bill and Barb Karolkiewicz, and John Barwacz. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Smith will be deeply missed.

His parents and siblings — Keegan, Bennett, Caroline, Ella, and Teddy — passed away with him.
 
A celebration of life for Smith, his mom, and his siblings will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at Harvest Vertical Church — Grand Haven Campus, 12900 US-31, Grand Haven, MI 49417.

Memorial contributions in memory of the Karolkiewicz family may be given to: Mandy Karolkiewicz Family Foundation – Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. For more information, please visit Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.

Ella Joy Karolkiewicz

February 21, 2015-July 24, 2026

Ella Joy Karolkiewicz, age 11, of Grand Haven, Michigan, died Friday, July 24, 2026.

She was born February 21, 2015, in Hangzhou, China, and adopted by Amanda (Anderson) and Kristopher Karolkiewicz when she was 3 years old. Ella was a rising fifth-grader at White Pines Intermediate School.
 
Ella was a fashionista with an artistic eye and a knack for finding lost things. She loved the black faux leather miniskirt and glitter combat boots she got for Christmas. She made crafts at her Grammy and Papi’s home and proudly displayed them in her room. Whenever a family member lost something, Ella would volunteer to find it — sometimes for a small fee. Ella was soft-spoken and deliberate. When she said something, it made an impact.
 
During family gatherings, while her siblings roughhoused and ran, she loved to be with the adults — especially her mom, Mandy. She was her mother’s shadow. On a recent trip to China with her mom and sister Caroline, Ella looked forward to the shopping and served as navigator for the group.
 
She is survived by her grandparents, Becky and Steve Lawwill, Gary Anderson, Bill and Barb Karolkiewicz, and John Barwacz. She is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Ella will be deeply missed.

Her parents and siblings — Keegan, Bennett, Caroline, Smith, and Teddy — passed away with her.
 
A celebration of life for Ella, her mom, and her siblings will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at Harvest Vertical Church — Grand Haven Campus, 12900 US-31, Grand Haven, MI 49417.

Memorial contributions in memory of the Karolkiewicz family may be given to: Mandy Karolkiewicz Family Foundation – Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. For more information, please visit Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.

Theodore "Teddy" Karolkiewicz

Octover 4, 2020-July 24, 2026

Theodore Briggs “Teddy” Karolkiewicz, age 5, of Grand Haven, Michigan, died Friday, July 24, 2026.

He was born October 4, 2020, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to Amanda (Anderson) and Kristopher Karolkiewicz. Teddy was a rising kindergartener at Peach Plains Elementary School.
 
Teddy was a celebrity among his older siblings’ friends. He was the first of the siblings to do a flip off their pool’s diving board. He threw himself recklessly into everything — always running, always falling down, always getting up. He never quite mastered running in his Crocs. And he was a scrappy little guy. Whenever he came to his Grammy and Papi’s home, the first thing he’d do was find their two pairs of boxing gloves, give one pair to the nearest innocent bystander, and square off.
 
Teddy loved Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars, but loved motorcycle rides with his Papi even more. He enjoyed preschool but was hesitant to start kindergarten this fall at Peach Plains Elementary School, where his mom was a beloved substitute teacher. Teddy always referred to school as “going to work.”
 
He is survived by his grandparents, Becky and Steve Lawwill, Gary Anderson, Bill and Barb Karolkiewicz, and John Barwacz. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Teddy will be deeply missed.

His parents and siblings — Keegan, Bennett, Caroline, Ella, and Smith — passed away with him.
 
A celebration of life for Teddy, his mom, and his siblings will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at Harvest Vertical Church — Grand Haven Campus, 12900 US-31, Grand Haven, MI 49417.

Memorial contributions in memory of the Karolkiewicz family may be given to: Mandy Karolkiewicz Family Foundation – Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. For more information, please visit Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.

Shirley Mae Lees

Jul 23, 1936-Jul 30, 2026

Shirley Mae Lees, whose warmth and vivacity graced the world for 90 luminous years, passed away on July 30, 2026, in Michigan.

Born on July 23, 1936, in Holland, Michigan, to John and Anna Belder, Shirley's life was an embodiment of perseverance, community, and joyful engagement. Her story is one of devotion to family, steadfast friendship, and an example of how to live fully through changing seasons of life.

From a young age, Shirley shined with an outgoing spirit and a penchant for bringing people together, a trait that only blossomed as she grew. She and her sister, the late Arlene Fuller, cheered side by side at Fremont High School, where Shirley's vibrant energy first came to light before she graduated and stepped into adulthood. Her life was always filled with activity, laughter, and the special brand of organization that made her an admired administrator and planner-qualities that never faltered with the years.

In the early 1970s, Shirley began a most remarkable chapter when she founded Fountain Optical in Grand Haven, Michigan. With characteristic drive, she steered the company from its inception in 1973, building it into a thriving venture serving her community until relocating in 1986. To Shirley, Fountain Optical was more than a business; it was a way to make a difference-a testament to her unwavering work ethic and her eye for opportunity.

After relocating to Salem, Massachusetts, Shirley brought her skills and steady hands to the office of Sentry Alarm in Malden, leaving her mark on yet another community. But Shirley's passions were never limited to her work; she was a woman who embraced life in all its variety.

She found true freedom outdoors, most notably on the golf course. Shirley's love for golf was lifelong and legendary — her friends will remember her as a regular on the greens, often playing two nights a week even as she neared her 90th birthday. Astoundingly, at 89, she enjoyed her favorite game surrounded by friends who ensured her presence was never missed. Shirley's connection with these dear friends extended beyond the fairways. Through winters and rainy seasons, they gathered around tables for cards, laughter, and camaraderie, their bonds as strong as ever.

A proud member of Fruitport Christian Reformed Church and a lifetime member of the Muskegon Motorcycle Club, Shirley's sense of adventure was irrepressible. Whether she was out on the hills, dirt-bike and hill-climb riding, or sitting at church among friends and neighbors, Shirley was fully present — a bright, unmistakable spirit woven into the life of every community she joined.

Above all, Shirley's heart belonged to her family, both those who go on and those who went before. She is survived by her devoted husband, John Lees; her loving son, Alan (Deana) Richter; and her daughter-in-law, Deana Richter; her grandchildren, Megan and Brooke; her great-grandchildren, Hayden, Adalyn and Avarie; her stepchildren, J. Richard (Lianida) Lees and Keven Lees; step-grandchildren, Stephanie, Lheajane, JC, John, Sheri, Amy Garret, Brianna, Mandy, Lynn, Stephen, and Jeffery; step-great-grandchildren, Matteo, Camille, Santino, Sophia, Madden, Mason, Adriana, Maryjane, Olivia, Gabriel, and Dominic.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; son, Dale Richter; stepson, Shawn Lees; grandchildren, Jennifer Lees, Jay Lees; brothers, Floyd Belder and Jason Belder; and sister, Arlene Fuller.

Though dementia marked her final years, Shirley remained fiercely active and deeply engaged with those she loved. It was after a sudden fall resulting in a traumatic brain injury, followed by a brief time in hospice, that her journey concluded-peacefully, leaving echoes of her laughter and stories in the hearts she touched.

Shirley Mae Lees lived each day with intention, gratitude, and delight, setting an example for all who knew her. From the golf courses where she played among friends, to the businesses she nurtured with focus and respect, to the arms of her loving family, Shirley's presence was radiant and unforgettable.

A visitation honoring Shirley will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Fruitport Christian Reformed Church, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at the same location, 3520 E. Pontaluna Road, Fruitport, MI 49415.

The world feels quieter without Shirley's lively voice, yet her memory endures as effervescent and enduring as the laughter of dear friends gathered for one more game of cards, or the final satisfying strike of the golf ball echoing through a summer evening.

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

Margaret "Marge" Loretta (Sapatka) Lundeen

November 8, 1936-August 1, 2026

Margaret "Marge" Loretta Lundeen, age 89, of Fruitport, passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at home.

She was born on November 8, 1936, in Manistee, Michigan, to the late Albert and Mary (Masunas) Sapatka. Marge married Gerald "Jerry" Lundeen on March 23, 1957, in Manistee, Michigan.

Marge grew up in Manistee and graduated from Brethren High School. She was a member of United Methodist Church of the Dunes for many years and was a long-time member of the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post #28 Auxiliary.

Marge worked as a secretary for the Education Service Center at Grand Haven Area Public Schools for 25 years. She had an artistic talent and enjoyed sewing, cross-stitching, making baskets, reading, and antiquing. In her younger years, she also loved going bowling.

Marge will be lovingly remembered and missed by her loving husband of 69 years, Jerry; her daughter, Sheryl (Jody) Porter; her son, Chris (Lee) Lundeen; and five grandchildren, Hannah (Will) Logan, Conner Lundeen, Mitchell (Emma) Porter, Taylor (Rae) Rhodes, and Christi (Bobby) McKerroll.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Delbert Sapatka.

Private family services for Marge will be at the United Methodist Church of the Dunes. Interment will be at the U.M.C.O.D. Memorial Garden.

Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church of the Dunes, the Grand Haven Salvation Army, the Muskegon Rescue Mission, or Trinity Health at Home Hospice-Grand Haven.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret "Marge" Loretta (Sapatka) Lundeen, please visit our floral store.

Roger Dale Olson

March 24, 1950-July 30, 2026

Roger Dale Olson, age 76, of Wyoming, Michigan, passed away on July 30, 2026. Born on March 24, 1950, in Cadillac, Michigan, Roger lived a life defined by dedication, immense humor, and love for his family and friends.

Raised in Wyoming, Roger carried with him a deep appreciation for his Michigan roots throughout his life as a proud Wolverine, Tigers, Red Wings, and Lions fan. His favorite pastimes included fishing, hunting, and golf. He proudly owned and operated Olson Construction and many of his pole barns are scattered across West Michigan. He could always be seen with his signature mustache, aviator sunglasses, shorts, and a t-shirt sporting one of his favorite sports team logos.

Above all else, Roger placed his faith in God. He found strength, hope, and comfort in his relationship with the Lord, and that faith guided him through both life's joys and its challenges. His family takes comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, welcomed into the loving arms of his Savior, and reunited with those who went before him.

Roger was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family, sharing stories, and creating memories that will be cherished for generations.

He is survived by his incredible wife, Marcia; son, Daniel Olson; daughter, Kimberly (Matthew) Haik; daughter-in-law, Wendy Olson; sisters, Carol (Bob) DeWitt and Tammy (Scott) Bravata; brothers, Rocky (Kate) Olson and Richard (Holly) Marshall; sister-in-law, Marion Olson; grandchildren, Justine Olson, Kennedie (Noah) Reynolds, Madison (George Agon) Olson, Jaylan (Eury) Gonzalez, Hayden (McKenna Bennett) Olson, Ella Haik, Baleigh Olson, Stacy (Marcus) Martinez; and his five great-grandsons, Charles and Louis Agon, Adrian and Alex Gonzalez, Augustin Reynolds, and another great-grandchild on the way; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Rodney Olson; father, Albert Olson; mother, Alice Olson; stepmother, June Olson and brother, Rick Olson.

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we find comfort in knowing that Roger is at peace and no longer in pain. His unwavering faith assures us that this is not goodbye, but until we meet again. His spirit will remain in our hearts forever.

A visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, August 3, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418. Funeral services for Roger will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m., at Cook Memorial Chapel. Interment will take place at Kent Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Roger, memorial contributions may be made to the family for Roger's funeral expenses (venmo.com/u/Marcia-Olson-15). The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.

Donald John Rouse

June 27, 1935-July 25, 2026

Donald J. Rouse, age 91, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

He was born June 27, 1935, in Berwyn, Illinois, to John and Maxine (Winters) Rouse. Upon the death of Maxine Rouse, Don was lovingly raised by John and Wilma (Morgan) Rouse. Don graduated from Otsego High School. Don attended Trinity College, Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music and Michigan State University. He married Janis Morris on September 6, 1957, at Bloomingdale Bible Church; they were blessed with 67 years of marriage and four children. He had an entrepreneurial spirit, developing AIM Systems. Don loved serving the Lord in creative ways, leading worship and running sound for Grace Bible Church, as well as traveling with Musical Messengers and running monthly Super Sixties programs. His legacy can be witnessed throughout the family tree that survives him.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma “Janis” Rouse; daughter, Kristi Joy Rouse; granddaughter, Kayla Jeanne Hills; siblings, Ella Fiskars, Paul Rouse, Ruth Simington, and Maxine Hawkins.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Karri (Jack) McIntyre, Kirby (Joye) Rouse, Kelli (Marvin) Hills; grandchildren, Kristin (Jason) Buskey, Adam (Sarah) McIntyre, Jill (Nate) Humme, Angela (John) Weaver, Amanda (Mike) Elenbaas, Jacob (Zoe’) Hills, Rachel (Wyatt) Bartsch, Joshua, Zachary, and Lauren Hills; great-grandchildren Zachary, Brooklin, Alexa, and Kendall Buskey, Alistair and Wesley McIntyre, Haleigh, Nolan, and Sydney Weaver, Gwendolyn, Finnegan, and Benjamin Humme, Odyn and Jada Elenbaas; siblings, Joyce (Martin) Stevens, Stephen Rouse, Tim (Dawn) Rouse, Beth (Terry) Rogers; many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services for Don will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, August 8, 2026, with visitation from 10-11:15 a.m., at Grace Bible Church, 3715 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville, Michigan 49418.

In honor of Don and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Independent Bible Mission. The family welcomes memories at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.

Robert Jay Tucker

May 7, 1950-August 1, 2026

Born May 7, 1950, to Jerrold and Sarah (Bosch) in Holland, Michigan, Robert Jay Tucker passed away August 1, 2026, in Holland at the age of 76.

Bob was the second-oldest of five children. He was raised in the village of East Saugatuck in a Christian home. As a young boy, he loved the outdoors, especially deer hunting, where each November brought time with family and friends spent at Deer Camp near Gould City deep in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This was a beloved annual tradition that has been passed down to the next generations.

Bob graduated from Holland Christian High School. In February 1970, he was drafted into the United States Army. He made a profession of faith and left for basic and advanced training. He married Barbara Lynn Kraker on July 8, 1970. One week later, he entered his one-year tour as an infantryman with the 101st Airborne Division in Da Nang, Vietnam. In the latter half of his tour, he transitioned into a radio operator, accompanying captains to relay communications on orders, movements, and resupplies. He rose to the rank of Sp/4. He earned several medals during his tour, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Army Commendation Medal. His active time was 20 months and with his reserve time served six years.

Upon his return from Vietnam, Bob worked at Herman Miller and served in several roles during his 38-year service, including planer operator, hi-lo driver, supervisor and plant safety coordinator. A life-changing stroke in April 2002 forced his retirement. Suffering first a minor stroke at home, then a major stroke at the hospital, his right side was paralyzed. Bob spent seven weeks in inpatient rehab and two years in outpatient rehab, relearning the basics of life — talking, walking, reading and writing. Before his stroke, he enjoyed intricate scroll saw work. The stroke did not deter him and "Stroke of Faith" was born. Learning how to use his left hand, he continued his hobby, which turned into a small business and he even had an Art Prize entry.

Another one of Bob's passions was singing. He was part of Exalt, a local group that performed over 200 times in 15 years, concentrating on Christian Gospel. Bob was a long-time member of Hamilton Reformed Church, where he served as a Stephen Minister, an elder and was a member of the choir.

After Barbara died in 2011 and it became more difficult to live alone, he moved into Freedom Village, where he has spent the last 10-plus years, continuing his scroll saw work and making several new friends. He would always be with fellow residents at the Bistro or in the lobby and always made new people feel welcome.

His pride and joy were his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who survive him: Craig (Kerry) Tucker of Hopkins and Jason (Michelle) Tucker of Hamilton; grandchildren, Katrina, Caleb and Colby Tucker of Hopkins; Breanna (Mitch) Bouma of Wake Forest, North Carolina; Kaitlyn (Reese) Beck of Holland; Bryce Tucker of Grand Haven; great-grandchildren, Addilyn, Ash and Alexander Bouma of Wake Forest, North Carolina; siblings, Les (Karen) Tucker, Marc Tucker and Shirley Tucker; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Tonya; brother, Tom; parents, Jerrold and Sarah; mother and father-in-law, Robert and Betty Kraker; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Quest Ministries. Visit quest-ministries.org to learn more.

Visitation is scheduled for 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Hamilton Reformed Church, 3554 M-40, Hamilton, MI, 49419. Burial with military honors will take place at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, August 6, at East Saugatuck Cemetery. Following the burial, a memorial service, with Pastor Cory Potter officiating, is planned for 11 a.m. at the church.

Arrangements are by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home and condolence messages may be left online at langelandsterenberg.com.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert Jay Tucker, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Pieter Veen

February 25, 1941-July 21, 2026

Pieter Veen of Holland passed away July 21, 2026, at the age of 85.

As a lifelong trucker, he traveled the country and lived a good life.

He is survived by family and friends who will miss him very much.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Medilodge of Zeeland for caring for Piet these last few years.

Private services were held at Lakeshore Memorial, followed by interment at Graafschap Cemetery.

Please visit lakeshorememorial.com for further information.