Obituaries: July 15, 2026
Dorothy Chismar
October 4, 1941-July 11, 2026
Dorothy (Heibel) Chismar, born October 4, 1941, passed away suddenly and peacefully Saturday, July 11, at her home in Holland, Michigan.
The eldest of six children, she was raised in a loving home on a farm in New Salem, Michigan. A lifelong lover of nature, she made it a habit in her later years to never miss a sunset.
Whether she was painting coastal waves and rocky shores when she lived in Oregon in her 20s, or was drawing sunset scenes in pastels in her mid-years, Dot was always adding splashes of color to make things zing. She loved to fill her house with "blue things" just as she liked to energize any conversation she was part of. She played the piano both in religious services and in her home with gusto. She walked fast, thought fast, and kept us all on our toes.
With her warm, affectionate, and enthusiastic personality, although she had just one son, she leaves behind many honorary children and grandchildren who will miss her cheerful and encouraging presence in their lives.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George Chismar; her parents, Cletus and Margie Heibel; her sister, Ruth Striegle; her brother, Linus Heibel; and her sister, Monica England.
She is survived by her son, Barry A. Hendges, of Denver, Colorado; her sister, Tarsie (Neil) Thompson, of Bel Air, Maryland; and her sister, Marian (Russ) Richardson, of Holland, Michigan. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Nancy Heibel; and her brother-in-law, Jamie England.
Memorial services will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 2854 120th Ave., Holland, Michigan, where she was a longtime faithful and beloved member.
Arrangements are by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home and condolences may be left online at langelandsterenberg.com.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dorothy Chismar, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Kaylie Joy Geertman
May 1, 1995-July 13, 2026
Kaylie Joy Geertman, 31, of West Olive, passed away peacefully into the arms of her loving Savior at her home following a three-year battle with cancer.
Kaylie was born May 1, 1995, in Zeeland, Michigan, to Ken and Martha (Vander Meyden) Mast. She attended Zeeland Christian School and graduated from Holland Christian High School in 2013. Kaylie graduated from GRCC and started working at Chemical Bank. While working at Chemical Bank, she met James Geertman and they later married in 2018. They were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Jolene, in 2022.
Kaylie was a lifelong member of Drenthe Christian Reformed Church. Her faith called Kaylie to work and witness. She went on several mission trips to the Dominican Republic, and she also gave her testimony during chapel at HCHS last year about living life with cancer.
Kaylie loved to be a stay-at-home mom. She also enjoyed doing thrift shopping, baking, crafts and sewing. Kaylie even ran her own sewing business, "Sew Sweetly." Kaylie also enjoyed singing on the praise team at Drenthe CRC.
Kaylie is survived by her husband of eight years, James Geertman; their daughter Jolene; her parents, Ken and Martha Mast; parents-in-law, Terry and Kristi Geertman; brother, Nick and Casie Mast (Micah, Kendra); brother-in-law, Andrew and Samantha Geertman; grandparents, Rev. Calvin and Marjorie Vander Meyden, Jun and Sandy Geertman, Beverly Jaarsma, and many extended family members.
A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, July 17, 2026, at Drenthe Christian Reformed Church, 6344 Adams St., Zeeland MI 49464. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland MI 49464. Interment will be in West Drenthe Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Drenthe CRC.
(Contributions will benefit COCREF-Hope Rising, and Mika's Lunch in the Dominican Republic.)
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Kaylie Joy Geertman, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Milton "Milt" Jay Jongekryg
June 26, 1944-July 11, 2026
Milton Jay Jongekryg, 82, of Holland, Michigan, passed away on July 11, 2026.
Born on June 26, 1944, Milt was the son of Minser and Emily Jongekryg. Milt’s life was richly centered on home and family.
He was the father of four children, Kevin Jongekryg, Renee (Jongekryg) McCranie, Jim Jongekryg, and Tanya (Jongekryg) Soto. On September 19, 1984, he married Kathy Marie Kiekover, and through that marriage his family grew to include Kendall Kiekover, Amy (Kiekover) Camfferman, Tracy (Kiekover) Streiff, and Travis Kiekover.
A man of unwavering faith, lived his beliefs through quiet service and genuine compassion for others. He was a faithful member of his church and a steadfast source of encouragement to those around him. His life reflected the values he cherished — humility, generosity, integrity, and love.
Above all else, Milt was a devoted family man. He shared a loving marriage with his beloved wife Kathy of 42 years, building a life grounded in faith, commitment, and unconditional love. He was a proud father who led by example, teaching the values of hard work, honesty, kindness, and respect. His greatest joy came from spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart.
For many years, he stood behind the barber chair in his small-town shop, where he was much more than a barber. He was a trusted friend, a patient listener, a source of wisdom, and a familiar face whose warm smile welcomed generations of customers through his door. His barbershop was not simply a place for haircuts; it was a gathering place where stories were shared, friendships were formed, and neighbors became family.
Milt touched countless lives through simple acts of kindness and decades of dedicated service. Whether offering a helping hand or simply taking the time, he made everyone feel valued and welcomed. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on in the family he adored, the friends he treasured, and the community he helped strengthen.
Milt was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy; parents, Minser and Emily Jongekryg; his brother, Edwin Jongekryg; and sister, Helene (Jongekryg) Snyder, and daughter Tanya Soto.
His memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him. "Well done, good and faithful servant." May we honor his life by carrying forward the kindness, faith, and community spirit that he shared so generously with all.
Visitation will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, MI 49424, on July 20, 2026. Followed by a Funeral Service beginning at 1 p.m. Graveside will be family only.
Fannie Jane Keegstra
May 22, 1923-July 14, 2026
Fannie "Aunt Fan" Jane Keegstra passed on July 14, 2026, at the age of 103.
Per her wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418, with visitation one hour prior to the service.
The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in Aunt Fan's online guestbook.
Mary Lynn Renkema
March 15, 1947-July 13, 2026
Mary Lynn Renkema, age 79, of Holland, Michigan, was born March 15, 1947, in Holland, and passed away July 13, 2026.
Raised in Holland her entire life, Mary attended and graduated from Holland Christian, carrying forward a steady, faithful spirit that would shape her days and the way she cared for others.
After graduation, Mary worked at an office until her first child was born, and later she devoted much of her working life to Calvary C.A.M.P., where she served for more than 20 years as an assistant preschool teacher. In that role, she offered the kind of patient presence and dependable kindness that leaves a lasting imprint — quietly, consistently, and with genuine care.
On March 31, 1966, Mary married the love of her life, Lloyd Renkema. Before Mary’s passing, they shared 59 wonderful years together. Together they welcomed four beautiful children and raised their family in a home devoted to Jesus Christ, loving their family immensely. Their lives also held deep sorrow with the loss of their second child, a grief felt for many years. Yet through every season, Mary’s devotion to her family remained constant. Each year, Mary, Lloyd, and the children made a trip to the lake cottage in Lake City — memories that will be held close for generations. Mary and Lloyd also treasured their yearly six-week trip to Florida, where they met up with friends and made new ones.
Mary was a woman of God and a regular attendee of Calvary Reformed Church on Eighth. She was part of the church choir, and she loved to sing Hallelujah Chorus, which held a special place in her heart. She enjoyed cross-stitch, crafting, and her beloved chicken décor, and she delighted in trips to “Amish country” and to Shipshewana. Even with her many interests, Mary always made time to play the piano, and she often taught others how to play — sharing music in a way that was both generous and quietly joyful.
Mary is survived by her husband, Lloyd Renkema; her children, Kristi (William) Van Loo, Matt (Barb) Renkema, and Beth Lewis; and her grandchildren, Anthony McCarty, Avery McCarty, Lexi Renkema, Will Renkema, Payton Lewis, and Reese Lewis. Mary is also survived by her nieces and nephews, numerous in-laws, many grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lori Renkema; her grandchild, Abigail Lewis; her sister-in-law, Mary DeBoer; as well as a few of her other in-laws, too.
Memorial visitation will be 9-11 a.m. at Calvary Reformed Church, 995 E. Eighth St., Holland, Michigan 49423, on July 18, 2026.
A funeral service will be 11 a.m.-noon at Calvary Reformed Church, 995 E. Eighth St., Holland, Michigan 49423, on July 18, 2026.
A graveside service will be held at Pilgrim Home Cemetery, 370 E. 16th St., Holland, MI 49423, following the service.
